The Verge reviews MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus: powerful but flawed
Sean Hollister’s assessment of the $1,800 device highlights significant software issues and limited availability despite its superior hardware capabilities.
The Verge has published a comprehensive review of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus, a portable gaming PC powered by Intel’s first dedicated handheld processor, Panther Lake. Authored by Sean Hollister, the assessment positions the device as the most powerful and portable Windows handheld currently available, offering superior performance and battery life compared to competitors such as the Steam Deck and Xbox Ally X.
Performance benchmarks indicate the Claw EX delivers approximately 40 per cent more processing power than the Xbox Ally X at 1080p resolution. The device’s 80-watt-hour battery pack demonstrates exceptional efficiency, achieving up to 12 hours of playtime for 2D indie titles like Balatro at 6.5 watts, and extending AAA gaming sessions by an additional hour compared to rival systems.
Despite these hardware milestones, the review identifies critical software and driver instability issues. Users have reported game freezes, system hangs, and graphical corruption in titles such as Expedition 33 and Returnal. Additionally, performance degrades significantly when the battery charge falls below 15 per cent, forcing the chip into a lower 15W power mode that does not immediately restore upon recharging.
The handheld is priced at $1,800 USD, with MSI indicating limited supply availability in the US for the current month. The reviewer concludes that the high cost, combined with unresolved technical problems and driver conflicts, makes the device a poor purchase recommendation despite its potential to redefine portable gaming.
The device weighs 1.73 pounds and features an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 48-120Hz VRR screen. While the ergonomic design and screen resolution are praised, the review notes that the glossy display suffers from glare and the cooling fan can be loud during intensive use.
