MSI Claw 8 AI+ Hands-on First Look (Lunar Lake 258V 8' BEAST)

👉In today's video, Stubbs goes hands-on with the new @MSIGamingOfficial MSI Claw 8 AI+ Intel Core Ultra Series 2 Lunar Lake 258V A2VM handheld.

Are the speakers even better than the A1M 155H? How about that screen, the battery, and compared to Steam Deck, Legion Go, ASUS Ally X, and even Android options like the AYN Portal 2 or AYANEO Evo? We're going to find out, as Stubbs travels on location to Anaheim California to visit MSI and learn all about it! Stay tuned for the full review coming later this month as well.

Featuring Intel's Arc Xe2 graphics architecture for enhanced performance and efficiency. This 8-inch device boasts a 120Hz VRR LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, ensuring smooth and vibrant visuals. With 32GB of RAM, an 80-watt-hour battery, and advanced cooling technology, it offers extended gaming sessions without compromising on performance. The ergonomic design, hall-effect triggers, and comprehensive I/O ports, including dual Thunderbolt 4, make it a versatile and comfortable choice for gamers.

**This is not a sponsored video, and no money exchanged hands. MSI did fly us down to Anaheim and also gave us a day pass to Disneyland while we were there. This does not impact my thoughts on the device however one way or another**

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💸Featured items:
Claw 8 AI

Claw 7 AI

Claw (1st gen)

Steam Deck OLED eXtremeRate Orange buttons

Steam Deck Orange thumb caps/case

Featured YouTubers:
@RetroGameCorps @TeamRetrogue @CyberDopamine @WulffDen @baldlyrudy @ThePhawx @retrotechdad @ETAPRIME @spectertech

A huge thanks to Mikhailov from TeamRetrogue for helping me film, MSI for hosting us, and all the other awesome peeps above who made this a great week to be a nerd.

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💸Handhelds & Tech we use:
Gulikit/RetroFlag 10% discount: AKNESDC10
8bitdo 5% discount: AKNESDC5

Our latest finds and tasty deals of the week!

Stubbs' Studio Gear:

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👕Merch:

🎲Enjoy a Randomly Picked Retro Game!

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⚠️ Disclaimer
Please be aware that this description may contain affiliate links. By purchasing something, RH may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you. This video is for education and entertainment purposes only and is not intended for kids. All opinions are our own.

#msi #msiclaw #MSIClaw8AIPlus #PCGaming #HandheldGaming #PCHandheld #emulation #retrohandheld #retrogaming

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📖Chapters
00:00 Overview
01:00 Impressions
03:43 Speakers!
04:18 Software
05:02 Build & D-Pad
08:33 Comparisons
10:17 Performance & PC Gaming
13:01 Bluetooth
13:48 Android gaming
14:21 Final Thoughts & Pricing
19:48 Thanks for watching!

[retrohandhelds]

What's *your* thoughts on the Claw 8? So much more testing to do. Stay tuned for the other youtuber videos, and my review soon!

[KyleRuggles]

Not bad! 8 inch, 16x10! 80wh battery. Great use of screen space, finally. Looking forward to long term reviews of this.

[kongsiavang]

As long as this device can get me 60fps and up on most AAA games then its a go for me.

[retrotechdad]

I learned that Cary’s hands are perfect and MSI used them to model the new Claw. What a man!

[LifeonFireforGod]

I have the Claw 7ai, the smaller brother of this. Honestly I love it. I just upgraded the ssd to 2tb and have several games installed, all running flawlessly.

[davebt]

I'm actually really impressed by what they have put out. The innovation in the handheld space is really exciting, I'm happy to see different players innovating.

[houseofshred]

This falls in the Ferrari category for me. I can't afford it, but I'm glad it's out there for the people that can.

[cppctek]

The d pad on the original wasn’t my fav, that was the one thing I’d hope they had fixed and made better :( I am glad they still have good speakers though that makes a huge difference in the overall experience for sure.

[DigitalJedi]

Yea for the price point I’m expecting perfection and a drastic improvement over the of claw. Instead we got a worst D pad and loose sticks for twice the price sticks. That’s disappointing

[WonderfullComment]

The D-Pad can be replaced for another one?

[yangalan]

This thing is a beast! 🔥 That 8" 120Hz screen and the new Lunar Lake chip make it a serious contender. Can’t wait to try it with an eGPU!

[budget.gaming]

If this handheld price go down to 699$ will be great. Lets just wait cause MSI Claw first gen dropped after 3-4 months of it's launch

[LuisPerez-]

For the price there should be zero "buts"

[VeganPopTart]

Very interesting. I will definitely be watching the reviews for this device.

[reallyryan_]

As someone who already owns a Legion Go, Steam Deck OLED and a Asus Rog Ally I really love all those devices they are in my daily rotation I am tempted to get the MSI CLAW 8 AI+ because of the 32GB RAM, I really don't like the colour though I really wish it was all black :( if they make a black case or skin for it I'll definitely buy one.

[zfrankedome]

This is great but when are we gonna see the Pocket Evo vs Portal video?

[ThomasS-gl]

Amazing first look. This device is game changer. Can't wait to see.

[JeffBreyer]

SPEAKERS! I don't see it being my one and done device but I can definitely see it adding to my PC handheld arsenal. Extra ports are good. One was always poor on all the oem handhelds.

[amny]

Nice video! Have you any thoughts about vibrations in the newer model? Is it any better from "it's dying" vibration in a1m? Also, the software is interesting... it feels like a reskin of the current one, but the gamebar thingy seems intriguing

[EhsanSibilo]

Nice.i have legion go really love that, i hope new msi claw 8 ai keep updating drivers thanks for this video 🙏