The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is priced at $1,699, which is quite a significant amount for a handheld device, comparable to the cost of a gaming laptop.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is set to launch on June 23 for $1,699, making it the most expensive handheld gaming PC available for retail purchase. This device is the first to utilize Intel's Arc G3 Extreme processor, featuring 12 Xe3 GPU cores and a 14-core CPU, and it costs $500 more than the previous pricier handheld, the Lenovo Legion Go 2. Listings on Newegg and Best Buy confirm the $1,699 price, while MSI's online store lists the same configuration for $1,799. The device comes with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, a 1TB NVMe SSD, an 8-inch 1920×1200 120Hz IPS touch display, and an 80Wh battery.
Intel's Arc G3 Extreme is their most powerful handheld chip, boasting integrated Arc B390 graphics that leverage the Xe3 architecture with hardware ray tracing and XeSS 3, Intel’s AI-driven upscaling technology. Intel asserts a 44% performance enhancement over the previous Lunar Lake model at 1080p with XeSS turned on.
Initial simulations indicate the chip can maintain 60 frames per second in Spider-Man 2 at 900p medium settings and over 60fps in Cyberpunk 2077 using the Steam Deck graphics preset at a power consumption of 25 watts. If these performance metrics hold true for retail units, it would represent a significant advancement compared to existing handheld devices. However, independent benchmarks have not been released, and simulated performance often exaggerates actual results.
The components around the chip are of premium quality, featuring Hall Effect joysticks and triggers to prevent stick drift common in traditional analogue controls. It includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports for external GPU support and rapid data transfer, and Wi-Fi 7 for multi-gigabit wireless speeds.
MSI also emphasizes compatibility with Windows 11’s Xbox Mode, previously known as Xbox Full Screen Exclusive, aimed at minimizing input lag and enhancing frame pacing for handheld use. The device is marketed with a Copilot+ PC designation, though its practical significance for a gaming handheld is uncertain.
Price comparisons are essential. Valve raised the prices of Steam Deck OLED models on May 27, increasing the 512GB model to $789 from $549, and the 1TB model to $949 from $649. The ASUS ROG Ally X debuted at $999, while the Lenovo Legion Go 2 starts at $1,199, placing the MSI Claw 8 EX $500 higher than all these options.
The entire handheld category has seen price increases this year, primarily due to rising LPDDR5X costs, which surged by 250% in the past year as major manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron shifted memory production to AI data centers. In some regions, DDR5 prices have risen over 400%.
The current cost of the Claw 8 EX's 32GB of LPDDR5X is significantly higher than it would have been 18 months ago, though component prices alone do not justify the $1,699 price point.
At this price, the Claw 8 EX isn’t just competing with other handhelds; it’s competing with gaming laptops that feature larger displays, full keyboards, upgradable storage, dedicated cooling solutions, and generally stronger discrete GPUs. A $1,699 gaming laptop from brands like ASUS, Lenovo, or MSI would typically outperform the Claw 8 EX in every aspect except portability.
Apple discontinued its $599 Mac Mini last month due to supply issues with DRAM, exemplifying the wider economic pressures on the consumer electronics sector. MSI’s situation is distinct, as it is asking consumers to pay a premium for portability at a price point where that portability is challenged by performance.
Since Valve launched the original Steam Deck for $399 in 2022, the handheld gaming market has expanded rapidly, illustrating that portable PC gaming can be mainstream. Four years later, the flagship device is priced over four times higher. While the technology has advanced significantly, the market MSI is targeting with the $1,699 handheld is quite specific.
The Claw 8 EX AI+ is currently available for pre-order through Newegg, Best Buy, and MSI’s online store, with shipments starting on June 23.
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The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is priced at $1,699, which is quite a significant amount for a handheld device, comparable to the cost of a gaming laptop.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is set to launch on June 23, featuring Intel's Arc G3 Extreme, 32GB of RAM, and an 80Wh battery; however, its price of $1,699 exceeds that of all competing handhelds.