The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM has arrived as a high-end contender in the handheld gaming market. According to a review by PC Gamer, the device earns top marks for its hardware performance and design, though its high cost remains a significant barrier for most consumers.

Performance and Battery Life

The core of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, featuring 14 cores and integrated Arc B390 graphics. Reviewers found the chip to be the "current pinnacle of handheld gaming PC technology," noting that it outperformed the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme found in the Asus ROG Ally X across standard benchmarks. The device also includes "Endurance mode," which limits peak power to 20 W and effectively doubles battery life during gaming sessions.

Design and Ergonomics

Beyond the internal silicon, the handheld's physical design received positive feedback. The reviewer highlighted the improved weight distribution, extended controller grips, and the inclusion of Hall effect sticks and triggers. The 8-inch, 1920 x 1200 IPS-like display with 48–120Hz VRR support was also noted as a standout feature, offering 500 nits of typical brightness.

Critical Consensus on Value

Despite the technical achievements, the consensus on value is stark. The $1,800 price tag is described as "tragically expensive," with the reviewer noting that the device costs as much as a full desktop PC equipped with a Radeon RX 9070 XT. The high cost is attributed to the current memory crisis and the necessity of high-performance 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory required by the Intel G3 series architecture.

The Verdict

PC Gamer concludes that while the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the "best gaming handheld" tested in terms of performance and screen quality, it is a "tough recommendation" for anyone other than those willing to pay a premium for top-tier hardware. The reviewer suggests that potential buyers should consider whether they need a luxury, high-end handheld or a more traditional, affordable secondary device.

Quick Facts

  • Processor: Intel Arc G3 Extreme (14-core)
  • Graphics: Intel Arc B390 (12 Xe cores)
  • Memory: 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533
  • Display: 8-inch FHD+, 48–120Hz VRR, 500 nits
  • Price: $1,800 / £1,400
  • Storage: 1 TB NVMe M.2 2280 SSD (user-upgradable)