MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus previewed with Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip

The Verge has previewed the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus, a next-generation handheld gaming PC driven by Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme chip. Scheduled for launch on June 23, the device carries a target price of $1,500, positioning it as a premium offering in the portable gaming market. The hardware features an 80-watt-hour battery, Hall effect joysticks, and an 8-inch 120Hz variable refresh rate screen.

Intel claims the Arc G3 Extreme chip delivers superior efficiency, offering performance comparable to AMD’s flagship Z2 Extreme chip at half the wattage. Alternatively, the chip can deliver 42 per cent faster performance at the same power level. In testing, the device achieved 60-73 frames per second in Forza Horizon 6 at 1200p resolution while consuming 43 watts of system power.

During a two-hour session, the reviewer noted the device retained 29 per cent battery life. The hardware consumed 43 watts to achieve these results, compared to the Xbox Ally X which consumed closer to 50 watts in its 35W turbo mode. Previous-generation testing on the Lunar Lake MSI Claw yielded 40-45 fps, while the Xbox Ally X provided approximately 50 fps for the same title.

The reviewer described the controls as serviceable but noted the 8-way D-pad is very clicky, bumpers feel hollow, and sticks and triggers have a slightly cheap feel. Despite these build quality concerns, the device was praised for its weight balance and textured grips.

The $1,500 price point represents a 50 per cent increase over the $1,000 Xbox Ally X. The reviewer noted this pricing strategy may impact consumer reception, given the 42 per cent performance gain does not fully offset the cost differential for some users.