MSI revealed its premium gaming handheld, the Claw 8 EX AI+, during a Taipei hands-on event before Computex 2026. The device launches June 23 with a steep $1,500 price tag, significantly higher than the company's previous 2024 models starting at $800. This premium device targets serious gamers who want top-tier portable performance.

The Claw 8 EX AI+ features Intel's Arc G3 Extreme chip, an M.2 2280 slot for easy storage upgrades, up to 32GB of memory, and an 80Wh battery. Its 8-inch touchscreen delivers 1,920 x 1,200 resolution at 120Hz, with MSI highlighting improved haptics and ergonomic button design that enhances the gaming experience.

MSI faces competition from the Acer Predator Atlas 8 and OneXPlayer, both featuring the same Arc G3 Extreme chip. While $1,500 represents the premium configuration, MSI may offer more affordable variants with less memory or a smaller display. This pricing reflects ongoing component cost challenges in the gaming hardware market.