The Era of the $1,700 Handheld Has Arrived
MSI has confirmed the pricing for its upcoming MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, and for those hoping for a competitive entry in the handheld market, the numbers are hard to swallow. The device, which is the first to feature Intel’s powerful Arc G3 Extreme processor, will carry an official MSRP of $1,799 on MSI’s own US store. However, major retailers like Newegg and Best Buy have already listed the same configuration at a slightly lower price of $1,699.
The price discrepancy between MSI’s direct channel and its retail partners is unusual. It’s unclear if MSI is adjusting the official price or if retailers are offering a temporary discount. Regardless, the Claw 8 EX AI+ will start at no less than $1,699, establishing it as the most expensive handheld gaming PC ever sold at retail.
What Justifies the High Price?
The sticker shock comes with a specification sheet that reads like a high-end gaming laptop. The system is packed with 32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory and a 1TB PCIe SSD. This is double the memory of many competing handhelds. The display is an 8-inch 120Hz VRR panel, offering a smooth and tear-free gaming experience.
The real star is the Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip, which features a 14-core CPU (2 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 4 LP E-cores) and an integrated Arc B390 GPU with 12 Xe3 cores. It supports Intel’s XeSS 3 upscaling technology, which includes multi-frame generation to boost frame rates. Intel claims this chip can run 42% faster than the SOC found in the ASUS ROG Ally X at the same power draw.
The device also features premium Hall Effect joysticks, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and an 80Wh battery to keep you gaming longer.
Why Is It So Expensive? The AI Memory Crisis
The high cost isn’t just about premium specs; it’s a reflection of the current market. The price of LPDDR5X memory has surged by as much as 250% in the past year. This is largely due to AI hyperscalers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron redirecting memory production away from consumer electronics to meet the insatiable demand for AI data centers. This “DRAM crisis” has forced manufacturers to raise prices on everything from smartphones to gaming handhelds.
MSI Claw 8 – AMAZON
Putting the Price in Perspective
To understand how expensive the Claw 8 EX AI+ is, consider the competition. The ASUS ROG Ally X launched at $999, and the Lenovo Legion Go 2 starts at $1,199. The MSI Claw sits a staggering $500 above the Legion Go 2. For comparison, $1,699 is the price territory of a solid gaming laptop with a discrete graphics card, which raises the question: who is this device for?
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Could Be Playable on Handheld PCs at Launch, New Update Suggests
- AMD Readies New “Strix Halo” APUs to Power Next-Gen Gaming Handhelds and Compact PCs
- GPD Win 5 Handheld Revealed – AMD Strix Halo Power Meets Controversial Design
Bottom Line
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a technological marvel, offering performance that could redefine what’s possible in a handheld form factor. However, with its price tag firmly in gaming laptop territory, it is a niche product for enthusiasts with deep pockets. It will be interesting to see if MSI eventually releases lower-tier versions with 16GB or 24GB of RAM to make the platform more accessible. The Claw 8 EX AI+ is set to launch on June 23 and will certainly test the limits of what gamers are willing to pay for portability.