MSI Claw 8 AI+ (A2VMx) Model 2
Also sold as: MSI Claw 8 AI+ Gaming Handheld, Polar Tempest Edition, 8 Inch FHD+ 120 Hz Display, Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, Intel Arc Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Black/White, A2VM-091
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MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review
Overview
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ represents a substantial leap forward from its predecessor, showcasing a solid build quality, impressive performance, and a vibrant display. Priced at $900, it competes directly with other handheld gaming devices like the Asus ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, often matching or exceeding their performance in various gaming scenarios.
Build Quality and Design
The Claw 8 AI+ features a chonky chassis that conveys a sense of quality and durability. Weighing approximately 795 grams, it is heavier than many competitors, which can make prolonged use tiring for some users [1] HotHardware MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review: Plush And Premium Handheld Gaming Zak Killian Club386 MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: handheld redemption | Club386 Samuel Willetts PC Gamer MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM review https://www.pcgamer.com/author/andy-edser/
Display
The standout feature of the Claw 8 AI+ is its 8-inch IPS-type display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The screen is noted for its vibrant colors and excellent motion clarity, making it suitable for immersive gaming experiences [4] HotHardware MSI Claw 8 AI+ Review: Plush And Premium Handheld Gaming Zak Killian Club386 MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: handheld redemption | Club386 Samuel Willetts Club386 MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: handheld redemption | Club386 Samuel Willetts
Performance
Equipped with Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V and Arc 140V graphics, the Claw 8 AI+ delivers impressive gaming performance. It competes well against other handhelds, often achieving higher frame rates in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5 [7] PC Gamer MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM review https://www.pcgamer.com/author/andy-edser/ Club386 MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: handheld redemption | Club386 Samuel Willetts PC Gamer MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM review https://www.pcgamer.com/author/andy-edser/
Battery Life
The Claw 8 AI+ features an 80Wh battery, providing excellent battery life for a handheld device. Users report up to 129 minutes of gaming under load, and real-world testing shows it can handle extended gaming sessions without frequent recharging [10] PC Gamer MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM review https://www.pcgamer.com/author/andy-edser/ Club386 MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: handheld redemption | Club386 Samuel Willetts Club386 MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: handheld redemption | Club386 Samuel Willetts
Software
MSI's Center M software has received mixed reviews. While it provides essential functionality, users have reported quirks and stability issues, particularly with the Quick Settings overlay [13] TechPowerUp MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM Review Club386 MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: handheld redemption | Club386 Samuel Willetts
Conclusion
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a compelling choice for gamers seeking a powerful handheld experience. It excels in performance, display quality, and battery life, making it a worthy competitor in the handheld gaming market. However, its weight and software quirks may deter some users. Overall, it offers great value for its price, especially for those prioritizing performance and screen quality [15] PC Gamer MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM review https://www.pcgamer.com/author/andy-edser/ Club386 MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: handheld redemption | Club386 Samuel Willetts