The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ represents the next generation of gaming handhelds, but its price is quite painful.

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      New retail listings have disclosed the high price of Intel's next-generation gaming handheld.

      When Valve launched the Steam Deck, it demonstrated that portable PC gaming could be affordable. However, several years later, handheld gaming devices appear to be entering a completely new category. A listing found on Newegg by VideoCardz indicates that the forthcoming MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ will cost $1,699, positioning it as one of the priciest handheld gaming PCs available.

      The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ boasts top-of-the-line specifications and an equally notable price tag.

      The cited price of $1,699 applies to a configuration equipped with Intel’s latest Arc G3 Extreme graphics architecture, 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, and a 1TB SSD. MSI's online store has even listed the device for $1,799, although Newegg and Best Buy currently show the lower price. If this information holds true, it would place the Claw 8 EX far above most of its handheld competitors.

      Beyond the shocking price, the quality of the hardware is unquestionably high-end. The handheld features an 8-inch 120Hz display, an 80Wh battery, Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and Intel’s next-generation integrated graphics designed to provide a notable advancement in gaming performance. For enthusiasts in search of the ultimate portable experience, it certainly fulfills numerous expectations.

      The price is not entirely surprising, but it still raises concerns.

      It's important to note that this isn't entirely unexpected. The costs of components have been increasing across the industry, particularly for advanced chips and high-speed memory, and gaming handhelds have consistently become more expensive with each succeeding generation. Recently, Valve also raised the prices of the Steam Deck in various regions, while newer premium models from ASUS, Lenovo, and others have followed suit, indicating a trend of escalating prices rather than an exception.

      Even so, $1,699 is a challenging figure to overlook. At this price, the MSI Claw 8 EX isn't merely in competition with other handhelds anymore; it’s now contending with full-fledged gaming laptops that provide larger screens, dedicated keyboards, upgradeable hardware, and, in many instances, more powerful dedicated GPUs. For gamers who prioritize portability above all, the Claw may still be a worthwhile option. However, for the rest, spending gaming laptop-level money on a handheld may be a lot to digest.

      Varun is a seasoned technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer technology media. His experience encompasses...

      Xbox is allegedly shutting down the studio behind Hellblade just days after showcasing its upcoming game.

      The Cambridge studio is seeking a buyer, but employees have already been informed they can start looking for new employment.

      According to The Verge, Xbox is reportedly closing Ninja Theory, the Cambridge, England-based studio responsible for the Hellblade series. Sources close to the situation indicated that the studio's staff were notified of the closure on Monday, shortly after they appeared at the Xbox Games Showcase to announce Senua, a new installment in the franchise.

      Part of a broader Xbox overhaul.

      Microsoft may soon introduce installment payment options for Xbox purchases.

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

      Microsoft is reportedly planning to implement buy now, pay later (BNPL) support for the Xbox storefront, with recent code sightings on the Xbox website pointing to potential integrations with Klarna and PayPal.

      Dividing the cost of Xbox purchases.

      New details suggest God of War Laufey could arrive in the first half of 2027.

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

      Sony recently revealed God of War: Laufey, and new information is starting to clarify when players might finally engage with the next chapter in the series. Industry insider NateTheHate indicates that the latest projected release window he has heard suggests a launch in the first half of 2027. Although Sony and Santa Monica Studio have not confirmed an official date, the report implies that development could be more advanced than many fans had anticipated.

      This claim supports earlier remarks from Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, who noted that the absence of a release date should not be seen as an indication that the project is years away. The combined reports imply that Sony may already have a relatively set launch target in mind.