MSI Claw 8 AI+ to launch for $100 more than Asus ROG Ally X

Hardly any time has passed since the Claw 8 AI+ surfaced on CES' website as a CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree. Ultimately, it seemed that MSI's next gaming handheld was set for an early 2025 release. However, two retailers have suggested that may not be the case.

Specifically, Amazon US and Excaliber PC have listed the 8-inch gaming handheld in the US for $899, with a full release scheduled for sometime next month. While the Claw 8 AI+ is out of stock on Amazon at the time of publication, it remains possible to pre-order the device through Excaliber PC with the following hardware:

• 8-inch IPS, 1080p, 120 Hz VRR, 500 nits
• Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
• 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM/1 TB SSD
• 80 Wh battery

According to VideoCardz, there will be a Core Ultra 7 256V variant with 16 GB of RAM on-chip too. We have not seen any evidence to that effect yet, though. Regardless, all Claw 8 AI+ SKUs will measure 299 x 123 x 24 mm while weighing 794 g. In other words, MSI's latest gaming handheld is much larger and heavier than the Asus ROG Ally X. In comparison, the new Claw 7 AI+ (curr. $799 on Amazon) that has also arrived today is the exact opposite.