Review verdict for MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ - The fastest gaming handheld
With the release of the Arc G3 Extreme including the Arc B390 iGPU, Intel reaches a new level of performance for gaming handhelds. Last year's models with Lunar Lake SoCs already managed to close the gap to the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, but AMD's handheld chip simply does not stand a chance against new Arc G3 Extreme in terms of performance. When you compare both processors at a TDP of 35 Watts, the Intel chip is more than 40 % faster on average compared to the Z2 Extreme.
The software is an important aspect in addition to the raw performance when it comes to the success of a gaming handheld. We always liked MSI's Center M software, even though the performance profiles were not ideal. However, MSI changed that and the new version is improved. The new Claw also supports the Xbox full-screen mode, which was introduced with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X last year. Once you have installed all your games, you do not really have to fiddle around with Windows anymore. Users can also decide to use the MSI Center M software or the Xbox app as the default launcher. The new chassis of the Claw is much more comfortable than before with ergonomic grips and simply feels like a gaming controller.
The Arc G3 Extreme with the fast Arc B390 iGPU offers impressive performance levels for a mobile device. Modern games run smoothly even on the go. Despite the powerful components, however, you still have to put it into perspective: It is still "only" and integrated graphics card and if you expect performance levels of dedicated GPUs or a modern home console, you will be disappointed. We also have to criticize the fans, because they run all the time even while idling.
The new high-end handheld reaches a new price level with an RRP of $1799, which is enough to buy a solid gaming laptop with a GeForce RTX 5060 (like the Acer Nitro V 16S with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD from Amazon) and still get a Nintendo Switch 2, for example. All manufacturers are obviously fighting with higher memory prices, but the concept of a gaming handheld loses a lot of appeal in this price range. It is hard to imagine that there is a large group of customers willing to pay this much money. Please see our comprehensive review for more information.
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