Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source, and it’s hard to believe that this device is part of the same series. So much has changed.
Back then, it was like the company was trying to find its footing in the handheld market; the previous generation showed promise but was still rough around the edges. This new model is a refinement. MSI reworked the Claw 8, now boasting better ergonomics, stronger cooling, and a new Intel Arc G-Series processor.
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Certain aspects of the Claw 8 EX remained unchanged from the previous generation. The analog sticks and triggers still use Hall Effect sensors, helping ensure long-term accuracy and responsiveness. The display remains unchanged as well. MSI kept the same eight-inch Full HD IPS panel with the 120Hz refresh rate. It’s a good-looking screen with vibrant colors and high contrast.
System woes
MSI’s Claw 8 EX runs on Windows 11, and I have mixed feelings about that. Windows isn’t the best for handheld gaming, to say the least. You often run into performance hiccups and software quirks. To be honest, I did experience that. One recurring issue involved the Quick Menu button. Pressing it launches the device’s system settings. Whenever I opened the menu, the cursor would automatically jump from the system settings to the MSI Quick Settings. Admittedly, I don’t know if this was intentional or a bug, but having the cursor jolt to the left every time I hit the button got old really fast.
Another issue involved the MSI App Player. This lets you download Android games directly from the Google Play Store. Sounds great, but sadly it didn’t work. Every attempt resulted in an error message that read: “Initializing App Player. Please try again later.” After a while, I gave up and downloaded the Google Play Games beta. Through the beta software, I was able to install Android games just fine. Arknights was one of these games and it ran perfectly.
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
As a PC, the Claw 8 EX does well. MSI sent me an OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is out of stock. The company told me that “a few hundred units” will soon be made available across Micro Center, Best Buy, and MSI’s US Store with an estimated restock date of July 3, 2026. Another restock is expected in August. When it does come back, it will retail for $1,799, which is pretty steep.
Compared to many of the other handhelds I’ve reviewed, this is the best performing. I had very few problems running games. If you’re looking for a top-notch gaming device and can afford the luxury price, I highly recommend it.
