The first MSI Claw was, to put it bluntly, a bit of a mess. It had the misfortune of launching with Intel's Meteor Lake chips when everyone else was riding the AMD high, and the drivers just weren't there. It felt like a prototype we were all paying full price to beta test. But honestly? The MSI Claw 8 AI+ feels like the apology tour we actually deserved.
This isn't just a spec bump. MSI basically took the original chassis, threw it in the bin, and looked at what Valve and ASUS were doing right. Then they added a massive 8-inch screen and the new Intel Lunar Lake architecture. If you've been sitting on the fence because the first one was "just okay," this is where things get interesting.
The Lunar Lake Leap: It’s Not Just Marketing
Most people see "AI+" in the name and immediately roll their eyes. I get it. We're all a little tired of every toaster having an NPU now. But in the MSI Claw 8 AI+, that "AI" tag is really just code for Intel's Core Ultra 200V series, specifically the Core Ultra 7 258V.
This chip is a massive departure from the old 155H. For one, the RAM is now "on-package." This means the 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533 memory is physically sitting right next to the compute tiles. It cuts down latency and, more importantly for a handheld, saves a ton of power.
You've probably heard about the "efficiency" gains, but let's talk real numbers. In my time testing the Arc 140V graphics inside this thing, it's hitting 60 FPS in games that would make the original Claw choke. Cyberpunk 2077 on the "Steam Deck" preset at native 1200p resolution is actually playable. We're talking 50-55 FPS without it feeling like a slideshow.
- GPU Power: The Arc 140V is roughly 50% faster than the previous generation.
- Efficiency: At 17W, this thing is a beast. You don't have to crank it to 30W just to get a stable frame rate.
- Thermal Control: MSI’s "Cooler Boost HyperFlow" actually works here because the chip isn't trying to melt itself.
That 8-Inch Screen is the Sweet Spot
Size matters. The jump from 7 inches to 8 inches sounds small on paper, but in your hands, it’s a revelation. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ uses a 1920 x 1200 IPS panel. No, it’s not OLED—I know, I know—but it is 500 nits and supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
VRR is the secret sauce for handhelds. When your frame rate dips from 60 to 45 in a busy town in Elden Ring, you usually feel that stutter. With VRR, the screen matches the output of the GPU, so it stays buttery smooth.
The 16:10 aspect ratio is also "the golden ratio" for a reason. You get more vertical real estate, which makes Windows 11 slightly less of a nightmare to navigate with your thumbs. Honestly, after using an 8-inch screen, going back to the 7-inch Steam Deck feels like looking through a mail slot.
Battery Life: The 80Wh Elephant in the Room
One of the biggest complaints about the OG Claw was that it died faster than a redshirt in Star Trek. MSI listened. They've shoved an 80Wh battery into the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
That's the same capacity as the ROG Ally X.
In real-world use, you’re looking at over 4 hours of gameplay in "Endurance Mode" for indie titles. If you’re pushing AAA games at 20W TDP, you can comfortably get about 3 hours. That is a massive leap from the 90-minute anxiety sessions we used to have.
It’s worth noting that the device is heavier because of this. At 795 grams, it’s a bit of a chonk. You’ll feel it in your wrists after an hour of Warzone. But I’d take the extra weight over a dead battery any day of the week.
Hall Effect Everything
Sticky drift is the bane of my existence. Fortunately, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ uses Hall Effect sensors for both the analog sticks and the triggers.
Because these use magnets instead of physical contact points, they theoretically never wear out. The sticks feel "snappier" than the ones on the Lenovo Legion Go, and the triggers have a satisfying resistance that doesn't feel like cheap plastic.
Why the Software Still Needs Work
Look, I'm going to be real with you. MSI Center M is better than it was, but it's still Windows. You're going to deal with updates, weird pop-ups, and the occasional time where the virtual keyboard refuses to appear when you're trying to sign into Steam.
The "AI Engine" mode tries to automatically adjust your TDP based on what you're playing. It's... fine. Sometimes it gets confused and gives you 15W when you need 25W. I usually just leave it on a manual 20W setting and call it a day.
Is it Better Than the ROG Ally X?
This is the question everyone asks. The ROG Ally X has better ergonomics—its curved grips are just more comfortable for long sessions. But the MSI Claw 8 AI+ has two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
If you want to use your handheld as a "main" PC by docking it to a monitor and an external GPU, the Claw is the winner. Having two ports means you can charge and have a high-speed peripheral plugged in at the same time without needing a clunky dongle.
The Intel vs. AMD debate is also narrowing. While the Ryzen Z1 Extreme is a legend, Intel's Lunar Lake is finally showing that it can play in the same league without turning the device into a space heater.
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Actionable Tips for New Owners
If you've just picked one up or are about to, don't just launch a game and hope for the best.
- Update the BIOS immediately. Intel and MSI are pushing microcode updates constantly for Lunar Lake. These often provide 10-15% performance boosts in specific games.
- Use XeSS over FSR. Since this is an Intel chip, their Xe Super Sampling tech works wonders. It generally looks much cleaner than AMD's FSR 2.1 in games like Forza Horizon 5.
- Adjust the Deadzones. Out of the box, the sticks might feel a bit "loose." Dive into MSI Center M and tighten the deadzones to about 3-5% for a more precise feel in shooters.
- Get a 100W Charger. Even though it comes with a 65W brick, the Claw 8 AI+ can benefit from a 100W PD charger if you’re using a dock with multiple peripherals.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ represents a massive course correction. It’s powerful, the screen is gorgeous, and the battery actually lasts long enough to finish a flight. It’s finally the handheld Intel fans have been waiting for.