MSI has simply introduced the Claw 8 AI+, its new handheld gaming PC, and we’re eager to see the way it compares to certainly one of our favorite alternate options, the Asus Rog Ally X.
After a strong first enterprise into handheld gaming consoles with the Rog Ally, Asus particularly impressed us the second time spherical with the Rog Ally X, which we awarded with a near-perfect 4.5-star ranking.
Very similar to the Rog Ally X, the Claw 8 AI+ is MSI’s second try at a handheld gaming PC with the model promising it has actively listened to person suggestions to make the mandatory upgrades.
Though we haven’t reviewed the brand new MSI Claw 8 AI+ but, we’ve in contrast the preliminary specs to the Rog Ally X and highlighted the important thing variations under.
| MSI Claw 8 AI+ | Asus Rog Ally X | |
| UK RRP | N/A | £799 |
| USA RRP | N/A | $799 |
| Producer | MSI | ASUS |
| Display Measurement | Eight-inches | Seven-inches |
| Weight | N/A | 678g |
| Working System | Home windows 11 | Home windows 11 |
| Battery | 80Whr | 80Whr |
| Launch Date | 2025 anticipated | 2024 |
Value
On the time of writing, the MSI Claw 8 AI+’s pricing and availability is but to be confirmed. MSI talked about solely that the Claw 8 AI+ needs to be accessible “at the start of 2025.”
Obtainable now, having launched earlier this yr, the Rog Ally X has an RRP of £799/$799.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has a bigger display screen
At a strong 8-inches, the Claw 8 AI+’s display screen shouldn’t be solely bigger than the Rog Ally X nevertheless it’s additionally greater than its predecessor, as each the Rog Ally X and MSI Claw are 7-inches.
It’s value noting {that a} greater display screen doesn’t essentially imply higher. Though a bigger show affords more room for gaming, a smaller machine is extra moveable and simpler to ferry round on commutes or whereas travelling.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ runs on an Intel Core Extremely 200V processor
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the world’s first Home windows 11 handheld gaming PC to run on the Intel Core Extremely 200V (Sequence 2) processor. Code-named Lunar Lake, the Intel Core Extremely 200V helps AI and boasts higher vitality effectivity.
In the meantime, the Asus Rog Ally X runs on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor. Unchanged from its predecessor, the chipset is constructed on the newest Zen 4 structure with 8 cores and 16 threads, and is built-in with RDNA 3 graphics too.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has two Thunderbolt ports
One of many greatest points with the unique MSI Claw and Asus Rog Ally was the shortage of connectivity ports, with the previous sporting only one Thunderbolt 4-supported USB and the latter missing one altogether.
The Rog Ally X now features a much-appreciated Thunderbolt-4 supported USB 4 port alongside a USB 3.2 port, whereas the MSI Claw 8 AI+ boasts two Thunderbolt 4-supported USB-C ports.
Each handhelds additionally embody a microSD card reader too, for expandable storage.
The Asus Rog Ally X has a tweaked design
Reasonably than an entire revamp, Asus tweaked the design of the newer Rog Ally X to assist it really feel extra snug to carry and use for prolonged gaming durations. It nonetheless consists of the identical controls as its predecessor, just like the Xbox fashion ABXY buttons and LED-backed analogue sticks, however these have been moved barely to enhance reachability.
There’s additionally extra curvature to the rear triggers which lengthen out for a taller and wider footprint.
The Claw 8 AI+ additionally sees {hardware} enhancements, with MSI explaining it has enhanced the tactile really feel of the LB/RB buttons.
The Asus Rog Ally X comes with three months of Recreation Cross
MSI guarantees that after the official launch of the Claw 8 AI+, all consoles will come geared up with a one-month free trial of Xbox Recreation Cross, permitting customers entry to an expansive library of video games.
Though a beneficiant supply, the Rog Ally X surpasses this with three months of Xbox Recreation Cross Final without charge. Xbox Recreation Cross Final affords all the advantages of Recreation Cross however with further advantages equivalent to further video games and unique reductions.
Early Verdict
Though we haven’t reviewed the MSI Claw 8 AI+ but, the upgrades from its predecessor make it a promising handheld gaming PC. Not solely does it boast a big eight-inch show nevertheless it’s the primary Home windows 11 handheld to run on the brand new Intel Core Extremely 200V processor.
Having mentioned that, as we have now reviewed the Asus Rog Ally X we will confidently say that it’s a unbelievable handheld console. Not solely does it characteristic a speedy AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor however we will additionally affirm it feels snug within the hand.