New MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ Gaming Handhelds Up For Preorder

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the gaming world has never been more exciting than it is right now! The recent announcement by MSI about their new gaming handhelds, the Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw 7 AI+, has got me buzzing like a kid on Christmas Eve.

MSI has formally unveiled its pair of latest gaming handhelds: the upgraded versions of the MSI Claw 8 AI and the Claw 7 AI, respectively. These devices have been generating buzz for quite a while, and now, their official launch is here. Beyond boasting enhanced specifications compared to the original MSI Claw models, these new editions also undergo aesthetic changes that transform them into more than mere updates.

According to their names, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the MSI Claw 7 each have different screen sizes: the former has an 8-inch display while the latter features a 7-inch one, similar to the original MSI Claw A1M. Now, preorders for both versions of this handheld device are available following the official launch announcement.

MSI Claw 8 AI+, Claw 7 AI+: Design and Specifications

With the AI+ version of the Claw 8, MSI has opted for a dual-tone aesthetic featuring Standstorm and black hues. In contrast, the Claw 7 sports an all-black design reminiscent of the original Claw A1M. Regarding their appearance and screen dimensions, the primary distinctions reside within. However, before delving into those differences, let’s first examine their shared features.

These devices share the Intel Core Ultra 285V processor and Arc 140V graphics card. They come equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen 4 x4 storage. The cooling system, which the company refers to as Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology, utilizes a dual-fan, dual-heat-pipe setup for effective heat dissipation.

This device features two 2W speakers enhanced with DTS sound technology and Hi-Res Audio compatibility. It offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card reader, an audio combo jack, and a power button equipped with a fingerprint sensor. Additionally, it runs on Windows 11 Home and supports 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 charging. The face buttons illuminate, and the joysticks have RGB lighting, although their functionalities differ significantly from one another.

For one of the two options, you’ll find a more expansive screen measuring 8 inches diagonally, boasting an FHD+ (1920×1200) resolution with an aspect ratio of 16:10 and IPS-level touchscreen technology. This display supports a swift refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It offers a typical brightness of 500 nits, variable refresh rate support (VRR), and covers the entire sRGB color gamut. The Claw 7 counterpart features a 7-inch FHD (1920×1080) screen with a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, identical to the Claw A1M.

In a twist, the wireless connectivity varies: The Claw 8 boasts Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth version 5.4, whereas the Claw 7 settles for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Notably, the Claw A1M was equipped with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 as well. Additionally, the product listing on Amazon reveals that the Claw 8 offers a storage capacity of 1TB, while the Claw 7 is provided with 512GB.

Regarding the battery, the Claw 8 AI+ boasts a roomier interior and MSI successfully incorporated an 80Wh battery, expanding only slightly its compact design. On the other hand, the Claw 7 sports a 54.5Wh battery, equivalent to that of the Claw A1M. It’s important to note that the larger battery will support a bigger screen too. However, you can anticipate longer gaming sessions with the Claw 8 AI+.

MSI Claw 8 AI+, Claw 7 AI+: Price and Availability

Pre-order Claw 8 AI+ on Amazon

Pre-order Claw 8 AI+ on Best Buy

Pre-order Claw 7 AI+ on Amazon

Pre-order Claw 7 AI+ on Best Buy

At present, both the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ product listings can be found on Amazon and Best Buy. However, the possibility to place a pre-order for these items is not yet accessible.

The Claw 8 AI+ is priced at $900 while the Claw 7 AI+ comes in at $800. For reference, the Claw A1M launched at a starting price of $700 and went up to $800. The new handhelds are expected to start shipping from December 25, so the listings should be updated soon.

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2024-12-03 22:54