The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ represents the future of portable gaming devices, yet its cost is quite painful.

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      Recent retail listings have disclosed the high price of Intel's forthcoming gaming handheld.

      When Valve launched the Steam Deck, it demonstrated that PC gaming could be portable without a hefty price tag. However, a few years later, gaming handhelds appear to be entering a completely different category. A Newegg listing highlighted by VideoCardz indicates that the upcoming MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ will be priced at $1,699, positioning it as one of the most expensive handheld gaming PCs to date.

      The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ boasts top-tier specifications along with a matching price tag.

      The reported price of $1,699 is for a model equipped with Intel’s latest Arc G3 Extreme graphics technology, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB SSD. MSI's online store has even listed the device for $1,799, although Newegg and Best Buy currently display the lower price. If this information is accurate, the Claw 8 EX would be priced significantly higher than most of its handheld competitors.

      Aside from the initial shock of the price, the quality of the hardware is certainly impressive. The handheld features an 8-inch 120Hz screen, an 80Wh battery, Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and Intel’s next-generation integrated graphics designed to provide a notable improvement in gaming performance. For enthusiasts seeking the best portable gaming experience, it certainly encompasses many desirable features.

      While the price may not be surprising, it still grabs attention.

      It's worth noting that this high price isn't entirely unexpected. Component prices have been rising across the industry, particularly for advanced silicon and high-speed memory, and gaming handhelds have progressively become pricier with each generation. Recently, Valve increased the Steam Deck prices in various regions, and newer premium devices from brands like ASUS and Lenovo have also seen price rises, making higher prices more of a trend than an anomaly.

      Nonetheless, a price of $1,699 is hard to overlook. At this price point, the MSI Claw 8 EX isn’t merely contending with other handhelds, but also with full gaming laptops that provide larger displays, dedicated keyboards, upgradable hardware, and, in many cases, more powerful dedicated GPUs. For gamers who prioritize portability above all else, the Claw may still be appealing. However, for others, the thought of spending gaming laptop money on a handheld could be a tougher decision.

      Varun is a seasoned technology journalist and editor with over eight years of experience in consumer tech media. His work spans...

      Xbox is reportedly shutting down the studio behind Hellblade just days after showcasing its next game.

      The Cambridge-based studio hopes to find a buyer, but employees have already been informed they can seek new job opportunities.

      According to The Verge, Xbox is reportedly closing Ninja Theory, the studio responsible for the Hellblade series. Sources indicate that staff were notified of the closure on Monday, shortly after the studio presented at the Xbox Games Showcase to reveal Senua, a new installment in the series.

      Part of a broader Xbox restructuring

      Microsoft may soon introduce the option to divide Xbox purchases into installments.

      Code detected on the Xbox website suggests forthcoming integrations with Klarna and PayPal that could allow users to pay for games and hardware over time.

      Microsoft is reportedly working on adding buy now, pay later (BNPL) functionality to the Xbox storefront, with evidence found in code on the Xbox website hinting at upcoming integrations with Klarna and PayPal.

      Dividing the costs of Xbox purchases

      Sony may be getting ready to launch a God of War prequel centered on Faye.

      New information is beginning to clarify when players might experience the next chapter in the franchise, which was recently revealed as God of War: Laufey. Industry insider NateTheHate has mentioned that the anticipated release window points to a debut in the first half of 2027. While there’s been no official confirmation from Sony or Santa Monica Studio regarding a date, this report indicates that development could be more advanced than many fans believe.

      This claim also resonates with recent comments from Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, who suggested that the absence of a release date shouldn't be seen as an indicator that the project is still years away. Combined, these reports imply that Sony may already have a relatively solid launch target in mind.