The Rise of the Handheld Challenger: MSI's Claw 8 AI+ Redefines Portable Gaming

The Nintendo Switch revolutionized gaming by proving AAA titles could thrive on handheld devices, sparking a wave of competitors. MSI entered this arena with its Claw A1M but faced criticism for underwhelming battery life and graphics. Now, the Claw 8 AI+ emerges as a formidable response—not merely as a gaming sidekick, but as a potential replacement for traditional gaming laptops. Based on extensive testing by ZDNET's Cesar Cadenas, this device leverages Intel's latest hardware to offer a compelling blend of power and portability.

Engineering Excellence Meets Practical Trade-offs

The Claw 8 AI+ sports an 8-inch FHD+ touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, producing vibrant visuals and silky-smooth animations that outclass many rivals. MSI's unique 'Sandstone' two-tone design adds flair, though its 1.75-pound weight and 11.77 x 4.96 x 0.94-inch dimensions make it bulkier than the Steam Deck. Despite this, the ergonomics are praised for comfort, featuring hall-effect analog sticks that eliminate stick drift risks and a 'Cooler Boost HyperFlow' system for efficient thermal management. As Cadenas notes:

"The display alone makes the Claw 8 AI+ stand out—it's a visual feast that enhances every game. But the size demands consideration; it's a powerhouse, not a pocket companion."

Performance That Rivals Entry-Level Gaming PCs

Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258B processor, integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics, and 32GB of RAM, the Claw 8 AI+ handles most AAA titles effortlessly. Testing showed minimal frame drops or stuttering across a range of games, though unoptimized titles like "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth" struggled—a reminder of the ongoing optimization challenges in handheld gaming. Crucially, the device's dual USB-C ports enable connections to external monitors, transforming it into a functional workstation. Cadenas reports seamless multitasking with 40+ browser tabs and apps, though the lack of a dedicated GPU limits it to performance akin to budget gaming desktops like Lenovo's LOQ Tower.

Battery Life and Software: A Tale of Two Extremes

Battery performance is where the Claw 8 AI+ shines brightest. MSI claims four hours of gaming, but real-world tests hit 4.5 hours, with video playback stretching to nearly 13 hours—setting a new benchmark for handheld endurance. Yet, Windows 11 proves a weak link. Bugs, such as unresponsive in-game controls post-update, necessitate reboots, highlighting the OS's poor adaptation to compact form factors. This friction underscores a broader industry hurdle: optimizing desktop-grade software for handheld agility.

Why This Matters for Developers and Gamers

The Claw 8 AI+ isn't just a hardware leap; it signals a shift toward handhelds as primary devices. For developers, its Intel Arc graphics and high-resolution display create opportunities to design richer, more immersive portable experiences without compromising fidelity. Gamers gain a travel-friendly rig that reduces dependency on bulky laptops, though the $999 price demands justification against alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED. As handhelds evolve, they could accelerate cloud gaming adoption and cross-platform play, blurring lines between mobile and desktop ecosystems.

Ultimately, MSI's iteration showcases how targeted engineering can turn criticism into triumph. While its heft and software gremlins remind us that perfection remains elusive, the Claw 8 AI+ delivers enough raw power and innovation to make gamers rethink their setups—one portable session at a time.

Source: ZDNET review by Cesar Cadenas, July 18, 2025. Original article.