MSI’s New Claw 8 EX AI+ Gaming Handheld Costs an Eye-Watering $1,799

MSI has revealed the price of its latest Windows gaming handheld, and it is significantly more expensive than early estimates suggested.

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has been listed for $1,799, equivalent to approx. AED 6,607 through direct currency conversion. The handheld is scheduled to begin shipping in the US on June 23, 2026.

That places the new Claw firmly in premium gaming laptop territory rather than alongside the more affordable handheld PCs that helped popularise the category.

What Does the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Include?

The $1,799 configuration combines Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme processor with Intel Arc B390 graphics, 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB PCIe SSD.

It also has an 8" 1920x1200 IPS-level touchscreen with a variable refresh rate between 48Hz and 120Hz. The panel is rated for 500 nits of brightness and covers 100% of the sRGB color space, although buyers paying nearly $1,800 may be disappointed that MSI has not used an OLED display.

Other specifications include an 80Wh battery, Hall-effect joysticks and triggers, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a microSD card reader. The handheld weighs 785g and is offered in a Void Purple finish.

MSI has also added redesigned grips, an upgraded D-pad, improved haptic feedback and Xbox Mode, which is intended to make launching and resuming games more convenient on Windows. Intel XeSS 3 and Multi-Frame Generation are supported to improve frame rates in compatible games.

MSI Blames Memory and Storage Costs

Speaking to FRVR, MSI product marketing lead Andy Chu said the company had explored several ways to reduce the price of the handheld, including negotiating more favourable arrangements with memory and storage supplies.

Chu explained that manufacturers are having to absorb substantial cost increases for key components, describing 2026 as a "tough year for us and for the gamers."

According to Chu, MSI had "tried every approach" to secure memory and storage at a lower cost but was ultimately unable to bring the retail price down further. The company hopes that future price adjustments may be possible should component costs eventually fall.

MSI Is Targeting Power Users Rather Than Mainstream Buyers

The company appears to recognise that the Claw 8 EX AI+ will not be an impulse purchase for most players.

Chu suggested that the handheld market is shifting towards enthusiasts willing to pay significantly more for stronger hardware. MSI is positioning the Arc G3 Extreme platform as a major performance upgrade capable of running games at higher resolutions and graphical settings without the compromises associated with older handheld chips.

That performance claim will ultimately need to be tested through independent reviews, but the specifications clearly position the Claw 8 EX AI+ as a high-end portable PC rather than a direct replacement for an entry-level Steam Deck.

Even after Valve’s recent price increases, the 1TB Steam Deck OLED costs $949 in the US, while the 512GB model costs $789. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is therefore nearly twice the price of Valve’s highest-capacity OLED handheld.

The Price Could Increase Again

MSI is also not guaranteeing that the $1,799 price will remain unchanged.

Chu warned that there is still “much room for another price hike” if memory, storage and other component costs continue to increase. He also acknowledged that it remains difficult to predict whether the handheld market will become cheaper later in the year.

The Claw 8 EX AI+ may deliver some of the strongest performance yet seen from an Intel-powered handheld, but its price creates a difficult value proposition. At $1,799, buyers are no longer choosing between different portable gaming systems; they are choosing between a handheld and a complete premium gaming laptop or desktop.

Whether portability, the Arc G3 Extreme platform and 32GB of fast memory are enough to justify that premium will become clearer once the final retail hardware has been independently tested.

FAQ

How much does the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ cost?

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is priced at $1,799 in the US, equivalent to approximately AED 6,607 through direct currency conversion.

What are the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ specifications?

It features an Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, Arc B390 graphics, 32GB of LPDDR5x memory, a 1TB SSD, an eight-inch 120Hz VRR display and an 80Wh battery.

When will the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ be released?

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is scheduled to begin shipping in the US on June 23, 2026.

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