Everything below that comes from NAG's testing is attributed to the reviewer. These are not independently reproduced numbers.
What's inside
The Claw 8 EX AI+ is a Windows 11 Home handheld built on Intel's Panther Lake generation. It uses the top chip in Intel's G3 range of handheld processors, the Arc G3 Extreme, which gives the full 14-core array plus the 12 Xe-core Arc B390 integrated GPU. The cores split into two performance cores, eight efficient cores and four low-power efficient cores.
The NAG spec sheet lists:
- 32GB LPDDR5X memory
- An 8-inch 1920 × 1200 IPS touchscreen with 48–120Hz VRR
- An 80Wh battery with a 65W USB-C charger
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, microSD Express and a 3.5mm audio jack
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
- A weight of 785g
The Arc B390's twelve Xe3 cores compare with eight Xe2 cores in the previous Claw's Arc 140V. NAG says this gives the EX more headroom for frame rates or higher detail when the GPU carries the load.
Reported performance
NAG's headline numbers come from Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p:
- The EX AI+ is about 40% faster than the previous Intel Claw 8 AI+.
- It is about 50% faster than the Ryzen-powered Claw A8.
- At 1080p Ultra without upscaling, it reached 39.6fps. The original Claw A1M managed 19.8fps.
This is one game at one set of settings. The review text doesn't give run-to-run variation, power limits or driver versions. Treat the figures as a useful indication rather than a general speedup.
Other outlets have written about the same hardware. Tom's Guide highlights power settings from a 17W endurance mode up to 45W, native ray tracing and XeSS 3 support. That helps explain why the power profile matters so much in the battery results below.
Battery: the trade-off
NAG's battery tests ran with the screen at 150 nits, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra:
| Device / mode | Reported runtime |
|---|---|
| Claw 8 EX AI+ (default AI Engine) | 2h 21m |
| Claw 8 EX AI+ (Endurance) | 3h 19m |
| Claw A8 | 2h 47m |
| Claw 8 AI+ (AI Engine) | just under 3h 30m |
| Claw A1M | 1h 16m |
The EX lasts 86% longer than the original Claw. It is 16% shorter than the Claw A8 and also trails the previous Claw 8 AI+. In other words, the faster chip uses the same 80Wh battery to do more work, and the runtime drops in the heaviest test. Endurance mode adds 41% over the default profile, but with lower frame rates. NAG suggests keeping it for indie games.
Design and Windows experience
NAG says MSI kept the Hall-effect sticks and triggers, added a metal-dome D-pad, improved the vibration motors and included two rear programmable buttons. The flared, textured grips help with a 785g chassis that NAG still calls bulky. The screen is described as stunning, though it is not OLED.
On software, NAG likes Windows 11 on a handheld but says it isn't the best gaming experience. Managing launchers still sends you back to the desktop more than you'd like. Once a game is running, the reviewer finds the experience fantastic. Anyone who has tried to use a desktop OS with thumbsticks will recognise the complaint.
Storage and expansion
NAG complains about 512GB at this price. The local Launch Pack ships with that capacity.
- The SSD is a full-length M.2 2280 drive, so a larger replacement is straightforward.
- A microSD Express slot adds storage without opening the case.
- The two Thunderbolt 4 ports let you charge while using an external drive, or connect a dock and monitor.
Storage varies by region. TechPowerUp's review lists a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD in its configuration. The 512GB figure is the South African Launch Pack as reported by NAG. If you are comparing prices across markets, check the capacity first.
Is R32,999 worth it?
NAG's own bottom line is that this is aimed at the most dedicated gamers who want a solid portable solution. It also says most users would be better served by a gaming notebook. The case against the handheld is:
- The price is far above the previous generation's local price.
- Storage is small for the money.
- It is heavy.
- Windows still needs a keyboard and mouse for many tasks.
The case for it is the nearly doubled frame rate over the original Claw in the one test, the large 120Hz screen, the Hall-effect controls, and upgradeable storage.
For South African buyers, the useful question is whether you want the fastest portable Windows gaming PC or just good portable gaming. If you want the latter, last generation's pricing may be the better deal. If you want the former, this is the one NAG found fast.