MSI smashes the ROG Ally with its new Claw 8 EX AI+
MSI’s ARC G3 Extreme-powered Claw 8 EX AI+ is a handheld gaming powerhouse
MSI has unveiled its next-generation gaming handheld at Computex 2026, the Claw 8 EX AI+. This new handheld uses Intel’s new ARC G3 Extreme SOC, giving it 14 CPU cores and 12 Xe3 GPU cores. With this hardware comes support for Intel’s XeSS 3 tech, which includes XeSS 3 Multi-Frame Generation. It also supports Xbox Mode and App Player support for Android play.
(OC3D visits MSI’s Computex 2026 booth)
Intel’s ARC G3 platform is designed specifically for handheld gaming, with Intel claiming significant performance gains with their new hardware. These processors are refined versions of Intel’s Panther Lake series, meaning they use the same hardware architecture as Intel’s newest laptops.
MSI has given its Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld some beefy specifications. The system has 32GB og LPDDR5X memory, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, WIFI 7 support, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. The handheld also features an 8-inch FHD+ screen that supports refresh rates up to 120Hz with VRR. The device also features hall-effect triggers and joysticks.
A big generational leap in performance
Compared to Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra 258V CPU, Intel’s ARC G3 Extreme processor is 44% faster on average, at least according to Intel’s benchmarks. Note that Intel’s new ARC G3 Extreme runs at 35W compared to the Core Ultra 7 258V’s 30W. Some of the extra performance of Intel’s new chip comes from additional power draw. Regardless, 44% average gains are a big deal.
MSI’s Claw 8 EX AI+ murders ASUS’ ROG Xbox Ally X
When both CPUs run at 35W, Intel’s ARC G3 Extreme outperforms AMD’s Z2 Extreme SOC by an average of 42%. This gives MSI’s new handheld a clear advantage over its ASUS counterpart. That said, with extra memory and a newer SOC, MSI’s new handheld is likely to be much more expensive. Even so, if you want the best gaming handheld’ MSI’s new Claw is a compelling offering.
With its Intel ARC G3 Extreme SOC and larger 8-inch screen, MSI’s new Claw handheld is a compelling package for gamers. At Computex, the device was shown with a distinctive “Void Purple” colour scheme, which helped it stand out more from the black handhelds from most other manufacturers. Even without that, this handheld stands out based on its performance alone.
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