When MSI handed me the Claw 8 AI+ with Black Myth: Wukong open, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Having logged 80 hours on a full desktop equipped with an RTX 4090, I was well aware of the game’s demanding nature. Playing such a high-intensity title on a handheld seemed far-fetched.
Clicking on Continue, I started at the Pool of Shattered Jade rest point—the best spot for farming; if you’re familiar with the game, you know what I mean. I rushed toward the cocoons scattered around the area, activated my spirit ability, and dashed back. Amid the low light of a New York City bar, my farming routine was on repeat. I had plenty of experience harvesting in the game.
That’s when it struck me—I was completely immersed in Black Myth: Wukong, completely forgetting that I was playing on a handheld device. Sure, the graphics weren’t flawless, and the frame rate wasn’t a steady 60 fps, but here I was, tackling one of the year’s most demanding games on something portable enough to have stowed in my carry-on.
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However, let’s keep things in perspective. The original MSI Claw, which I rated a dismal 5/10, had its fair share of issues. In my earlier review, I stated that it “isn’t worth your time and certainly isn’t worth your money.” It was pricier than its competitors and delivered inconsistent performance—a total disaster.
But the MSI Claw 8 AI+ aims to reclaim its place in the handheld gaming world, thanks to Intel’s latest Lunar Lake chip. Just on the basis of the new chip, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a glimmer of hope.
With this new model, MSI is clearly competing against the Asus ROG Ally X. It features the Core Ultra 258V chip, 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM (as the Lunar Lake is a system-on-a-chip, 24GB isn’t an option), an 8-inch 1200p display, Hall Effect joysticks, an 80Wh battery, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and Wi-Fi 7. On paper, it seems like the Claw 8 AI+ outperforms the ROG Ally X in nearly every respect.
MSI also claims it surpasses the ROG Ally X in performance. In its 17W mode, it allegedly offers 20% greater average performance, and with MSI’s dynamic AI Engine settings, it boasts a 28% increase. Impressively, MSI asserts that it delivers 7% more performance at 17W compared to the ROG Ally X at 30W, along with 44% longer battery life.
While these claims are bold, we’ve seen MSI make grand statements before. I’m reserving judgment until the handheld actually arrives, and I recommend you do the same. The original MSI Claw often consumed more power while providing less performance compared to the initial ROG Ally, meaning MSI has significant work ahead of it.
Nevertheless, being able to play a portion of Black Myth: Wukong is impressive. It may not be enough to earn a full-fledged endorsement, but it certainly piqued my interest. I truly hope MSI’s performance claims hold true once the device is officially available.
MSI is releasing two versions of the handheld: the Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+. The latter retains the original Claw’s design but features the internals of the Claw 8 AI+. Priced at $899 and $799 respectively, MSI needs to not only match Asus’s offerings with the ROG Ally X but also exceed them given the higher price tags.
What concerns me is the release strategy. Both handhelds are currently available for preorder, with an official sale date set for December 26. MSI has informed me that no reviews will be released on launch day. Like the original Claw, this handheld will hit the shelves without a review program for media outlets.
This means that initial feedback will come solely from consumers taking a chance with their own funds—a potential red flag in tech product launches. If you’re considering the Claw 8 AI+, I suggest waiting for a while after its release to see insights from independent reviewers before making a decision.
