MSI launched the Claw 8 Ex AI+ at Computex 2026, its latest handheld gaming device following the four-star MSI Claw 8 AI+.
With the Intel Arc G3 Extreme under its hood, the Claw 8 Ex AI+ is promised to deliver a huge leap in graphics performance while maintaining power efficiency – but how does it stack up to the Claw 8 AI+?
We’ve compared the specifications of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and the Claw 8 AI+ and highlighted the key differences and any notable similarities between the portable gaming PCs below.
Once you’re done here, be sure to visit our roundup of the best gaming consoles and best gaming laptops. Also, we’ve compared MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs ROG Ally X, so you can see how the two types of handhelds compare.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, MSI is yet to confirm the price or release date of the Claw 8 EX AI+. Online sources say the handheld will retail for between $1500 and $2000, though that remains unconfirmed. We’ll be sure to update this comparison once we get concrete information.
In comparison, the Claw 8 AI+ is readily available to buy now, with a starting RRP of £899/$899.
Features Comparison Table
| MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ | MSI Claw 8 AI+ | |
| The chip | Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 processor |
| Operating system | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Show | 8-inch, FHD+, IPS | 8-inch, FHD+, IPS |
| Memory | Up to 32GB | Up to 32GB |
| I/O Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (DisplayPort™/ Power Delivery 3.0) 1 x microSD Card Reader 1 x Audio Combo Jack |
1x MicroSD Card Reader 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 (DisplayPort™/ Power Delivery 3.0) 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack |
| Battery | 80Wh | 80Wh |
| Size | 296~321 x 130 x 25~48 mm | 299 x 126 x 24 mm |
| Weight | it’s 785g | it’s 795g |
Intel Arc G3 Extreme vs Intel Core Ultra 7 processors
Another main difference between Claw 8 EX AI+ and Claw 8 AI+ is their Intel processor. Claw 8 EX AI+ is the world’s first handheld gaming device equipped with Intel Arc G3 Extreme processors, the first Intel chip designed specifically for handheld gaming.
According to Intel, the Arc G3 Extreme delivers “huge leaps” in graphics performance and enables AAA games – even with extended play times. Not only that, but Intel promises that the chips are optimized for Windows 11 Full-screen Xbox mode as well, which is a great frustration that many have with other Windows-based consoles.
The Claw 8 AI+, on the other hand, is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor. While the Claw managed to achieve surprisingly high benchmark scores, beating the likes of the Steam Deck OLED and the Lenovo Legion Go, we found real-world usage to be hit and miss.
While titles like Rocket League, FC 25 and Firewatch were able to see a steady 60fps, more demanding titles like Horizon Zero Dawn struggled. In fact, we got Kingdom Come Deliverance’s fps down to just 16, and it required us to ditch the graphics settings.
With this in mind, we hope that the Intel Arc G3 Extreme will provide a reliable gaming experience, although we will have to wait until we get our hands on the console to see.
Claw 8 Ex AI Plus sports ergonomics
Another major difference between portable devices is their design. MSI has redesigned the chassis of the Claw 8 Ex AI+ to include ergonomic grips for better comfort during long sessions. In addition, the handle sports refined bumpers and a responsive D-pad for greater precision and control as well.
This is a welcome and promising improvement, as we found that the Claw 8 AI+ can become uncomfortable after prolonged use. Sure, there are ergonomic grips at play here, but we needed to take a break or find something to relax on.
Claw 8 Ex AI Plus promises faster response times
Unlike its predecessor, the Claw 8 EX AI+ is equipped with a new “high-end” linear engine that MSI promises will offer faster response times, refined haptic feedback and improved power efficiency.
That’s not to say we had too many problems with Claw 8 AI Plus’ responsiveness. In fact, we found everything on the handheld to be responsive, especially thanks to the D-pad, shoulder and trigger buttons.
Both are equipped with an 80Whr battery
Although there are many differences between the two, we will direct our attention to the important similarities. Both the Claw 8 EX AI+ and 8 AI+ are equipped with an 80Whr battery.
The fact that MSI hasn’t changed the battery is perhaps not surprising, given how well it performed on the 8 AI+. In fact, we concluded that the handheld offers the best battery life on the market, delivering around three hours and 19 minutes in our PCMark 10 test. Of course, the actual battery life will depend on the game and the settings you’ve enabled, but in general we can’t fault it.
With this in mind, we can expect the Claw 8 EX AI+ to offer similar performance, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Both have eight-inch 120Hz displays
Both Claw 8 phones are equipped with an eight-inch, FHD+, 120Hz IPS panel. We were somewhat disappointed with the decision to stick with an IPS panel as we found dark scenes to struggle on the Claw 8 AI+.
Having said that, overall the Claw 8 AI+ is packed with detail, and delivered rich and vibrant colors. Maybe MSI will unveil an OLED iteration one day, but for now it should suffice.
Preliminary Decision
With an Intel Arc G3 Extreme under its hood, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ looks like a promising upgrade over the Claw 8 AI+. However, since we don’t yet know how much the handset will cost, the question is how much does the Claw 8 EX AI+ cost? indeed it should always be wide.
We’ll be sure to review this in comparison once we review the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+.