I was skeptical when MSI handed me the Claw 8 AI+ with Black Myth: Wukong loaded. Having spent 80 hours playing this demanding title on my RTX 4090-powered desktop, I considered it a pipedream to run smoothly on a handheld gaming PC. Yet, in a dimly lit NYC bar, I loaded my save at the Pool of Shattered Jade and started farming. Surprisingly, I quickly found myself immersed in the gameplay, almost forgetting I was using a handheld. The experience wasn’t flawless – the visuals weren’t perfect and the framerate wasn’t locked at 60fps – but playing one of the most demanding games of 2024 on a portable device was remarkable.
From Failure to Potential: A Second Chance for MSI
This initial positive experience is significant considering the disappointing history of the original MSI Claw. My previous review gave it a dismal 5/10, labeling it a waste of time and money. It was overpriced and underperformed compared to the competition. The Claw 8 AI+, however, represents a potential redemption arc. Powered by Intel’s new Lunar Lake Core Ultra 258V chip, it offers a glimmer of hope.
Specs for the MSI Claw 8 AI+ compared to the ROG Ally X.MSI Claw 8 AI+ specs compared to the ROG Ally X
MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs. ROG Ally X: A Spec Showdown
MSI is clearly targeting the Asus ROG Ally X with the Claw 8 AI+. Alongside the Core Ultra 258V processor and 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, it boasts an 8-inch 1200p display, Hall Effect joysticks, a substantial 80Whr battery, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and Wi-Fi 7. On paper, the Claw 8 AI+ surpasses the ROG Ally X in every key specification.
MSI also claims a significant performance advantage. They assert the Claw 8 AI+ is 20% faster at 17W and 28% faster with the dynamic AI Engine enabled, compared to the ROG Ally X. Even more audacious is the claim of 7% better performance at 17W versus the Ally X at 30W, coupled with a 44% longer battery life.
Performance comparison between the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Asus ROG Ally X.Performance comparison: MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs. Asus ROG Ally X
Cautious Optimism and a Concerning Launch Strategy
These are bold claims, and considering MSI’s past performance claims with the original Claw often fell short, it’s wise to remain cautiously optimistic. The original Claw consumed more power while delivering less performance than the ROG Ally, setting a high bar for improvement.
While my brief experience with Black Myth: Wukong was impressive, it’s not enough for a full endorsement. I’m eager to see if these performance claims hold up in real-world testing.
Power settings on the MSI Claw 8 AI+.Power settings on the MSI Claw 8 AI+
Two versions of the handheld are launching: the Claw 8 AI+ at $899 and the Claw 7 AI+ (using the original Claw’s chassis with the new internals) at $799. Given the higher price point, MSI needs to significantly outperform the ROG Ally X to justify the cost.
The release strategy, however, raises concerns. Both models are available for preorder now, launching officially on December 26th, but MSI has confirmed no reviews will be available at launch. This mirrors the original Claw’s release, which lacked a pre-release review program, relying on early adopters to take a leap of faith. This often signals potential issues. If you’re considering the Claw 8 AI+, I strongly recommend waiting for independent reviews before purchasing.
Conclusion: Wait and See
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ shows promise with its impressive specs and the surprising ability to run a demanding game like Black Myth: Wukong. However, MSI’s history and the concerning lack of pre-release reviews warrant caution. Wait for independent reviews to surface before making a purchase decision. The potential is there, but it remains to be seen if MSI can deliver on its ambitious claims.
