At a recent event hosted by Intel for the launch of Lunar Lake, MSI showcased their latest innovation in the form of the MSI Claw 8. This handheld gaming PC is the second model in the Claw series and boasts several improvements over its predecessor. With a larger battery and screen size, the MSI Claw 8 caught the attention of many tech enthusiasts, including myself.
The MSI Claw 8 features an 8-inch screen, which not only gives it its name but also enhances the gaming experience. During my hands-on test with the device, I played a game called Hi-Fi Rush. While I struggled initially due to the loud environment of the event, the game ran smoothly on the Lunar Lake machine. The new Xe2 GPU showcased its capabilities by keeping up with the demands of the game. Damien Triolet, the director of GPU technical marketing at MSI, highlighted the scalability of the Xe2 GPU, emphasizing its efficiency in low-power settings.
One significant improvement in the MSI Claw 8 is the upgraded battery capacity of 80 Whr, a considerable jump from the 53 Whr battery in the previous model, Claw 7. This increase in battery size puts the Claw 8 on par with competitors like the ROG Ally X, ensuring longer gaming sessions without interruption. The device is powered by the new Core Ultra 200V-series Lunar Lake chip, promising enhanced performance and efficiency.
MSI is planning to release the Claw 8 in January, and tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting its arrival. With promises of improved GPU performance and power efficiency, the Claw 8 aims to stand out in the handheld gaming PC market. While the design of the device may undergo some changes before its official release, the current model already demonstrates a well-balanced design with easy access to buttons and additional macro paddles on the rear.
The MSI Claw 8 represents the future of handheld gaming PCs with its impressive hardware upgrades and enhanced performance capabilities. As the release date approaches, it will be interesting to see how the Claw 8 fares in benchmark tests and whether it can outshine its competitors in the market. Gaming enthusiasts should keep an eye out for the MSI Claw 8 and its potential to revolutionize the handheld gaming experience.