Two new handheld gaming PCs have simply been introduced at IFA 2024: MSI’s Claw 8 AI+ and Acer’s Nitro Blaze 7.
Whereas the Nitro Blaze 7 is Acer’s first foray into the hand-held gaming PC market, the Claw 8 AI+ is the successor to the MSI Claw which launched earlier this yr.
We’ve in contrast the preliminary specs of the handhelds under, so that you see the important thing variations and any similarities between the 2.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ | Acer Nitro Blaze 7 | |
UK RRP | N/A | N/A |
USA RRP | N/A | N/A |
Producer | MSI | Acer |
Display screen Measurement | 8-inch | 7-inch |
Processor | Intel Core Extremely 200V | AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS |
Battery | 80Wh | 50.04Wh |
Working System | Home windows 11 | Home windows 11 |
Launch Date | 2025 | N/A |
Value
Actual pricing and availability for the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is but to be confirmed, with MSI stating that the gaming handheld will be part of the Claw sequence “initially of 2025.”
Equally on the time of writing the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 has not but confirmed particular market availability or pricing.
Intel Core Extremely Collection 2 vs AMD Ryzen 7 processors
The 2 handhelds will run on completely different processors, with the Claw 8 AI+ sporting the Intel Core Extremely 200V (Collection 2) whereas the Nitro Blaze 7 will use AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS.
Boasting 39 whole AI TOPS and Ryzen AI expertise, the AMD Ryzen 7 cell processor gives optimised effectivity, efficiency and responsiveness with assist for on-device AI-powered capabilities.
The brand new Intel Core Extremely 200V, code-named Lunar Lake, can also be designed to supply an enhanced AI expertise, distinctive core efficiency and breakthrough energy effectivity. The Claw 8 AI+ is the primary handheld to function the brand new Intel Core Extremely processor, with MSI promising it’ll supply customers “a next-level gaming expertise to be loved anyplace, anytime.”
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has a bigger display
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ boasts a big 8-inch show whereas the Nitro Blaze 7 has only a 7-inch display.
Screens apart, each handhelds have two Thunderbolt ports (which is an improve from the MSI Claw which solely had one) and a microSD card slot. MSI additionally claims to have “actively listened to person suggestions” and upgraded {hardware} specs accordingly, akin to enhancing the tactile really feel of the LB/RB buttons.
Each run on Home windows 11
Each the Claw 8 AI+ and Nitro Blaze 7 run on the Home windows 11 working system which implies it is best to have entry to most PC shops and apps akin to Steam, Sport Cross and Epic Video games.
The Nitro Blaze 7 additionally options the brand new Acer Sport Area software which helps the addition of video games from a number of platforms, permitting customers to simply navigate by its library.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ ought to have a bigger battery
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is predicted to make use of an 80Wh battery which isn’t simply an enormous improve from its predecessor’s 53Wh cell however is considerably bigger than the Nitro Blaze 7’s 50.04Wh.
Whereas the Nitro Blaze 7 is firmly set amongst related handheld gaming PCs, such because the 4.5-star rated Steam Deck OLED, the Claw 8 AI+’s battery means it’ll be manner forward of the competitors. On the time of writing, we don’t know what number of hours of life the 80wh battery will lead to.
The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 comes with three months of Sport Cross
Because it’s appropriate with mainstream gaming platforms, the Nitro Blaze 7 comes geared up with three months of PC Sport Cross at no additional price, which permits you entry to a whole lot of high-quality PC video games.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ comes with one month freed from both Xbox or PC Sport Cross. The 2 are pretty related, though some may argue that the latter is extra versatile.
Early Verdict
As we haven’t examined both gadget but, nor do we have now the complete specs of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ or the pricing particulars of both, it’s tough to find out which one might be a greater choice.
Contemplating the Claw 8 AI+ is MSI’s second try at a handheld gaming PC, we predict to see a extra superb tuned and spectacular gadget. Because it’s the primary handheld to run on the Intel Core Extremely Collection 2 processor, we hope this may imply quick speeds and higher energy effectivity, particularly as that is paired with an 80Wh battery.