MSI Claw 8 AI Plus Review: Best Windows Handheld Right Now

MSI’s second attempt at a Windows handheld is more than a polish job — it’s a correction that, in many real-world tests, turns last year’s embarrassment into the best all‑around Windows handheld available right now. The Claw 8 AI Plus pairs Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra silicon with a large 8‑inch 120 Hz VRR screen, an 80 Wh battery and thoughtful ergonomics, and the result is a handheld that delivers higher sustained frame rates, class‑leading battery endurance in many scenarios, and a comfortable, usable design — even if Windows 11’s desktop baggage and some software rough edges remain. (theverge.com)

Background / Overview​

The Claw 8 AI Plus is MSI’s follow‑up to a first‑generation Claw that reviewers called out for poor performance and awkward software tuning. MSI partnered with Intel this time around, shipping the device with an Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake) 258‑series APU and Intel Arc integrated graphics, a suite of updated drivers, and an 80 Wh battery to address one of the biggest complaints about handheld PCs: runtime. Early hands‑on and full reviews show that the hardware leap is real — but it’s paired with Windows‑specific tradeoffs and a premium price. (notebookcheck.net)
What matters most to buyers is simple: does the Claw 8 feel smooth while you play, and can it do so without leaving you tethered to a wall? Reviewers’ benchmark runs and long sessions indicate the answer is “yes” in many scenarios — particularly when the device’s TDP (configurable wattage) is tuned sensibly — and MSI’s design tweaks make it a comfortable handheld to hold for hours. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)

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What you get: hardware and specs verified​

Below are the confirmed hardware highlights that define the Claw 8 AI Plus experience. Multiple independent reviews corroborate these specifications and the general hardware platform.

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 (Lunar Lake) — often reported as the Core Ultra 7 258V / 258B class across reviews. (notebookcheck.net, noobfeed.com)
• GPU: Intel Arc integrated Xe2 (“Battlemage”) graphics inside Lunar Lake. (notebookcheck.net)
• Display: 8‑inch IPS, 1920×1200 (FHD+), 120 Hz refresh with VRR. Reviewers praise color and the larger usable area vs other 7–8″ handhelds. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• RAM / Storage: Configurations up to 32 GB LPDDR5x and PCIe Gen4 SSDs; many review units ship with 32 GB. (notebookcheck.net)
• Battery: 80 Wh internal battery — same battery capacity as the Asus ROG Ally X and a major jump from prior Claw models. (notebookcheck.net, windowscentral.com)
• I/O: Two USB‑C / Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi‑Fi 7 (where supported), microSD slot. (notebookcheck.net)
• Weight / Dimensions: Heftier than the smallest handhelds — roughly 1.7–1.8 lb — but ergonomically shaped with scalloped grips and balanced weight distribution. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)

A word on price: reviewers report different retail figures. NotebookCheck and several outlets list an MSRP of around $899.99 for certain SKUs, while a major review notes a street price of about $1,000 during testing. That divergence appears to reflect variants, regional pricing and the reality of early availability; prospective buyers should confirm exact SKU pricing at retailers before purchase. (notebookcheck.net, theverge.com)

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Design and ergonomics: big but comfortable​

MSI deliberately made the Claw 8 larger than many competitors, trading pocketability for screen real estate and grip comfort. At nearly a foot long and around 5″ tall, it’s the largest mainstream handheld on the market, but the company also improved the shape: scalloped grips, textured rear, and weight balance reduce hand fatigue during marathon play sessions. Multiple reviewers who spent hours with the device noted that, despite the extra size, it’s one of the most comfortable Windows handhelds to hold. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
Controls are modern‑grade: hall‑effect analog sticks, clickable sticks and full complement of bumpers and face buttons. Haptics and rumble land in the “adequate” bucket — serviceable but not industry‑leading — and some reviewers found the factory gyro/aim tuning underwhelming until they tweaked sensitivity profiles. That’s the sort of post‑purchase fiddling Windows handhelds often require. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)

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The screen and audio: large, bright, and high‑refresh​

The 8‑inch 120 Hz panel is a clear selling point. Compared with the Ally X and other 7–8″ devices, the Claw’s display offers a slightly more vibrant look and smaller bezels, which add to immersion. Variable refresh (VRR) and 120 Hz help reduce perceived stutter in fast titles and make UI navigation feel snappier. NotebookCheck and other review outlets call the screen one of the system’s strongest points. (notebookcheck.net)
Speakers are above average for a handheld, producing fuller sound than earlier Claw versions. However, if you care about premium audio, wired or Bluetooth headphones remain the better choice. Haptics/rumble are serviceable but not a triumph — adequate for feedback, not for deep immersion. (notebookcheck.net)

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Performance: real uplift from Lunar Lake and driver updates​

This is the Claw 8’s headline: the device is consistently faster than the original Claw and competes very well with the Asus ROG Ally X when set to equivalent TDPs, sometimes beating the Ally X in frame rates, and often offering superior performance‑per‑watt. Independent benchmark runs show the Claw 8 delivering meaningful gains in both synthetic tests and real games, particularly when its TDP is raised into the 20–30 W range. (noobfeed.com, notebookcheck.net)
Notable findings across reviews:

• The Lunar Lake Core Ultra architecture and updated Intel graphics drivers provide a sizable step up over MSI’s prior Meteor Lake‑based Claw; reviewers observed double‑digit percent gains in many real‑world titles after driver updates. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• At matched low‑TDP ceilings (for example 15 W), the Claw 8 is often as fast or faster than AMD Z1‑class handhelds while drawing less battery power in some tests — a key reason its battery life can look so favorable. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• In heavily demanding AAA titles, the Claw 8’s higher configurable TDP headroom (MSI exposes 30 W in several profiles) gives it a practical advantage over some rivals’ unplugged performance. (theverge.com, noobfeed.com)

There are caveats. Integrated Intel drivers have historically lagged AMD/NVIDIA in some titles and edge cases; MSI’s included gaming utility and the system’s AI engine (see below) can help, but reviewers still had to manually install the latest Intel graphics drivers to get the most consistent results. That’s a normal expectation for a Windows handheld, but it does add a step for consumers. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)

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Battery life and power management: big pack, sensible results​

The Claw’s 80 Wh battery gives it a practical advantage in many scenarios. In mixed testing, reviewers found the Claw 8 often outlasts competitors at the same wattage setting because Intel’s Lunar Lake APU can be more efficient in some real workloads. Real‑world examples show longer runtimes at conservative TDPs (e.g., 15–20 W) and competitive runtimes even when pushing to 30 W. NotebookCheck, Windows Central and other outlets all report consistent gains in endurance compared with last‑generation Windows handhelds. (notebookcheck.net, windowscentral.com)
A few specifics to anchor expectations:

• At 15 W play on certain titles, reviewers reported roughly 3.5–4 hours of play for many modern games, depending on title and settings. At higher TDPs, runtime drops predictably, as with any handheld. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• Lightweight tasks (video playback, emulation, older/less demanding titles) naturally extend run times further; for absolute marathon low‑power sessions, AMD and Valve’s Steam Deck still hold modest advantages in certain test suites, but the Claw’s capacity and efficiency make it a top contender for Windows users. (laptopmag.com, notebookcheck.net)

If battery life is the single most important metric for you, look at frame‑rate‑per‑watt and real‑world drain numbers in the reviews rather than peak FPS charts; MSI’s performance tuning lets you choose that balance.

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Software, usability and the “AI Engine”​

MSI markets the Claw 8 AI Plus with an “AI Engine” that is supposed to use the device’s NPU to tune performance and power on the fly. Practically, reviewers described the feature as inconsistent and not a decisive reason to buy; manual TDP profiles and driver updates still deliver the most reliable gains. The AI mode can be helpful for casual users who want an automatic profile, but power users will quickly switch to manual profiles for predictable results. In short: AI is a marketing differentiator, not a magic performance fix. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
The Windows 11 experience is another mixed bag. MSI uses the Xbox Game Bar and a quick settings widget for hardware controls, but the Windows desktop (and Modern Standby behavior) can produce odd wake‑from‑sleep behavior on handhelds. MSI’s overlay and MSI Center M are functional but less refined than Asus’ Armoury Crate in responsiveness or SteamOS’s controller‑first flow. Reviewers still recommend hibernation for reliable sleep behavior and caution that some desktop‑style interruptions are a characteristic of Windows handhelds. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)

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Comparisons: Claw 8 vs ROG Ally X vs Legion Go S vs Steam Deck​

Across multiple tests, the Claw 8 lands between top AMD‑based handhelds and Valve’s mature Steam Deck ecosystem. It trades blows differently depending on the title and TDP:

• Versus the Asus ROG Ally X: Claw 8 sometimes posts higher frame rates, especially in CPU‑bound or driver‑sensitive titles at the same TDP, and its 80 Wh battery yields similar or slightly better endurance in some tests. The Ally X still has strengths in fast‑charging and some software polish. (noobfeed.com, tech.yahoo.com)
• Versus the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): Legion Go S may reach higher peak frame rates in certain titles under SteamOS, but Claw 8’s performance‑per‑watt is often superior, giving it longer runtime in comparable settings. (notebookcheck.net)
• Versus the Steam Deck OLED: Valve’s handheld remains the most efficient end‑to‑end for many emulation and Linux‑native workloads, but Claw 8 outperforms in Windows gaming in many of the reviewed titles when set to similar TDPs. SteamOS’s controller‑first UI and overall simplicity remain advantages for some users. (theverge.com, laptopmag.com)

The takeaway: the Claw 8 narrows the gap between Intel‑powered Windows handhelds and the established AMD and Valve alternatives, offering a competitive combination of performance and battery life that will suit many buyers — especially those who want Windows compatibility without sacrificing endurance.

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Strengths, weaknesses and the risks to consider​

Strengths​

• Real performance uplift from Lunar Lake and driver improvements; noticeable in many real‑world titles. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• Large, high‑quality 8″ 120 Hz VRR display that improves immersion and usability over smaller panels. (notebookcheck.net)
• 80 Wh battery combined with efficient silicon yields class‑leading runtimes in many test conditions. (notebookcheck.net)
• Comfortable ergonomics and solid build quality that make long sessions less fatiguing. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)

Weaknesses and risks​

• Windows 11 baggage: Modern Standby quirks, occasional sluggish game overlay performance, and a less controller‑first UX than SteamOS or the upcoming Xbox experience. MSI’s Game Bar widget can be laggier than Asus’ Armoury Crate according to reviews. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• Driver maturity: Intel’s graphics drivers have improved but historically trail AMD/NVIDIA in polish; reviewers needed to install updated Intel drivers manually to unlock best performance in some titles. Expect incremental driver updates to continue. (notebookcheck.net)
• Price and alternatives: The Claw 8 is premium‑priced (reported between ~$899–$1,000); depending on sales and regional pricing, comparable AMD handhelds or the upcoming Xbox Ally models may represent better value for some buyers. (notebookcheck.net, theverge.com)
• Short window of advantage: Microsoft and Asus’ Xbox Ally and Ally X (launching October 16, 2025) bring a purpose‑built Xbox/Windows handheld experience and aggressive optimizations that may reshape expectations for handheld UX and performance. The Claw 8’s current leadership may be short‑lived. (news.xbox.com, press.asus.com)

Flagged, unverifiable or anecdotal claims

• The Verge reviewer described being “blacklisted” by MSI after earlier criticism; this is a personal anecdote and while important for context, it’s not an independently confirmed corporate policy. Treat that as the reviewer’s experience rather than an official statement. (theverge.com)

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Practical buying advice — how to choose settings and what to expect​

• Start with the preconfigured performance profile you prefer (Balanced, Best Performance, or a manual TDP).
• If you value battery life, cap the APU in the 15–20 W range for many modern titles; that’s where the Claw 8 often shows its best runtime/fps tradeoff. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• If you want top smoothness in demanding AAA titles, use the higher 25–30 W profiles — expect shorter runtime but noticeably higher frame rates. (noobfeed.com)
• Manually install the latest Intel graphics drivers after first boot; they can materially change performance and stability. (notebookcheck.net)
• Use hibernation rather than the power button’s default sleep behavior to avoid unexpected wake‑ups and battery drain while traveling. This is a pragmatic workaround until Windows handles handheld standby more predictably. (theverge.com)

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The next big factor: Xbox Ally and Microsoft’s handheld initiative​

MSI’s window of headroom is threatened by the arrival of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, built with Microsoft and Asus for a more integrated handheld experience and launching on October 16, 2025. Microsoft’s Handheld Compatibility Program and Xbox’s full‑screen handheld shell promise OS‑level optimizations, handheld compatibility badges, and features aimed at reducing background overhead and improving controller‑first navigation — advantages that could materially change the handheld experience on Windows devices. Early Xbox/Asus messaging and reviews indicate those devices will be a tough competitor, and Microsoft’s platform changes could also filter down to other vendors in time. Buyers should weigh the Claw 8’s immediate strengths against the possibility that Xbox‑tuned handhelds will arrive with tighter software integration. (news.xbox.com, press.asus.com)

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Final verdict: a redemption that matters​

MSI’s Claw 8 AI Plus is not a niche experiment. It’s a substantive step forward that addresses the failures of its predecessor with better silicon, a bigger battery, and sensible ergonomics. For Windows users who want the broadest compatibility with PC games and the convenience of a familiar OS, the Claw 8 represents the best current mainstream choice: it pairs genuinely improved performance with battery life that makes real handheld gaming sessions possible without constant recharges. Reviews across independent outlets corroborate that verdict. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net, noobfeed.com)
That said, this is a fast‑moving segment. The Claw 8’s lead is credible, but the arrival of Microsoft‑tuned handhelds on October 16, 2025 and continued software/driver updates from Intel and MSI will reshape the competitive map. If you want the best Windows handheld today and are comfortable with Windows’ quirks and the premium price, the Claw 8 is a compelling buy. If you prefer the most polished controller‑first UX or want to wait and compare the Xbox Ally family, there’s a reasonable case for patience. (news.xbox.com, laptopmag.com)

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Quick summary (TL;DR)​

• The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus fixes most of the original Claw’s sins: much better performance, longer battery life and a comfortable design. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• Strengths: large 8″ 120 Hz VRR screen, Lunar Lake performance uplift, 80 Wh battery and ergonomic grip. (notebookcheck.net)
• Weaknesses: Windows 11 quirks, driver maturity still evolving, AI features are underwhelming marketing additions, and price is premium/variable. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)
• Competitive context: Excellent today, but the Xbox Ally launch (Oct 16, 2025) promises software‑level handheld optimizations that could change the market quickly. (news.xbox.com)

The Claw 8 is the closest thing the Windows handheld market has to a clean slate: MSI learned from its mistakes and built a follow‑up that can genuinely be recommended — just be mindful of price, software caveats, and the fact that the competitive landscape will shift quickly this autumn. (theverge.com, notebookcheck.net)

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Source: The Verge I called the MSI Claw an embarrassment, so imagine my surprise: its successor is the best Windows handheld yet