The handheld gaming PC market has matured rapidly over the past few years, evolving from experimental niches into mainstream battlegrounds. Today, we take an exhaustive look at MSI’s latest contender, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ (CG3EM). Packed to the brim with next-generation hardware, a larger and more vibrant display, advanced AI integration, and robust build refinements, this handheld aims to set a new benchmark for Windows-based gaming portables. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Claw 8 EX AI+ a formidable device for gamers on the go.

Unboxing and Special Launch Bundle

Opening the box of the Claw 8 EX AI+ reveals a generous assortment of accessories, particularly for early adopters who snag the launch pack edition. Users are greeted with a premium custom carry case featuring a sleek holographic logo, a branded claw keychain, thumb grip caps for enhanced precision on the joysticks, and a tempered glass screen protector—an inclusion that every handheld manufacturer should adopt as standard. Furthermore, to celebrate MSI’s 40th anniversary, buyers purchasing before the end of September are eligible for similar promotional redemption items, including the Travel II case and custom lanyards.

Build Quality and Ergonomic Design

Finished in a striking Void Purple colorway, the Claw 8 EX AI+ immediately catches the eye with an aesthetic that feels both futuristic and polished. Weighing in at 785g and measuring 296 x 130 x 25 to 48mm, it is a slightly chunkier device, but that extra volume is utilised precisely where it matters: the grip contours.

The chassis features controller-inspired ergonomic curves meticulously designed to sit comfortably in the hands during extended gaming marathons. There is zero flex or creak in the shell, giving it a solid, premium feel that emulates holding a proper console controller rather than a tablet with strapped-on grip attachments.

Display: Immersive 8-Inch 120Hz VRR Panel

One of the most significant hardware upgrades on the Claw 8 EX AI+ is its visual real estate. MSI has equipped the handheld with an 8-inch FHD+ (1920 by 1200) IPS-level panel boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and full Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support.

The inclusion of VRR is a game-changer for portable PC gaming, effectively smoothing out frame rate fluctuations in demanding AAA titles. Covering 100% of the sRGB color gamut and peaking at 500 nits of brightness, the screen is vivid, responsive, and easily viewable across diverse lighting conditions. The 8-inch form factor hits the sweet spot, offering expansive viewing without making the device unwieldy.

Controls and Precision Inputs

Input fidelity is paramount for handheld gaming, and MSI has spared no expense. The Claw 8 EX AI+ features Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, ensuring absolute precision, elimination of stick drift, and enhanced long-term durability.

The tactile click of the face buttons and the robust D-pad cater perfectly to platformers and fighting games alike. Additionally, two mappable macro buttons on the rear offer quick custom shortcuts via MSI Center M. Security is seamlessly integrated via a responsive fingerprint sensor for instant Windows logins.

Specifications and Next-Gen Lunar Lake Power

Under the hood lies the core of the Claw 8 EX AI+’s performance prowess. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor built on the advanced Lunar Lake architecture, paired with Intel Arc Graphics 140V, this machine packs serious computational muscle. Featuring 8 cores and 8 threads alongside a dedicated NPU capable of 46 TOPS, the Claw 8 EX AI+ proudly qualifies as a Copilot Plus PC—a pioneering milestone for the gaming handheld category.

System memory is maxed out at 32GB of LPDDR5x running at 8533MT/s, coupled with a lightning-fast 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD. Wireless connectivity is future-proofed with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Software Ecosystem: MSI Center M and Xbox Mode

Navigating the device is streamlined through MSI Center M, the proprietary companion hub that manages performance profiles, fan curves, power limits, RGB customization, and system monitoring.

A standout software addition is Xbox Mode, which transforms the Windows backend into a clean, console-like frontend tailored for couch gaming and rapid launcher access. Furthermore, MSI Center M leverages the 46 TOPS NPU for intelligent scene detection and adaptive performance tuning, while the dedicated Quick Settings button provides instant toggles without disrupting gameplay.

Thermals and Sustained Performance

To tame high-performance mobile silicon, the Claw 8 EX AI+ utilises MSI’s Cooler Boost Hyperflow cooling system. Designed specifically for the handheld lineup, this thermal architecture keeps the Lunar Lake processor and Arc GPU operating at sustained high performance. During extended gaming sessions, surface temperatures on the grips remain remarkably comfortable, preventing heat fatigue during intense sessions.

Gaming Benchmarks and AI Workloads

Equipped with advanced upscaling technologies like XeSS2 and capable of handling raytracing queries (despite the architecture’s primary focus on rasterization), the Claw 8 EX AI+ delivers highly respectable frame rates across modern titles. Furthermore, the inclusion of a 46 TOPS NPU makes running local AI suites such as ChatRTX, Ollama, and LM Studio effortless, turning the handheld into a portable AI workstation.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Energy management is anchored by a generous 80 watt-hour battery, providing exceptional longevity for a handheld of this magnitude. In real-world testing—gaming at maximum graphic settings with XeSS enabled and audio at 50%—the battery demonstrated incredible resilience, dropping by only 10% after 15 minutes of heavy load. Charging is facilitated by a 65W power adapter, and with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports supporting Power Delivery 3.0, users can refuel using any compatible PD charger.

Conclusion

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ (CG3EM) is an engineering triumph. By combining Hall Effect controls, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4, a gorgeous 8-inch 120Hz VRR display, a massive 80Wh battery, and a Lunar Lake processor with robust AI capabilities, MSI has crafted an elite gaming handheld. While Intel Arc graphics drivers continue to mature across niche titles, the hardware foundation is peerless. Epic PC awards the Claw 8 EX AI+ an unreserved green light.

Award

Review Video

Explore MSI’s latest laptops and handhelds at CES 2026. The video showcases new Prestige models, boasting improved touchpads and lightweight designs. Gaming laptops, including the Cyborg and Raider series, receive upgrades, alongside a sneak peek at new handheld colors.

CES 2026 in Las Vegas once again proved to be the epicenter of technological innovation, and MSI, a titan in the gaming hardware industry, made a resounding statement. Building on their impressive showcase at Computex last year, MSI unveiled a formidable array of new gaming laptops and concept pieces, alongside their highly anticipated handheld gaming device. This article delves into MSI’s gaming-centric presence at CES 2026, highlighting the advancements across their diverse gaming laptop series—Cyborg, Crosshair, Raider, Stealth, and Titan—as well as the exciting developments in their Claw handheld gaming lineup.

The Entry Point: MSI Cyborg Series

For gamers looking to enter the world of high-performance portable gaming without breaking the bank, MSI’s Cyborg series continues to be a compelling option. At CES 2026, models like the Cyborg 15 Max czw and Cyborg 15 czw were prominently displayed, showcasing MSI’s commitment to delivering accessible yet capable gaming machines. These laptops typically feature a distinctive, futuristic design with translucent elements, offering a glimpse into the internal components. While positioned as entry-level gaming laptops, the Cyborg series is engineered to provide a solid gaming experience, capable of handling popular titles with respectable frame rates. They often come equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs (though specific models would vary by configuration) and efficient cooling solutions to ensure stable performance during extended gaming sessions. The Cyborg series embodies MSI’s philosophy of making gaming technology available to a broader audience, providing a gateway to immersive gameplay.

MSI Cyborg 15 Max Gaming Laptops

Mid-Range Mastery: MSI Crosshair Series

Stepping up from the Cyborg series, the MSI Crosshair lineup represents the sweet spot for many gamers, offering a powerful blend of performance and value. The Crosshair series is known for its robust gaming capabilities, often featuring higher-tier processors and graphics cards compared to the Cyborg. These machines are designed to deliver a smooth and responsive gaming experience across a wider range of demanding titles, making them a popular choice for competitive and enthusiast gamers alike. The Crosshair series typically boasts efficient cooling systems and vibrant displays, ensuring that both visual fidelity and sustained performance are top priorities. The design often leans towards a more aggressive, gaming-centric aesthetic, appealing to those who want their hardware to reflect their passion for gaming.

MSI Crosshair 16 Max Gaming Laptops

High-End Dominance: MSI Raider Series

For gamers who demand uncompromising performance, the MSI Raider series stands as a beacon of high-end gaming laptops. At CES 2026, the Raider 16 Max HX B2W was a prime example of MSI’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of gaming hardware. These machines are typically equipped with the latest and most powerful processors and graphics cards, often featuring top-tier Intel Core HX series CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs. The Raider series is synonymous with extreme performance, designed to handle the most graphically intensive games and demanding applications with ease. Key features often include advanced cooling systems with multiple fans and heat pipes, high-refresh-rate QHD or 4K displays, and per-key RGB lighting keyboards for a truly immersive gaming experience. The Raider series is built for those who seek the ultimate competitive edge and a desktop-replacement level of performance in a portable form factor.

MSI Raider series

Sleek Power: MSI Stealth Series

The MSI Stealth series caters to gamers who desire high performance in a more understated and portable design. These laptops strike a balance between powerful gaming hardware and a sleek, professional aesthetic, making them suitable for both gaming and professional environments. The Stealth series consistently features cutting-edge components, including high-refresh-rate displays and advanced cooling, all encased in a thin and light chassis. The Stealth series is ideal for users who need a powerful gaming machine that can also blend seamlessly into a business meeting or a university lecture, offering versatility without sacrificing gaming prowess.

MSI Stealth 16 AI Gaming Laptops

The Pinnacle of Performance: MSI Titan Series

At the absolute apex of MSI’s gaming laptop offerings lies the Titan series. These are no-compromise machines, designed for the most demanding gamers and professionals who require the very best in terms of raw power, cooling, and features. The new Titan models at CES 2026 is renowned for incorporating desktop-grade components, including the most powerful CPUs and GPUs available, often with unlocked performance capabilities. Titan laptops typically feature massive, highly efficient cooling systems, top-tier Mini LED displays with extreme refresh rates, and premium mechanical keyboards. They are built to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a portable form factor. The Titan series is for those who seek the ultimate gaming machine, a true desktop replacement that can handle any task thrown its way with absolute authority.

MSI Titan 18 HX Gaming Laptops

Portable Powerhouse: MSI Claw Series Handheld Gaming Device

MSI’s foray into the handheld gaming market with the Claw series was a significant highlight at CES 2026. The presence of these devices underscores MSI’s commitment to expanding its gaming ecosystem. The Claw series is designed to bring a full-fledged PC gaming experience into a portable form factor, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite titles on the go. These devices typically feature powerful processors, integrated graphics capable of running modern games, and ergonomic designs for comfortable extended play. Expect high-resolution displays, responsive controls, and robust battery life to be key features of the Claw series, aiming to compete in the rapidly growing handheld gaming segment.

MSI Claw Gaming Handheld Series

Conclusion

MSI’s presence at CES 2026 was a powerful declaration of its continued dominance and innovation in the gaming hardware landscape. From the accessible Cyborg series to the mid-range mastery of the Crosshair, the high-end dominance of the Raider, the sleek power of the Stealth, and the ultimate performance of the Titan, MSI showcased a comprehensive lineup of gaming laptops catering to every type of gamer. Furthermore, the exciting developments in the Claw handheld gaming device series signal MSI’s ambition to capture the portable gaming market. With cutting-edge processors, powerful GPUs, advanced cooling solutions, and user-centric features, MSI is clearly setting the stage for an exhilarating year in gaming technology, promising gamers unparalleled experiences across all platforms.

MSI showcased several innovative laptop models at Computex 2025, including a special edition Prestige 13 AI Plus Ukiyo-e Edition laptop with hand-crafted details and a collaboration with Okadaya, and also highlights updated features like the latest 50 series GPUs, revamped designs, and the introduction of Thunderbolt Share, a technology for fast file transfer between laptops.

Take a seat, grab some popcorn – lets dive in!