MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review: Can MSI Redeem Itself with This AI-Powered Gaming Mouse?

The MSI Claw 8 AI+: A New Hope for PC Gaming Handhelds?

The MSI Claw, announced at CES 2024, was a PC gaming handheld that had a lot of hype surrounding it. Unfortunately, its launch was marred by performance issues, which Intel’s Meteor Lake chip failed to address. But at IFA 2024, I got a chance to take the new MSI Claw 8 AI+ for a spin, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on this latest iteration.

A Revamped Design

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ looks sleek and modern, with a more compact design that’s easier to hold and more comfortable to play with. The 8-inch screen is a great size for a handheld, and the 16:10 aspect ratio makes games look fantastic. The overall build quality feels solid, and the device is lightweight and easy to carry around.

Lunar Lake: The Key to Success?

The real game-changer here is the Intel Lunar Lake chip. Rebuilt from the ground up, it promises significant performance improvements over previous Intel chips while using less power. This translates directly into better battery life, and I was impressed by how well the Claw 8 AI+ handled demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.

Gaming Performance

I didn’t get to push the device to its limits, as MSI is still fine-tuning the power profile. However, I played some less demanding games like Hi-Fi Rush and Sonic the Hedgehog, and they looked fantastic and played smoothly. The device consistently got high frame rates, which is a great sign for future performance.

The MSI Center: A Game-Changer

The MSI Center is a revamped interface that’s accessible from the touch of a button. It features a modern console-like interface, complete with customizable backgrounds that change to reflect the game you’re playing. It’s a huge improvement over previous handhelds, and I hope MSI continues to refine it before launch.

MSI Claw 8 AI+: Price and Availability

The spec sheet isn’t finalized yet, so pricing is still unknown. As for availability, MSI is targeting a January 2025 launch, but we’ll have to wait and see if that slips further into 2025.

Final Thoughts

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a promising new handheld that addresses many of the issues that plagued the original. With the improvements made to the design and the power of the Intel Lunar Lake chip, this device has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of PC gaming handhelds. While we’ll have to wait and see how it performs in the real world, I’m optimistic about its chances of success.

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