More and more handheld gaming PCs are entering the market, making it increasingly difficult for each new device to stand out from the crowd.
But standing out may never be a problem for the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+. While other handhelds try to strike a balance between form, performance, and price, MSI takes a different approach: go all out and deliver a no-compromise gaming experience.
Here are the top five features of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ that make it one of the most powerful Windows handhelds currently on the market.
Intel Arc G3 Extreme and HyperFlow Cooling: Built for high-performance gaming on the go
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the world’s first handheld gaming device powered by Intel® Arc™ G3 Extreme, one of Intel’s most powerful chips for handheld gaming PCs. It packs up to 14 cores and 12 Xe cores, while delivering up to 46 TOPS of NPU power for AI tasks.
It is paired with a generous 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, which is also conveniently user-upgradable.
The chip is complemented by a beefy Intel Arc B390 GPU and Intel XeSS 3 Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) technology, which supports more than 90 titles. Using AI technology, it helps improve frame rates in your favorite AAA games.
But enough talk. The real question is: how much performance does all that hardware actually deliver?
According to MSI, the Claw 8 EX AI+ delivers more than 50% higher FPS compared to the previous generation. In testing (1200p / Medium / XeSS 3 + MFG), it achieved up to 161% higher frames in Battlefield 6, 72% in Hogwarts Legacy, and 66% in F1 25.
All that performance is paired with MSI’s exclusive Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology, allowing you to game for hours while helping prevent throttling and frame drops.
The cooling system consists of two active fans and two large heat pipes, improving cooling capacity by +5W, airflow by +9%, and static pressure by +25%. It also features an advanced interflow thermal design that redirects some of the airflow to help cool the internal components.
High frame rates on AAA games? Laptop-like cooling? Talk about no compromise.
Xbox Mode and Center M: Console-style controls meet Windows freedom
To complement its powerful hardware, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ runs on Windows 11 Home, allowing it to run games from virtually any major PC gaming platform, including Xbox PC Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, and more.
And considering how powerful this machine is, it can handle a wide range of games from different sources without breaking a sweat. Talk about flexibility.
To make better use of its hardware and form factor, the Claw 8 EX AI+ features a full Xbox Mode designed specifically for controller-based gaming. It also collates and organizes your games, wherever they come from, giving you quick and convenient access to your library.
Tying everything together is MSI Center M, an intuitive software interface that lets you quickly access your game library, network settings, software updates, and more.
It also features upgraded Quick Settings based on the Xbox Game Bar, allowing you to instantly switch between performance modes, adjust brightness and screen resolution, take screenshots, monitor real-time hardware usage, and more.
That intuitive interface is complemented by an ergonomic design and upgraded controls. In many ways, it feels like an Xbox Wireless Controller with an 8-inch touchscreen in the middle.
The Claw 8 EX AI+ is equipped with an updated D-pad featuring a metal dome for better tactility and precision. The A/B/X/Y buttons also feature rounded edges for improved comfort, while upgraded vibration motors and a new signal conversion engine deliver stronger and more precise vibrations.
You also get Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers, which are now up to four times more durable.
Whether you’re a techie or not, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ doesn’t judge. As long as you love gaming, it’s designed to make the experience as accessible and enjoyable as possible.
Everything you need for an immersive gaming experience
Beyond processing power, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ packs the right hardware to deliver an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.
It features a large 8-inch FHD+ IPS touchscreen with a sharp 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution and a 48–120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR). Its wide 16:10 aspect ratio provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially during dramatic cutscenes.
But visuals are only part of the experience. Audio also plays a crucial role in making games more immersive. The Claw 8 EX AI+ is equipped with two 2W speakers, while those looking for a more powerful audio experience can connect an external audio source, with support backed by the device’s Hi-Res Audio and DTS certifications.
More than a gaming handheld: Your PC on the go
As previously mentioned, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ runs on Windows 11 Home. That means that, apart from gaming, the device can also handle work and school tasks just like a traditional Windows machine.
The Claw 8 EX AI+ is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for DisplayPort and Power Delivery 3.0. This allows you to connect the device to a larger monitor. Pair it with a wireless keyboard and mouse through its modern Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, and you can use it much like a Windows PC.
This setup allows you to transfer files, write documents, and even handle photo and video editing. It is also equipped with the latest Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, giving you fast and reliable wireless connectivity for both work and play.
Now, talk about a device that does it all.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is particularly appealing to adult gamers juggling their professional lives with their passion for gaming, as well as students looking for a versatile machine that can handle both productivity and entertainment.
More gaming time, less time plugged in
Owning a portable gaming machine is less appealing if you constantly need to stay tethered to a wall outlet.
That’s why the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ comes equipped with a large 80Wh battery, providing enough capacity for up to 5+ hours of gameplay in Endurance Mode.
Whether you’re on a medium- to long-haul flight, stuck in traffic, or waiting for your car to be serviced, you can comfortably kill time with the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ — even if you left the charger at home.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is easily one of the most feature-packed Windows handheld gaming PCs on the market, and possibly one of the most powerful. From its Intel Arc G3 Extreme platform and advanced cooling system to its console-like controls, versatile Windows experience, and large battery, it is designed to deliver a no-compromise PC gaming experience wherever you go.
For gamers who want the flexibility of a handheld without giving up the capabilities of a full-fledged Windows PC, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ makes a compelling case.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is available nationwide for Php102,995 and comes with a free Travel Case III, Grip Caps, tempered glass screen protector, and keychain.