Key highlights
- Intel® Arc™ G3 Extreme processor with Intel® Arc™ B390 graphics
- Intel® Arc™ B390 graphics
- 8-inch 120Hz display with VRR, 1920 x 1200 16:10 panel rated at 500 nits and 100% sRGB
- 80Wh battery
- Xbox and PC Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, other PC storefronts
A gaming PC usually comes with a desk, monitor, keyboard and mouse. A console comes with a TV and a controller. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ sits somewhere in between, giving gamers a Windows PC they can hold in their hands while still leaving plenty of room to use it like a conventional computer.
That flexibility is perhaps the most interesting thing about the Claw 8 EX AI+. It isn’t limited to one way of playing. You can use it as a handheld on the couch, connect it to a larger monitor when you want a more familiar setup, or bring it along when you’re away from home.
For Filipino gamers who have games spread across different platforms, that also means less switching between devices.
What games can you play on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?
One of the biggest advantages of the Claw 8 EX AI+ is access to the wider Windows gaming ecosystem. Players can access games through Xbox and PC Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, and other PC gaming platforms and storefronts, giving the handheld a much broader library than a traditional console tied to a single platform.
MSI’s Xbox Mode also makes the Windows experience more approachable for controller-focused gamers. Instead of navigating a desktop interface every time you want to play, the device can boot directly into a controller-friendly environment designed around gaming.
The updated Quick Settings interface provides fast access to commonly used controls without completely taking over the display. For gamers who simply want to pick up the device and start playing, that’s a meaningful convenience.
And the options don’t stop with Windows games. MSI’s App Player also lets the Claw 8 EX AI+ run Android mobile games, giving users another category of titles to explore.
Take it beyond the handheld
The Claw 8 EX AI+ doesn’t have to stay in your hands. Its two Thunderbolt 4 ports let you connect it to an external display and other peripherals.
Plug in a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and the same device can become a more conventional Windows setup. That could be useful for someone who wants one machine for both gaming and everyday tasks instead of maintaining separate devices.
It’s also a practical option when you want a bigger screen for certain games. The handheld itself has an 8-inch 16:10 display, but connecting to an external monitor gives you more flexibility when you’re at home.
How powerful Is the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ for gaming?
The Claw 8 EX AI+ is powered by the Intel® Arc™ G3 Extreme processor with Intel® Arc™ B390 graphics MSI says it delivers more than 50% higher average FPS than the previous generation, based on testing at 1200p resolution with medium graphics settings and XeSS 3 with Multi Frame Generation (MFG) enabled.
For supported games, Intel® XeSS 3 can help increase frame rates through AI-powered upscaling and Multi-Frame Generation, giving players another option for smoother performance in demanding games.
The 8-inch 120Hz display complements that hardware, while VRR helps reduce stuttering and screen tearing by adjusting the refresh rate to match the GPU’s output.
Made for being held
Specs only tell part of the story with a handheld. You’re going to be holding this thing for hours, so the controls and weight distribution matter just as much.
MSI has redesigned the Claw’s Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers, along with its D-pad and A/B/X/Y buttons. The device also gets upgraded haptics and a more ergonomic shape.
Inside, the Claw 8 EX AI+ features the redesigned Cooler Boost HyperFlow cooling system, which redirects airflow through the device to help keep internal components cool and maintain performance during longer gaming sessions.
The Claw 8 EX AI+ features a large 80Wh battery designed to support extended gaming sessions on the go.
There’s also Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and an upgraded microSD Express slot. The latter can run compatible games directly from the card, providing an easy way to expand a growing game library without relying solely on internal storage.
Ultimately, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is less about choosing between a handheld, console or PC and more about having all those possibilities in one device. Hold it and play. Connect it and expand. Switch platforms and keep gaming.
For casual players, that’s convenience. For serious gamers, it’s flexibility. And for anyone who wants their Windows gaming experience to fit around their lifestyle—not the other way around—the Claw 8 EX AI+ offers plenty of ways to play.
For gamers looking to add the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ to their setup, the handheld is available at authorized MSI dealers.
- MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM-060PH, 512GB SSD: P99,995
- MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM-062PH, 1TB SSD: P114,995
- MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM Launch Pack-061PH, 1TB SSD: P115,995
Those planning a purchase can also check out MSI’s year-end promotion, which runs from November 13 to 30, 2026. Visit ph.msi.com/Promotion/yearend-promotion-2026/nb to learn more.
