Trusted Reviews90
The fastest handheld the site has tested, with Intel's new chip outpacing rivals, although it is pricey and lacks an OLED screen.
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
5 expert reviews#3 of 6 handheld game consoles
Image: MSI3/5critics
recommend
recommend
Best handheld performance
Critics’ consensus
5 professional reviewers tested the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, and 3 recommend it. Most praised: speed. Most common complaint: price.
Reviewed by Trusted Reviews, Windows Central, Engadget and 2 more
The catch: It is extremely expensive, and the Windows software is buggy.
Broad agreement
Scores run from 70 to 90All 5 scores printed by the outlets
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What do critics say about the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?
Windows Central90
Described as the best gaming handheld available, with huge performance and dual Thunderbolt ports, though its price puts it out of reach for most.
Engadget82
A class-leading handheld in performance and efficiency whose only big problem is a price that makes it a tough sell.
ZDNET70
Excellent performance, cooling and ergonomics make it the best handheld the reviewer has used, but the luxury price and buggy software are drawbacks.
WIRED70
Phenomenal power and ergonomics, but the shocking price and cluttered, update-heavy Windows experience stop it from being the flawless device that cost demands.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
What critics praise most
Speed5 of 5
What critics dislike most
Price5 of 5
Software and app3 of 5
Alternatives
Not sure about the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?
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Image: AsusCommon questions
Is the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ worth it?
Critics are divided: 3 of 5 recommend it. It is extremely expensive, and the Windows software is buggy.
Do critics agree about the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?
Broad agreement: scores range from 70 (ZDNET) to 90 (Trusted Reviews), a spread of 20 points across 5 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.
What do critics dislike about the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?
Price (5 of 5 reviews), Software and app (3 of 5 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?
The Nintendo Switch 2 (critic score 86), best overall.