The MSI Claw EX Handheld Offers Major Performance and Battery Leaps, But Comes With Heavy Flaws and a Staggering $1,800 Price Tag

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus has emerged as a notable piece of hardware in the portable gaming market. Equipped with a next-gen Intel chip and improved design, it offers a compelling combination of portability, long battery life, and reliable sleep-and-wake functionality reminiscent of the Steam Deck. Reviewers note that it can hibernate for days without losing significant charge and features comfortable manta-ray-wing grips that help distribute its 1.73-pound (785g) weight.

Performance-wise, the Claw EX aims to eliminate low-resolution visuals in demanding PC titles. Testing shows it outperforming competitors like the Xbox Ally X and older Intel Lunar Lake models, delivering around 40 percent more performance at 1080p in various tests. In games such as Cyberpunk 2077, the device can achieve solid frame rates at lower wattage than rival systems, extending battery life significantly. For less demanding titles like Balatro, utilizing Endurance mode and a 48Hz screen setting can yield up to 12 hours of battery life.

However, the device is held back by several significant issues. First, the handheld carries a staggering $1,800 price tag, with limited US supply expected. Furthermore, Intel's drivers still struggle with certain titles. Reviewers reported graphical corruption, freezing, and system hangs in games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, along with missing graphical effects in Returnal benchmarks. Additional complaints include an ultra-glossy screen prone to glare, loud fans, buzzing speakers, performance drops when the battery falls below 15 percent, and lingering Windows operating system annoyances.