MSI’s Claw Handhelds Launch with Intel Lunar Lake at $799

MSI Unveils Claw 7 AI Plus and Claw 8 AI Plus: Next-Gen Handheld Gaming

MSI has officially announced its latest foray into the handheld gaming market with the brand new MSI Claw 7 AI Plus and MSI Claw 8 AI Plus. Both devices, powered by the revolutionary Lunar Lake architecture, promise to deliver a superior gaming experience, set to release on December 25th. Preorders are now available, with pricing starting at $799 for the Claw 7 and $899 for the Claw 8.

Enhanced Battery Life and Performance

The original MSI Claw, released last spring, faced criticism regarding battery life and performance, as highlighted in Sean Hollister’s review for The Verge. Notably, the new Claw 8 addresses these issues with a substantial upgrade in battery capacity. The Claw 8 boasts an impressive 80-watt-hour battery, a significant improvement over the original model’s 53 watt-hour capacity. Meanwhile, the Claw 7 sees a modest bump to 54.5 watt-hours.

Display and Graphics Features

Both handhelds offer a 120Hz variable refresh rate LCD display, but the Claw 8 features a larger 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, compared to the 7-inch screen of the Claw 7 at 1920 x 1080. MSI touts that both devices will feature 113% higher peak FPS and a 20% higher average FPS compared to similar gaming devices under the same power conditions, although specific competitors are not named.

Design and Usability Improvements

Improvements are not limited to battery and display; both the Claw 7 and Claw 8 incorporate redesigned Hall effects sticks, triggers, and updated bumpers and D-pad for enhanced usability. Moreover, the Claw 8 introduces an easy access SSD storage slot, which the Claw 7 lacks, facilitating easier storage upgrades.

Expanded I/O Options

MSI has also upgraded the I/O options in both models. Each handheld now features a second Thunderbolt 4 port, in addition to an audio jack and microSD card reader, allowing for more connectivity and versatility while gaming on the go.

Conclusion

The MSI Claw 7 AI Plus and Claw 8 AI Plus mark an exciting advancement in handheld gaming technology, poised to address prior criticisms and enhance user experiences significantly. With the combination of improved battery life, performance, and innovative design, these models will likely attract both veteran gamers and new audiences alike. Preorder yours today to secure the next evolution in portable gaming!

For More Information

Stay tuned for more updates on gaming technology by following our blog, and check out the reviews on reputable sites like The Verge for in-depth analyses and insights.