Quick Summary & What to Know
- Power: Intel® Arc™ G3 Extreme processor with 14 cores up to 4.7GHz and up to 46 NPU TOPS, plus 32GB of LPDDR5x memory and up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 storage.
- Display: 8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200) IPS touchscreen with a 48-120Hz variable refresh rate and 500 nits of typical brightness.
- Controls and Design: Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers, HD haptics, a refreshed ergonomic chassis in Void Purple, and a 785g body.
- Price & Availability in Philippines: Starts at Php 99,995, with a Launch Pack bundle at Php 115,995, available through MSI Concept Stores and authorized retailers.
As someone with an extreme fondness for handheld gaming, seeing the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ up close and personal at Computex 2026 was surreal.
And now that the device is available in the Philippines, let’s talk about the specs and features so you’ll understand why I’m so excited to get my hands on this handheld PC.
Why Am I So Excited About the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ was built to provide the absolute best when it comes to handheld gaming and playing on the go.
It’s powered by the latest Intel® Arc™ G3 Extreme processor, which has been the talk of the town since it was revealed early this year. So, that made me very curious about its performance!
Purposefully built for handheld gaming devices like this one, it utilizes next-gen Arc architecture to deliver smooth gameplay without compromising power efficiency.
And with the Intel® XeSS 3 multi-frame generation technology significantly boosting frame rates, gamers can expect to play the latest AAA titles with the same smooth experience, consistently.
Of course, to keep any possible heating issues at bay, the device utilizes MSI’s Cooler Boost HyperFlow system for optimized airflow when gaming.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is also equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD storage, and an 80Wh battery. Altogether, all these features provide enough space, power, and heat mitigation to achieve the peak in comfortable, portable gaming.
What Does the 8-Inch 120Hz Display Offer?
Screen quality is everything on a handheld, and this is where the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ makes a strong first impression. The 8-inch 120Hz IPS touchscreen has a 1920×1200 resolution, 500 nits of typical brightness, and supports variable refresh rates from 48Hz to 120Hz.
So, gamers who love fast-paced titles will see minimal to no screen tearing or stuttering, and those fond of beautiful visuals will enjoy just how vibrant the display is.
What’s New with the Controls and Design?
Beyond its powerful performance, the overall design of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ definitely has all types of gamers in mind.
The device’s chassis has been refreshed to be more ergonomic, with flared sides and dotted grips so it feels more comfortable to hold. Plus, it comes in the new Void Purple colorway, which is one of my favorite colors.
Upgrades to the haptic motor, D-Pad, buttons, and Hall Effect technology for the joysticks and back triggers all contribute to making it difficult to put this handheld down once the game starts.
Despite the size and weight of 785g, this gaming handheld is still very portable. Plus, for those looking to mix a little productivity in between their gaming, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD Express card reader, and the audio jack can be found on top of the device.
This makes it convenient to connect peripherals like a monitor, mouse, or keyboard for both playing and completing some work on the side.
Can the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Also Handle Everyday Work?
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ also has several built-in tools and software that lets its users personalize their whole experience with the device.
Xbox Mode provides full controller support from the moment the Claw is turned on, plus the software’s optimization gives instant access to installed games and launch platforms so it’s quick and easy to boot them up. Game settings can also be customized from here, if that’s what’s preferred!
Quick Settings has also been redesigned with a translucent UI and more compact interface. And, this is something I’m very excited about. With just a touch of a button, game modes can be switched up, settings can be tweaked, and tools can be customized according to preference. So, really, everything needed to keep the games running smoothly is already at a gamer’s fingertips!
Beyond gaming, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ also has Windows 11 installed as its operating system. This means that it can go beyond just gaming, it can also tackle productivity workloads just like a portable mini-PC.
And with its powerful processor and multiple I/O ports, tasks like working with Google Suite and using basic editing software is definitely an option with the handheld.
Technical Specifications
If you want to know more about the technical specs of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, here they are:
- CPU: Intel® Arc™ G3 Extreme, 14 cores (2P + 8E + 4 LP E), up to 4.7GHz, up to 46 NPU TOPS
- GPU: Intel® Arc™ B390 GPU
- Display: 8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200), 16:10, 48-120Hz VRR, 100% sRGB (typical), IPS-level, touchscreen
- Brightness: 500 nits (typical)
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x
- Storage: Up to 1TB NVMe SSD, PCIe Gen4
- Controls: Hall Effect analog sticks and analog triggers, HD haptics, 6-axis IMU, D-pad, RGB ABXY buttons, M1/M2 macro buttons, Quick Settings button
- Cooling: Cooler Boost HyperFlow
- Battery: 80Wh, 65W adapter (65W or higher PD charger recommended)
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort and Power Delivery 3.0), microSD Express card reader, combo mic-in/headphone-out jack
- Wireless: Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE213, Bluetooth 6.0
- Security: Fingerprint sensor
- Dimensions / Weight: 296-321 x 130 x 25-48mm, 785g
- Color: Void Purple
- OS: Windows 11 Home
- Warranty: 2 years limited warranty
Price and Availability in the Philippines
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is now available in the Philippines, with a starting MSRP of Php 99,995. A Launch Pack bundle with a case and accessories is also available at Php 115,995.
| Model | Price |
| MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ (Standard) | Php 99,995 |
| MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Launch Pack (with case and accessories) | Php 115,995 |
Availability is through MSI Concept Stores and authorized retailers nationwide. You can check the official MSI Philippines dealer list for the branch nearest you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ cost in the Philippines?
Pricing starts at Php 99,995 for the standard unit. The Launch Pack bundle with a case and accessories is Php 115,995. Prices may change with promotions, so check with an official store before buying.
What comes with the Launch Pack bundle?
The Launch Pack includes a case and accessories on top of the handheld itself, which is why it costs Php 115,995 instead of Php 99,995.
Where can you buy MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?
Through MSI Concept Stores and authorized retailers. The dealer list on MSI’s website shows the branches near you.
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I can’t wait to see what the community will think of the handheld now that it’s here in the country. Like I said before, I’m very hyped about the handheld, especially since I was able to use it briefly at Computex 2026.
For more information, visit the official MSI website. You can also check out their ongoing year-end promo for deals and discounts! Until next time~
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