Could the MSI Claw 8 AI+ have surpassed the competition of the Steam Deck, potentially marking the end for dominant Intel-based handhelds?
In the ever-evolving world of handheld gaming PCs, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ has made a significant impact with its impressive hardware, despite limited availability and a somewhat confusing naming convention. Priced between $899 to $999 in the US, this device remains a popular choice among gamers, albeit with restricted stock mainly in select markets such as the US [1][3].
As of late July 2025, the Claw 8 AI+ is available but with limited stock, primarily in specific regions. In contrast, MSI's focus has shifted towards the newer Ryzen-based Claw A8 model, which has started shipping in Asia (China and Taiwan), but has no confirmed worldwide release or restock date yet [1]. The Claw A8 is priced higher (~$950 to $1140), which could potentially impact the future availability and pricing decisions for the Claw 8 AI+ [1][2].
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ boasts a 80Whr battery, similar to the ASUS ROG Ally X, and a more vibrant 8-inch screen compared to its counterpart. However, the device is currently out of stock in many stores, including Curry's, a British equivalent of Best Buy [1].
The handheld gaming PC comes equipped with dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, hall-effect joysticks, and is compatible with various docking stations. Despite its high price tag of $899 (£899 in the U.K.), the MSI Claw 8 AI+ has been praised for its ability to run games at higher resolutions with lower temperatures [1].
However, it's worth noting that the MSI Center M 2.0 launcher app, which comes with the device, can be messy and prone to issues [1]. On the brighter side, Intel's Arc graphics platform and its XeSS upscaling tech have been making significant advancements, which could potentially improve the gaming experience on the MSI Claw 8 AI+ [1].
In summary, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ remains a sought-after handheld gaming PC, despite its limited availability and high price tag. With the focus shifting towards the newer Ryzen-based Claw A8 model, there is currently no official information on when the Claw 8 AI+ will be restocked or become more widely available again [1].
| Item | Price (US) | Stock Status | Expected Restock | |--------------------|------------------|----------------------|--------------------| | MSI Claw 8 AI+ | $899 - $999 | Limited availability | No official date | | MSI Claw A8 (newer) | ~$950 - ~$1140 | Pre-order in Asia | Unknown for global |
[1] TechRadar. (2025). MSI Claw 8 AI+ review. [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/msi-claw-8-ai-review [2] Pocket-lint. (2025). MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: A handheld gaming powerhouse with some compromises. [online] Available at: https://www.pocket-lint.com/games/news/msi-claw-8-ai-review/161531-p/msi-claw-8-ai-review [3] MSI. (2025). MSI Claw 8 AI+. [online] Available at: https://www.msi.com/Portable/Claw-8-AI/Specification
- The MSI Claw 8 AI+, a popular handheld gaming PC, is available for purchase in limited quantities, primarily in specific regions as of late July 2025, with no official restock date announced.
- Despite the popularity of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, its successor, the Ryzen-based Claw A8 model, has started shipping in Asia, but there's no confirmed worldwide release or restock date yet for the former.
- Microsoft's Windows 11 update is compatible with the MSI Claw 8 AI+, enhancing its functionality as a handheld gaming PC.
- The MSI Claw 8 AI+ comes with a pre-installed Microsoft Office suite and can be used for general PC tasks, not just gaming.
- Xbox, another prominent technology gadget from Microsoft, is not directly compatible with the MSI Claw 8 AI+ for gaming, although it can run games from the Windows store.
- The MSI Claw 8 AI+'s hardware is designed for gaming, featuring dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, hall-effect joysticks, and compatibility with various docking stations for a desktop-like gaming experience.
- In addition to hardware, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ runs on software, such as the MSI Center M 2.0 launcher app, which has been reported to be somewhat messy and prone to issues.
