MSI Claw 8 EX AI+: The power of Arc B390 graphics and a breakthrough in software experience.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ overcomes the weaknesses of its predecessor with a dedicated Intel chip and optimized Center M software, delivering performance that surpasses the Ryzen Z2 Extreme.
Following mixed reviews of its first generation, MSI has officially returned with the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, a handheld gaming device that promises to completely change the landscape thanks to the combination of next-generation Intel hardware and a deeply refined software system.
Hardware power: When Intel catches up and surpasses AMD
While the first generation MSI Claw, using Meteor Lake chips, suffered from significant energy efficiency issues compared to competitors running AMD chips, the Claw 8 EX AI+ version has completely solved this problem. The device boasts Intel's first dedicated mobile processor, combined with a powerful integrated Arc B390 graphics core.
Real-world testing shows that the Arc B390's performance is not only impressive but also easily outperforms AMD's current Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC. This is a significant step forward, making the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ one of the most powerful handheld devices on the market today.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | Intel dedicated to handheld devices (Lunar Lake architecture) |
| Graphics (GPU) | Intel Arc B390 |
| Connect | Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt |
| Key features | Touchscreen, AI-powered. |
Software improvement: The solution to the user experience problem.
Hardware performance is only half the battle; the other half lies in the software. MSI has listened to community criticism and significantly upgraded the Center M software. Most notably, it now supports the full-screen Xbox experience, allowing users to launch directly into the Xbox or Center M app without complex Windows operations.
New generation Quick Settings menu
The biggest improvement lies in the Quick Settings menu, which is integrated directly into the Xbox Game Bar. With just one button press, users can instantly access the most important settings without interrupting their gameplay.
This menu now allows direct adjustment of PL1/PL2 (Power Limit) values, changing the screen refresh rate, and activating real-time monitoring. The monitoring system has also been revamped with 6 different display modes, making it easier for gamers to optimize their experience according to their personal needs.
Features currently under development
In addition to the existing upgrades, Intel and MSI are collaborating to add two important features to the Quick Settings menu:Endurance Gaming(fixed frame rate to save power) andMulti-frame generationCurrently, these two features still need to be enabled through Intel's graphics driver software, but deep integration into the quick menu would be a major breakthrough in usability.
The challenge from the price
Despite its significant hardware and software upgrades, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ still faces a major economic hurdle. With a suggested retail price of $1,799, it's clearly not a device for the masses. MSI is positioning the Claw 8 as a top-of-the-line product, where users must pay a substantial fee to own Arc G3 Extreme graphics technology and experience the best optimized software currently available on the Windows handheld market.
