The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ portable console turned out to be very expensive

The MSI company has officially opened pre-orders for its latest and most productive portable console MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, presented at the last international technology exhibition Computex.

The new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a premium portable console on a full-fledged desktop operating system, created for AAA gaming without territorial restrictions. This gaming computer is a serious competitor to the current leading systems, offering maximum functionality with an eye on built-in intelligent accelerators for processing high-resolution graphics.

Detailed technical characteristics of the device

In order to provide users with maximum power, engineers equipped the new product with uncompromising accessories. The full list of console features includes:

• CPU: modern energy-efficient Intel Arc G3 Extreme platform;
• Graphics system: built-in graphics accelerator Intel Arc B390;
• The amount of RAM: 32 GB of high-speed LPDDR5x standard;
• Internal storage capacity: 1 TB high-speed SSD;
• Display specifications: 8-inch IPS screen with a total resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, support for a high scan rate of 120 Hz and a peak contrast brightness of up to 500 nits;
• Communication and data transmission interfaces: high-speed Wi-Fi 7 wireless protocol and Bluetooth 6 wireless connection chip;
• Connections on the case: a pair of Thunderbolt 4 connectors of the new format and a standard 3.5 mm combo-jack headphone audio output;
• Battery capacity: bulky 80 Wh battery

The installed 80 Wh battery will significantly extend gameplay sessions on one discharge cycle, even if modern video games are loaded at full capacity in 1200p resolution. At the same time, portability is ensured by modest dimensions and effective cooling distribution of fans. Two built-in Thunderbolt 4 interfaces will provide easy connection with any large-format docking stations or accompanying peripheral drives

Release date and price

The device is available for reservation through pre-orders. MSI estimated the new premium model at a whopping 74,700 UAH ($1,799.99). The exact calendar date of the delivery of parcels to customers or the physical appearance of the batch in the windows of ordinary stores has not yet been finally announced by the developer.

The price of the device, UAH 74,700 ($1,799.99), has become the main topic of discussion in the gaming industry. It is $500 more than the modification of the predecessor model Claw 8 AI+. The more affordable base variant offers a powerful Intel Core Ultra 7-258V chipset along with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage for UAH 54,000 ($1,299.99). The novelty is distinguished by the exclusive implementation of the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, the start of production of which took place only in May. In addition to the unique processor system, the sharp jump in the final price by $500 can be indirectly caused by the lack of certain categories of high-speed LPDDR5x type system memory at manufacturers’ factories.