MSI Claw EX Signals Performance Shift in Handheld Market

The release of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus marks a significant leap in portable gaming power, though it arrives with a steep cost. As The Verge first reported, the device is the first Windows handheld to reliably handle sleep and wake functions, allowing users to resume games instantly similar to the Steam Deck experience.

Equipped with a next-gen Intel Panther Lake chip, the Claw EX demonstrates a substantial performance increase over previous hardware. According to tests conducted by The Verge, the device delivers roughly 40% more performance at 1080p than the Xbox Ally X, which utilizes the AMD Z2 Extreme chip. In titles such as *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Forza Horizon 6*, this power allows for native resolution gameplay where other handhelds often struggle.

Despite the hardware gains, the device faces significant market hurdles. MSI representative Anne Lee told The Verge that U.S. supply will be limited starting this month, with the device retailing for $1,799 at vendors including Best Buy, Newegg, and B&H.

While the hardware is a milestone, The Verge notes that "many Windows annoyances remain," suggesting that raw specs are no longer the primary differentiator. The device features an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 VRR screen and drift-resistant magnetic joysticks, but it is hampered by a high price point and occasional graphical issues in certain games.