There are a lot of Steam Deck alternatives out there right now, but MSI’s version is the only one based on Intel hardware instead of AMD or Arm.
The original Claw only came out a couple of months ago — to generally poor reviews — yet it’s already getting a new version: the Claw 8 AI (ugh), powered by a newer processor and tweaked in a few other ways.
According to MSI’s Computex press release, the Claw 8 AI will be using Intel Core Ultra Lunar Lake processors but it isn’t specified as to which one in particular. Presumably it’ll be the next step up from the Core Ultra 7-155H and Ultra 5-135H featured in the original, along with the next iteration of Intel’s Arc integrated graphics.
While MSI didn’t specify a launch date, those CPUs put it sometime in or after the third quarter of 2024.
MSI says they’ve been listening to feedback since the Claw launch have and adjusted the design accordingly. The Claw 8 AI will have a second USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) port, enhanced tactility on the shoulder buttons, a larger battery, and a smaller bundled charger. And as the name implies, the screen will be boosted to 8 inches, though we don’t know if it’ll improve on the original’s resolution (1080p) or refresh rate (120Hz).
Possibly more exciting than all of that is a new Fallout Edition for the handheld. It’s not clear from MSI’s press materials whether this is the original Claw or the new Claw 8 AI — it looks like the former from what I can tell — but it’s skinned with a new case and buttons to evoke the post-apocalyptic game series’ iconic Pip-Boy computers. Launch and price info was not shared.
I dig the look, especially the Vault-Tec logo on the right side and (I’m guessing) a rad meter on the left. But I can’t see anyone who wants one of these being excited to get an already or nearly out-of-date handheld when it launches. For less pricey Fallout merch, you might be interested in Elgato’s SPECIAL edition streaming gear.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.