MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ could bring a major comfort upgrade to MSI’s next handheld gaming PC
MSI appears to be preparing a refreshed 8-inch handheld gaming device, and the upcoming Claw 8 EX AI+ could be one of the company’s most important portable gaming releases yet. The biggest visible change is its redesigned grip area, which looks far more sculpted than previous MSI Claw models.
The new controller grips appear to follow the more ergonomic style seen on recent handheld gaming PCs, giving the device a fuller, more comfortable shape for longer play sessions. This could be a welcome improvement, as earlier 8-inch MSI handhelds were often seen as less comfortable to hold compared with some competing devices.
Another noticeable design update is the placement of the front-facing speakers. MSI seems to have repositioned them, which may help improve the overall audio experience while gaming. Despite these changes, the Claw 8 EX AI+ is expected to keep a familiar control layout, meaning existing MSI Claw users should feel at home with the button arrangement.
In terms of display, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is rumored to use the same 8-inch IPS screen found in the Claw AI+ 8 and Claw A8. That would mean a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for fast-paced games, cloud gaming, and everyday media use. The taller 16:10 aspect ratio should also offer a little more vertical space compared with standard 16:9 screens.
The hardware could be where things get especially interesting. Recent information suggests the handheld may feature 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a large 80 Wh battery. If accurate, that would give the Claw 8 EX AI+ strong multitasking capability, plenty of storage for modern PC games, and potentially better battery life than many compact handheld gaming systems.
The device is also expected to use Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme processor. This chip could place the Claw 8 EX AI+ as a premium handheld gaming PC, especially if it delivers a noticeable performance jump over earlier MSI Claw models. However, that upgraded hardware may come at a high price. Current expectations suggest pricing could reach around €1,599, including taxes, which is roughly $1,550.
MSI is currently expected to fully reveal the Claw 8 EX AI+ during Computex 2026 in Taipei, scheduled to take place from June 2 to June 5. If the leaks prove accurate, the new handheld could offer a stronger mix of performance, display quality, battery capacity, and improved ergonomics, making it a device to watch in the growing handheld gaming PC market.
