MSI Unveils Next-Gen Handhelds

MSI has just unveiled its latest entry into the handheld gaming arena with the highly anticipated Lunar Lake-powered MSI Claw 7 AI Plus and MSI Claw 8 AI Plus. These innovative Windows-based handhelds are equipped with a robust 32GB of RAM and come loaded with larger batteries compared to their predecessors. Mark your calendars for the release date on December 25th, as preorders are already open, with the Claw 7 starting at $799 and the Claw 8 at $899.

Improvements Over Original Model

The original MSI Claw, released in the spring, faced criticism regarding its battery life and performance in a review by Sean Hollister from The Verge. Acknowledging these concerns, MSI has made substantial upgrades. The Claw 8 boasts an impressive 80-watt-hour battery, a significant improvement over the original model's 53 watt-hours. Meanwhile, the Claw 7 sees a modest upgrade to a 54.5 watt-hour battery. Additionally, the Claw 8 features an easy-access SSD storage slot, a convenience that the Claw 7 lacks.

Display and Performance Boosts

Both handhelds come with eye-catching 120Hz variable refresh rate LCD displays, but the Claw 8 takes the edge with its larger 8-inch screen and higher resolution of 1920 x 1200, compared to the Claw 7's 7-inch display at 1920 x 1080. Regarding performance, MSI claims that these new devices will achieve a peak FPS increase of 113% and an average FPS boost of 20% over rival handhelds under identical power conditions. While MSI hasn’t specified the competition, it’s worth noting that the previous model struggled against popular devices such as the Steam Deck OLED, Asus ROG Ally Z1E, and Lenovo Legion Go.

Design Enhancements

Moreover, MSI has implemented several enhancements across both models, including redesigned Hall effect sticks, triggers, and improved bumpers and D-pad. Each device now includes a second Thunderbolt 4 port, complementing its existing array of I/O ports, which also features an audio jack and a microSD card reader.

Conclusion

With these impressive upgrades, the MSI Claw 7 and Claw 8 are poised to challenge the competition in the handheld gaming market. Will they stand up against the likes of the Steam Deck and others? Only time will tell! Get ready to level up your gaming experience this holiday season!