- The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ uses the new Intel Arc G3 APU, among the first gaming handhelds to use this chip, similarly to the recently revealed Acer Predator Atlas 8.
- This new iGPU powered by Intel Arc B370 supports multi-frame generation via XeSS 3, allowing the hardware to achieve higher frame rates.
- Ergonomically, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ takes inspiration from the Asus ROG Ally X with its new gamepad-style grips, featuring Hall effect sticks and RGB lighting.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ was announced at Computex 2026, billed as the “world’s first gaming handheld” to be powered by the Intel Arc G3 processor. It’s joined by recently announced competitors, such as the Acer Predator Atlas 8, to lead the charge for the next generation of mobile gaming hardware.
This third generation MSI Claw gaming handheld features Intel XeSS 3 Multi-Frame Generation, enabled by the latest Intel Arc iGPU standard. Specifically, the Arc G3 is built on the B390 chip, with 12 Xe cores and a TDP range of up to 30W.
No MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ pricing has been announced yet; However, it should be a high-end gaming handheld. We can gauge a rough estimate by looking at the current generation MSI Claw 8 AI+, with its cheapest 1TB variant priced at $899/£899 and its more expensive option (doubling the storage) selling for $1,129/£999. As such, we expect this new model to follow a similar pricing strategy.
The ergonomics have also changed drastically for the upcoming MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ compared to the previous generation MSI Claw 8 AI+ and MSI Claw A1M. The Taiwanese company took notes from the Asus ROG Ally Xbox
Xbox mode seems to compete directly with what is presented by its competitors. Just like with the Xbox Series
Also new to the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the addition of haptic motors for in-game vibration. It’s described as a “high-end linear motor” meant to simulate “tactical textures” in the same vein as what the PS5’s DualSense wireless controller can do. It appears to be a massive upgrade to the lower rumble feature found in the two previous generation models.
Instead of opting for the same usual black or gray colorway of its contemporaries, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ features a purple aesthetic, with red buttons, RGB lighting around the sticks, and that same solid 8-inch 120Hz VRR display in the center. In an age where the best portable gaming PCs are drawing on the same design trends from four years ago, it’s good to see some degree of innovation implemented here.
How does the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ compare to its predecessors?
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| Row 0 – Cell 0 | MSI Griffe 8 EX AI+ | MSI Griffe 8 AI+ | MSI Claw A1M |
Processor | Intel Arc G3 Extreme | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core 7 155H |
Display | 8-inch touchscreen, 1920 x 1200, 120 Hz | 8-inch touchscreen, 1920 x 1200, 120 Hz | 7-inch 1920 x 1080 120 Hz touchscreen |
Chart | Intel Arc B390 | Intel Arc 140V graphics card | Intel Xe-LPG Architecture |
Memory | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
Battery | 80 Wh | 80 Wh | 53 Wh |
How might the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ fare in the handheld market in 2026?
The meteoric rise of Valve’s Steam Deck four years ago paved the way for dozens of different and remarkably similar handhelds to hit the market. The majority of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+’s competitors use either the AMD Z2 Extreme or the older Z1 Extreme, with lesser-known brands going all-in with Intel. We saw this with the OneXPlayer X1 and the AOKZOE A2 Ultra, both using the older Intel Core 7 Ultra 155H processor and 140V Arc integrated graphics.
As discussed above, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is one of the first gaming handhelds to use the recently revealed Intel Arc G3 chipset, although it is not the first to be announced to the market.
The Acer Predator Atlas 8 appears to be similar to what is offered by MSI. It features the same Intel Arc G3 processor, XeSS 3 multi-frame generation, an 80 Wh battery, a 120 Hz screen and Xbox controller-style ergonomics. It’s never a bad thing to have too many options as a consumer, so time will tell which of these devices is superior and whether they have what it takes to dethrone the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
Basically, the implementation of the much higher performance B390 chip ensures that your games will look better and smoother than before. This is purely due to true MFG, and XeSS’s scaling technology has largely caught up to what AMD FSR and Nvidia DLSS can do over the last couple of years, as the transition from Alchemist to Battlemage architecture has truly been night and day in terms of performance. We’ll have more to share as we get acquainted with the device to render a proper verdict.
- Check out our Computex 2026 hub for all the latest news from Taipei.
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