Watch out, Valve: MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ could blow the Steam Deck away

• The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ makes use of the new Intel Arc G3 APU, amongst the first gaming handhelds to make use of this chip, equally to the not too long ago unveiled Acer Predator Atlas 8
• This new Intel Arc B370-powered iGPU options assist for Multi-Body Technology by way of XeSS 3, permitting the {hardware} to achieve larger framerates
• Ergonomically, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has taken cues from the Asus ROG Ally X with its new gamepad-style grips, that includes Corridor Impact sticks and RGB lighting

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has been introduced at Computex 2026, billed as the “world’s first gaming handheld” to be powered by the Intel Arc G3 processor. It’s joined by not too long ago introduced opponents, reminiscent of the Acer Predator Atlas 8, in main the cost for the subsequent technology of cell gaming {hardware}.

This third-generation MSI Claw gaming handheld options Intel XeSS 3 Multi-Body Technology, enabled by the newest Intel Arc iGPU normal. Particularly, the Arc G3 is constructed on the B390 die, with 12 Xe cores, and as much as a 30W TDP vary.

The ergonomics have additionally drastically modified for the upcoming MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ when in comparison with the previous-generation MSI Claw 8 AI+ and MSI Claw A1M. The Taiwanese firm has taken notes from the Asus ROG Ally Xbox X with its new controller-style grips, Corridor-effect sticks and triggers, in addition to a revised D-pad, too.

Xbox Mode appears to be immediately rivalling what’s featured in its competitors. Simply as with the Xbox Sequence X and Xbox Sequence S, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ will function fast resume performance and on-the-fly changes with the press of a button, and it goals to be as unintrusive as potential when dialing in your settings.

Additionally new to the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the addition of haptic motors for vibration when enjoying. It is described as a “high-end linear motor” that is mentioned to simulate “tactical textures” in an analogous vein to what the PS5’s DualSense Wi-fi Controller can do. It seems to be a large improve of the weaker rumble function present in the two previous-generation fashions.

As a substitute of choosing the identical regular black or grey colorway of its contemporaries, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ contains a purple aesthetic, with pink face buttons, RGB lighting round the sticks, and that very same stable 120Hz 8-inch VRR show in the heart. At a time when the finest handheld gaming PCs are iterating on the identical design traits from 4 years in the past, it is good to see a level of innovation carried out right here.

How does the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ examine to its predecessors?

How could the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ fare in the 2026 handheld market?

The meteoric rise of Valve’s Steam Deck 4 years in the past set into movement a path that might see dozens of various, remarkably comparable handhelds hit the market. The vast majority of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+’s opponents are utilizing both the AMD Z2 Excessive or the older Z1 Excessive, with lesser-known manufacturers going all in with Intel. We have seen this with the OneXPlayer X1 and AOKZOE A2 Extremely, each using the older Intel Core 7 Extremely 155H, and 140V Arc built-in graphics.

As touched upon above, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is amongst the first gaming handhelds to make use of the newly unveiled Intel Arc G3 chipset, though it isn’t the first to be introduced to market.

The Acer Predator Atlas 8 seems to be just like what’s on provide from MSI. It options the identical Intel Arc G3 processor, XeSS 3 Multi-Body Technology, 80 Whr battery, 120Hz show, and Xbox controller-style ergonomics as nicely. It is by no means a foul factor to have too many choices as a shopper, so time will inform which of those units is superior and if they’ve what it takes to dethrone the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.

Essentially, the implementation of the vastly extra succesful B390 die ensures that your video games will look higher and play smoother than earlier than. That is purely as a consequence of true MFG, and XeSS’ upscaling tech has caught up massively to what AMD FSR and Nvidia DLSS can do in the final two years, as the transition from Alchemist to Battlemage structure has been actually evening and day when it comes to efficiency. We’ll have extra to share after we go hands-on with the machine to ship a correct verdict.

• Take a look at our Computex 2026 hub for all the newest information out of Taipei.

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