New MSI Claw 8 detailed with battery life and gaming performance teased

MSI is yet to issue a public announcement about its next gaming handheld release. Instead, it is still teasing the Glacier Blue version of the Claw 8 AI+. A visual refresh of the 8-inch handheld we reviewed in 2025 (curr. $1,881 on Amazon), the Glacier Blue edition has been listed on MSI's global website for over a month.
Nonetheless, various sources are filling in the gaps about the upcoming Claw 8 EX AI+ (CG3EM). To recap, Intel confirmed the handheld's existence on May 28. At around the same time, promotional photos revealed what the device looked like. Now, Mobile 01 has published hands-on shots of the Claw 8 EX AI+ on show before Computex 2026.

Reportedly, the Claw 8 EX AI+ achieves about an 80 FPS average in Forza Horizon 6 using multi-frame generation technology while on battery power. However, Mobile 01 did not reveal the graphics settings used. The website did remark that the new handheld is not much more comfortable or grippy than the existing Claw 8 AI+ though, despite its added controller-style grips.
Setting that aside, the images shared reiterate that the Claw 8 EX AI+ retains the same I/O as its predecessor, as well as an 8-inch, 1200p and 120 Hz VRR display. MSI's promotional material implies that the new handheld will last up to 4 hours when gaming, too. For reference, MSI makes the same claim about the Claw 8 AI+ too, albeit only in Endurance Mode. From Mobile 01's coverage, MSI will not be revealing pricing or availability for the Claw 8 EX AI+ during Computex 2026.














