MSI’s new Claw gaming handhelds have Lunar Lake processors and nondescript ‘AI’ powers

MSI has two new variations of the MSI Claw after the unique landed with a thud earlier this 12 months. The corporate’s $900 MSI Claw 8 AI+ and $800 Claw 7 AI+ have Lunar Lake Intel processing, higher battery life and quality-of-life enhancements like redesigned sticks, bumpers and triggers.

The earlier mannequin launched “a contact late and a bit too dear,” based on Engadget’s Sam Rutherford in our review. He mentioned its efficiency was underwhelming in comparison with cheaper rivals, its software program was too clunky, and it was suffering from an overabundance of optimization updates (presumably as a result of MSI scrambled to repair its lengthy checklist of issues). We haven’t dealt with the brand new fashions, however their swap to Intel’s newest Core Extremely 7 processor ought to result in higher efficiency and decrease energy consumption — two of the largest marks in opposition to the A1M.

The Claw 8 AI+ has an 8-inch (1,920 x 1,200) show, and the Claw 7 AI+ has a 7-inch (1,920 x 1,080) one. Each gadgets help a 120Hz refresh fee. Nevertheless, they’re LCD panels; you continue to received’t discover an OLED choice right here, like in Valve and Lenovo’s alternate options.

The Claw 8 has an 80Wh battery, whereas the 7-inch mannequin has a 54.5Wh battery. It makes use of MSI’s Cooler Enhance HyperFlow tech, which incorporates twin followers and warmth pipes. The corporate claims it outperforms “rivals” (with out stating which) when operating at a power-efficient 17W.

Every handheld has a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports, so you possibly can plug the hand held right into a monitor and use it as a makeshift Home windows PC. They even have CoPilot+ support built-in.

MSI redesigned the brand new era’s joysticks, bumpers, D-pad and triggers for this era. Though the final mannequin had Corridor impact sticks, the brand new ones even have it of their triggers. Ergonomics have been a uncommon spotlight within the earlier mannequin, and MSI touts the brand new handhelds as being “tailor-made to suit the pure contours of the hand.”

As for the AI within the handheld’s branding, MSI presumably refers back to the XeSS upscaling tech within the Intel chip. Nevertheless, the earlier mannequin additionally used XeSS, so perhaps the corporate simply wished to scream to clients and buyers that it makes use of AI.

The brand new handhelds arrive on December 25. GameRant notes that their pre-order pages are listed with out out there inventory (but). Regardless, as soon as you should buy them, the Claw 7 AI+ prices $800, and the Claw 8 AI+ will set you again $900.

MSI

MSI’s up to date Claw handheld guarantees higher efficiency and battery life.

$800 at Amazon