(Credit: Dillon Lopez)
TAIPEI—Just before Computex 2026 kicked off this week, Intel announced its new Arc G-Series processors designed specifically for gaming handhelds. But the show floor was our first opportunity to see the devices running these chips in person, including MSI’s new Claw 8 EX AI+.
I was able to go hands-on with the new Claw just as Computex kicked off here in Taipei, and it may be the new handheld to beat. The other flagship Windows handheld is Acer’s Predator Atlas 8, which is a new product altogether. While the two share plenty of similarities, MSI’s consistent iteration in this arena may give the company the edge.
While exact pricing is still being nailed down, hang on to your hat: I was told the estimated price will land somewhere around $1,500 when it launches on June 23. Prices for all computers, including this variety, have leapt upward in current market conditions and the ongoing RAM crisis. Even the once-affordable Steam Deck’s new price is way up, and MSI's versions is a premium Windows-based option.
Though the G Series chip’s performance will ultimately make or break the new Claw, it’s not the only fresh update. Several design and feature changes have joined the new silicon, and some are more obvious than others, so let’s break it all down.
Welcoming the Arc G3 Extreme With a Little Battlefield 6
As mentioned, the new Arc chips were unveiled shortly before Computex this year; you can check out our previous Arc G-Series coverage for the finer details, but there are a couple of important things to know that impact the Claw.
(Credit: Dillon Lopez)First, the G Series processors were developed specifically for gaming handhelds, so the specs and features are targeted at devices like the Claw. Second, Intel launched two processors in this family, the G3 and the G3 Extreme, but MSI is only running the higher-end G3 Extreme in the updated Claw.
(Credit: Matthew Buzzi)This chip features two high-performance cores, eight Efficient cores, and four low-power Efficient cores. Crucially for gaming, it also includes 12 Xe graphics cores as part of its Arc B390 integrated GPU; the same used in Intel’s Panther Lake platform.
The G3 Extreme should lead to notably improved performance over past AMD Ryzen Z2- and Intel Lunar Lake-based handhelds, but I don’t want to overpromise at this time. (See my review of the previous Claw 8 AI+, which runs on Lunar Lake, for an idea of performance. It will remain on sale as a more affordable option.) I had a limited opportunity to play a few titles at the press event at Computex, not full benchmarks at a range of settings.
(Credit: Matthew Buzzi)I played Battlefield 6 on medium settings (output to a TV) without the aid of XeSS, and the visible frame rate tracker settled around the 50fps mark. With XeSS active, frame rates soared into the high hundreds, even on a higher visual preset.
(Credit: Dillon Lopez)Similarly, I played some F1 2025 (directly on the Claw’s full HD display this time) without XeSS on maximum settings, and frame rates settled around 40fps; medium quality ran much better, averaging around 60fps. Don’t take these results are hard science given the crowded press room with limited time to engage with all visual settings, but it should give you an idea of performance.
(Credit: Dillon Lopez)While there is some visual degradation associated with XeSS, and many gamers don’t love upscaling techniques in principle, concessions should be expected in handheld gaming. You’ll likely have to choose between visual quality and higher frame rates, and you may end up prioritizing smooth frame rates with XeSS active. It’s certainly a boon to at least have the option, and it makes a whole range of more visually demanding titles possible. Stay tuned for more concrete testing conclusions in our full review.
A More Comfortable Claw
Besides the new processor, the Claw 8 EX AI+ is the same as the previous Claw 8 in a lot of ways, but there are physical and feature enhancements. One you’ll notice immediately: an all-new “void purple” color, which is the only option. It may not be what I would’ve chosen, but there’s a nice metallic sheen in the right lighting, and I don’t hate it.
(Credit: Dillon Lopez)One of the most visible changes is to the handles, which have been redesigned for more comfortable ergonomics. The previous Claw was fairly squared-off around the hand rests, which didn’t form nicely into your palm. These handles have been based heavily on the Xbox control, and flare outward to better meet your grip.
I immediately found it more comfortable, even if the Claw 8 EX AI+ is still fairly large overall. Without big hands, it’s still a bit of a reach to constantly go for the triggers and shoulder buttons, but considering the Claw’s overall size, it’s comfortable enough. This new model is also slightly lighter than the previous version.
(Credit: Matthew Buzzi)With the new handle shape, the screen juts out a bit at the bottom, but it’s the same panel as before: an 8-inch full HD screen with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz.
Some Subtle Feature Upgrades, Too
While the fresh color and reshaped handles are clear to see, the new Claw touts less obvious enhancements. MSI upgraded to beloved magnet-based Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, which deliver smoother feeling inputs. The bumpers have been reworked, and the D-pad is more responsive as well, with a new dome beneath for more tactile feedback.
(Credit: Dillon Lopez)Finally, MSI developed a new linear motor for superior haptic feedback. It should be quieter, consume less power, and deliver more nuanced vibration depending on context.
One thing I will add: MSI should reconsider the naming convention here. Claw is a fine brand name for a handheld, but increasingly tacking on acronyms is becoming cumbersome. EX is a reference to the G3 “Extreme”, but that is not especially self evident, nor does it make for a catchy name.
(Credit: Matthew Buzzi)AI, also in the name, is hardly a focus here, and appending it seems like an unnecessary marketing play (and may even actively turn off some gamers). Finally, in this category, “8” can come off more as the model iteration (like phones) rather than actually what it signifies, which is the screen size. Something more memorable with fewer acronyms would go a long way.
Can Anyone Afford the New Claw?
I didn’t have an opportunity to formally gauge the performance or finer feature changes, but more development has gone into the latest Claw than it may appear. That said, the price is still a lot to ask from consumers. Virtually all computers and devices have risen in cost due to market conditions, and the Intel Arc G3 chips aren’t cheap. While this is hardly purely a decision of MSI’s own making, we can only judge what’s in front of us.
(Credit: Matthew Buzzi)A price tag of $1,500 is approaching potent gaming PC range, and several times the cost of a dedicated game console. The handheld form factor and portability have to be very important to you to justify it, as you can get more power elsewhere. With the higher Steam Deck model—running older hardware and dodging the cost of Windows—itself nearing $1,000, it’s not a surprise, but it's still tough to swallow. This is could be a nonstarter for many gamers.
Even if you are considering the new Claw at this price, you won’t want to commit before you have a better sense of performance. We will bring you a full testing rundown with gaming and battery life benchmarks when units become available, so check back for more leading into its June 23 release date.