MSI first announced the new Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld game console equipped with the Intel Arc platform on the eve of the 2026 Taipei International Computer Show (Computex 2026). However, it did not disclose the price at the time. It only stated that the price and launch time would be officially announced on June 23. However, the latest signs show that MSI is suspected of having put this new product on the official online store in advance, and its pricing and release time have also been exposed.
On a product page that is considered to be "released in advance", the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ model number CG3EM-024US is priced at US$1,799, which is basically in line with the expected price range of about 1,500 euros as revealed and rumored earlier. This high-end pricing means that this model will be aimed directly at the high-priced portable PC gaming device market, rather than focusing on the entry-level or cost-effective route.
This product information that is suspected to be online in advance also shows that MSI plans to start shipping on June 23, indicating that the supply of key components and memory has not caused obvious constraints on the first batch of mass production, and at least the initial supply capacity is expected to be guaranteed. This also echoes the official time point of “announcement of launch and price on June 23”, making this price leak more credible.
Looking at the hardware specs, the Claw 8 EX AI+ remains consistent with the configuration MSI showed off at Computex 2026. The handheld console is equipped with 32 GB LPDDR5x-8533 memory, 1 TB PCIe solid-state drive, and a battery with a capacity of 80 Wh, focusing on long battery life and high-performance mobile gaming experience. The display part is equipped with an 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1080p, supports 120 Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate (VRR), and has a peak brightness of up to 500 nits, taking into account smoothness and visibility.
In terms of core platform, MSI’s official store page confirms that this handheld console will be equipped with Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor. The report pointed out that there is currently no information about the new Claw 8 model equipped with the regular version of Intel Arc G3; the regular version of Arc G3 has a built-in Arc B370 core display with 10 Xe3 cores, while the G3 Extreme confirmed this time is equipped with 12 Xe3 cores, which has more advantages in graphics performance. It can be seen from this that MSI is more inclined to highlight high-performance positioning on the first model, rather than exchanging lower specifications for a lower starting price.
Based on the current leaked information, it seems that MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ will enter the handheld PC market with a high-end price of about US$1,800, equipped with 32 GB of high-speed memory, 1 TB SSD, 80 Wh large battery and 8-inch 1080p/120 Hz screen, and equipped with Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip to compete for the core group of gamers who pursue high image quality and high frame rate. However, final pricing and configuration details are still to be further confirmed by MSI in its official launch on June 23.