MSI released the Claw 8 EX AI+ gaming console with Intel Arc G3 and 32 GB RAM
MSI has released a more affordable version of the Claw 8 EX AI+ (CG3M) handheld gaming console. The main difference from the higher-end model is the replacement of the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor with the base Arc G3, which features less powerful integrated graphics.
Processor and graphics
MSI The Claw 8 EX AI+ is equipped with an Intel Arc G3 processor from the Panther Lake family. It includes 14 compute cores (2 performance, 8 efficient, and 4 low-power), supports 14 threads, and operates at a frequency of up to 4.6 GHz. The L3 cache capacity is 12 MB. For comparison, the maximum frequency of the Arc G3 Extreme reaches 4.7 GHz.
The main changes affect the integrated graphics. The standard Arc G3 uses the Arc B370 GPU with 10 Xe3 architecture cores and a clock speed of up to 2.2 GHz. The higher-end version is equipped with the Arc B390, featuring 12 Xe3 cores and a clock speed of up to 2.3 GHz.
The configurable power consumption range also differs: 8-30 W for the Arc G3 versus 8-35 W for the Extreme. Both platforms are equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) delivering up to 46 TOPS of performance to accelerate artificial intelligence tasks.
The console comes with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and a 512 GB SSD. An M.2 2280 slot with a PCIe 4.0×4 interface is used for the drive installation.
Screen
The display remains the same as in the higher-end model. The console features an 8-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 × 1200 pixels (WUXGA), a 16:10 aspect ratio, a typical brightness of 500 nits, and 100% coverage of the sRGB color space.
The refresh rate reaches 120 Hz. There is also support for variable refresh rate (VRR) in the 48-120 Hz range, which helps reduce screen tearing when the frame rate changes in games.
Battery and ergonomics
MSI The Claw 8 EX AI+ retains the four-cell 80 Wh battery. The package includes a 65 W USB Power Delivery power adapter.
The device uses the Cooler Boost HyperFlow cooling system with two fans and two heat pipes. The console is equipped with Hall effect analog sticks and triggers, which are less prone to drift caused by mechanical wear. It also features a six-axis motion sensor, vibration feedback, and additional programmable M1 and M2 buttons.
The device dimensions are 296-321 × 130 × 25-48 mm, and it weighs 785 grams. The more affordable model is available in Luminous Blue, while the premium version comes in Void Purple.
Other features
The chassis features two Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for DisplayPort and Power Delivery 3.0, a microSD Express card reader, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack. Wireless connectivity is provided by Wi-Fi 7 (Intel BE213) and Bluetooth 6.0.
Audio playback is handled by two 2W speakers with DTS support and Hi-Res Audio certification. The power button features a fingerprint scanner.
The device runs Windows 11 Home with the proprietary MSI Center M shell and an Xbox Mode that adapts the interface for control via the built-in gamepad. Copilot+ PC platform features are also supported.
Pricing and release date
In China, the Claw 8 EX AI+ with an Arc G3 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB drive has already gone on sale for 10,499 yuan (≈ $1564). The version with the Arc G3 Extreme in a similar configuration costs 11,499 yuan (≈ $1713).
In the US, the CG3M-072USY model with 512 GB of storage is available for pre-order at select retailers for $1499. For comparison, the higher-end version with the Arc G3 Extreme and a 1 TB SSD is offered at an official price of $1799.
The American retailer EXcaliberPC lists October 30, 2026, as the expected arrival date for the new version. MSI has not yet confirmed a unified international launch date. The official price of the CG3M modification for the European market has also not been announced.
