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MSI Claw 8 AI+

MSIHandheld console

Claw 8 AI+

Released January 2025.5Press articlevideocardz.com/newz/msi-claw-8-ai-faces-launch-with-limited-availability-first-units-already-in-gamers-handsRead 30 September 2026January 22, 2025 contemporaneous report: systems shipped to a very limited number of users. US Jan 15 and Asian Dec 26 targets were inaccurate. Last checked 23 October 2026.

Chip
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
Screen size
8in
Refresh rate
120Hz
Weight
795g

95 of 165 fields known.

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At a glance

Ports

  • 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 4
  • 3.5 mm audio
  • microSD card

All specs

SourceCalculated

General

Series
Claw1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Claw model family in page heading.
Model numbers
A2VM-001US, A2VM-222US, A2VM-061NEU, A2VM-013NEU1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Model identifiers are read from the specification column headings or the model-specific PDF heading.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 2026Model identifiers are read from the specification column headings or the model-specific PDF heading.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 2026Model identifiers are read from the specification column headings or the model-specific PDF heading.
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Announced
3 June 20244Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-Unveils-Next-Gen-AI--Gaming-and-Business---Productivity-Laptops-with-Latest-Processors-at-COMPUTEX-2024-143709Read 30 September 2026June 4 publication has June 3, 2024 Taipei dateline. Initial Claw 8 AI+ Lunar Lake reveal at Computex, not December production-spec finalization.
Status
Not available
Predecessor
MSI Claw A1M (Core Ultra 7 155H)7Measurementwindowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Windows Central's review calls the Claw A1M the predecessor of the Claw 8 AI+.16Reviewtechradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/meet-the-msi-claw-8-ai-msis-shot-at-redemption-for-the-pc-gaming-handheld-marketRead 23 October 2026TechRadar calls the MSI Claw 8 AI+ the official follow-up to the original Claw A1M.
Successor
Not available
Launch price (US)
Not available
Launch price (EU)
Not available
Markets
US, SE1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026US model-specific sheets and the official Swedish product configuration table.
Colours
Sandstorm, Black1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026The Swedish comparison table names Sandstorm. The US model-specific sheets name Black.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 2026Color cell: Black.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 2026Color cell: Black.
Device class
Handheld PC6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Opening paragraph describes a Windows gaming handheld PC.
Form factor
Slate9Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 2026Hardware overview shows one body with fixed controls.

Platform and software

OS family
Windows6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Operating System cell: Windows 11 Home.
OS at launch
Windows 11 Home6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026December 2024 production-spec: Windows 11 Home.
Latest OS
Not available
Built-in game stores
Not available
Physical games
Not available
Backward compatibility
Not available
Upscaling and frame generation
XeSS6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Production announcement performance paragraph names Intel XeSS.

Processor and graphics

Chip
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Processor cell: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V.
Chip brand
Intel6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Intel processor named in the exact Claw 8 specification table.
Core configuration
Core typePhysical core countCoreBase clock (GHz)Max clock (GHz)
Performance4Lion Cove2.24.8
Low-power efficiency4Skymont2.23.7
Source11Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdrdv2-public.intel.com/824443/2024_Intel_Tech%20Tour%20TW_Lunar%20Lake%20Architecture%20Session%20Highlights-3.pdfRead 30 September 2026Pages 7-15 identify Lion Cove P-cores and Skymont E-cores. Exact 258V counts/clocks come from the separately cited Intel CPU specification table.12Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/240957/intel-core-ultra-7-processor-258v-12m-cache-up-to-4-80-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 30 September 2026Indexed official CPU Specifications table read through public web search. 4 performance and 4 low-power-efficient cores. P-core base/max 2.2/4.8 GHz, LP-E base/max 2.2/3.7 GHz. Direct page request was denied, so full-document access is unverified.
CPU cores
8
Max CPU clock
4.8GHz
Process
3nm10Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdrdv2-public.intel.com/841783/Intel-Core-Comparsion.pdfRead 30 September 2026Core Ultra Series 2 table, 258V row: CPU lithography TSMC N3B.
GPU
Intel Arc 140V6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Graphics: Arc 140V.
GPU architecture
Xe211Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdrdv2-public.intel.com/824443/2024_Intel_Tech%20Tour%20TW_Lunar%20Lake%20Architecture%20Session%20Highlights-3.pdfRead 30 September 2026Pages 24-26: Lunar Lake new Xe2 GPU. Page 26 identifies eight second-generation Xe cores.
GPU compute units
82Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 2026GPU cell: Arc 140V, 8 Xe-Cores.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 2026GPU cell: Arc 140V, 8 Xe-Cores.
GPU max clock
1,950MHz10Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdrdv2-public.intel.com/841783/Intel-Core-Comparsion.pdfRead 30 September 2026Core Ultra Series 2 table, 258V row: Arc Graphics 140V max dynamic frequency 1.95 GHz.
GPU compute (claimed)
Not available
Power modes
ModeTDP (W)
Manual8
Manual17
Manual30
Source7Measurementwindowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Software section: Manual mode selects TDP limits of 8, 17 and 30 W. These are not named OverBoost or Performance presets.
Lowest TDP
8W
Highest TDP
30W
Highest TDP on battery
Not available
Custom TDP
Not available

Memory and storage

RAM
32GB6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Memory: 32GB.
RAM type
LPDDR5X6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Production-spec Memory cell: LPDDR5X. The generic manual LPDDR5 description is not substituted.
RAM speed
8,533MT/s6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Memory: LPDDR5x-8533.
Memory bandwidth
Not available
Storage
1 TB, 2 TB2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 2026The maker publishes 1 TB and 2 TB. Advertised TB tiers are stored as decimal GB: 1 TB = 1000 GB, 2 TB = 2000 GB. This does not estimate usable formatted capacity. HDD capacity: 1TB.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 2026The maker publishes 1 TB and 2 TB. Advertised TB tiers are stored as decimal GB: 1 TB = 1000 GB, 2 TB = 2000 GB. This does not estimate usable formatted capacity. HDD capacity: 2TB.
Storage type
NVMe SSD2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 2026HDD interface: NVMe.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 2026HDD interface: NVMe.
Installed drive PCIe generation
42Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 2026HDD cell: Gen4 x4.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 2026HDD cell: Gen4 x4.
Storage slots
Form factorInterfacePCIe generationPCIe lanesCountOccupied
M.2 2230PCIe NVMe441Yes
Source1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Storage Slot: one M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4 socket. The installed US SSD specification identifies x4.
M.2 slots
1
Memory card
microSD1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026I/O Ports: one microSD card reader.
Card speed class
Not available
Max card size
Not available

Display

Screen size
8in(20.3 cm)6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Display: 8 inch.
Native resolution
1920 × 1200px6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Display: 1920x1200.
Pixel density
283ppi
Aspect ratio
16:106Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Display: 16:10.
Panel type
IPS-level LCD1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Display cell: IPS-Level.
Native panel orientation
Not available
Screen surface
Not available
Touchscreen
Yes1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Display: Touchscreen.
Built-in display refresh modes
Width (px)Height (px)Max (Hz)VRR
19201200120Yes
Source6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Display cell: 1920 x 1200 at 120 Hz with VRR. Other resolutions are not inferred.
Max refresh rate
120Hz
Adaptive sync
Not available
VRR lower limit
48Hz1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Display cell: 48~120Hz VRR.
Brightness (SDR, claimed)
500nits6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 production-spec Display cell: 500 nits (Typical).
Peak brightness (HDR, claimed)
Not available
DCI-P3 coverage (claimed)
Not available
HDR formats
Not available
Second display
Not available

Controls

Stick sensor
Hall effect1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Control: Hall Effect analog sticks.
Stick layout
Not available
Touch-sensitive sticks
Not available
Replaceable stick modules
Not available
Trigger sensor
Hall effect1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Control: Hall Effect analog triggers.
Trigger stops
No8Measurementtomsguide.com/gaming/handheld-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Controls paragraph explicitly says trigger locks are absent.
D-pad
Not available
Face button labels
Xbox1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Control: RGB ABXY buttons. Physical layout in the manufacturer manual is Xbox A bottom, B right, X left, Y top.
Extra rear and grip buttons
21Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Control: Macro button M1/M2. Manual hardware diagram identifies two rear macro buttons, separate from bumpers/triggers.
Trackpads
Not available
System-level remapping
Not available
System buttons
MSI Center M button, Quick Settings button, View button, Menu button9Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 2026Hardware overview labels View, Menu, MSI Center M and Quick Settings buttons.
Detached controller connection
Not available
Controller mouse sensor
Not available
Fingerprint
Power button9Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 20262-8: Power Button / Status LED / Fingerprint Sensor.

Motion and feedback

Gyroscope
Yes1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Control: 6-Axis IMU.
Rumble
HD haptics1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Control: HD haptics.
RGB lighting
Yes1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Control: RGB ABXY buttons and RGB analog sticks.

Measured

Brightness (measured)
476nits8Measurementtomsguide.com/gaming/handheld-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Tom's Guide display benchmark table: 476 nits. Window and meter settings are not published. The inconsistent 473-nit prose figure is not used.
HDR peak brightness (measured)
Not available
Contrast ratio (measured)
1,480:17Measurementwindowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Brightness/contrast table: 100% display brightness 1480:1.
DCI-P3 coverage (measured)
Not available
Colour accuracy (measured Delta E)
0.328Measurementtomsguide.com/gaming/handheld-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Exact Tom's Guide display benchmark table reports Delta-E 0.32. Formula, calibration state, colour patches and meter are not published. The exact Notebookcheck factory CalMAN ColorChecker result is 3.5, using a different identified test. The Tom's Guide value is retained without treating either as a repeated measurement of the same method.
PWM frequency (measured)
Not available
3DMark Time Spy graphics (measured)
4,118points14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-8-AI-review-The-best-gaming-handheld-thanks-to-Intel-Lunar-Lake.974004.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact Core Ultra 7 258V / Arc 140V Windows 32 GB / 1 TB sample, named AV2M-015 in the review prose. Published intro/model code and storage-table 512 GB typo conflict with the named 1 TB BG6 drive and 869 GB free, so no storage-specific measurement is added. Manual mode 30 W. The default AI engine 17 W is different. The value is the graphics subscore, not the total score. Benchmark application build and firmware are not specified.
3DMark Steel Nomad Light (measured)
3,289points14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-8-AI-review-The-best-gaming-handheld-thanks-to-Intel-Lunar-Lake.974004.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact Core Ultra 7 258V / Arc 140V sample (AV2M-015) in manual mode 30 W. The default AI engine 17 W is different. The value is the standard Light score, not Unlimited or full Steel Nomad. Benchmark application build and firmware are not specified.
3DMark Wild Life Extreme (measured)
Not available
Cinebench 2024 single-core (measured)
120points14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-8-AI-review-The-best-gaming-handheld-thanks-to-Intel-Lunar-Lake.974004.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Cinebench 2024 benchmark table on the exact 258V review sample in manual 30 W mode. Single-core 120. No generic chip-average or predecessor score.
Cinebench 2024 multi-core (measured)
590points14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-8-AI-review-The-best-gaming-handheld-thanks-to-Intel-Lunar-Lake.974004.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Cinebench 2024 benchmark table on the exact 258V review sample in manual 30 W mode. Multi-core 590. No generic chip-average or predecessor score.
AnTuTu (measured)
Not available
Game frame rates (measured)
GameWidth (px)Height (px)PresetUpscalingTDP (W)Average FPS1 % low FPS
Ashes of the Singularity19201080NormalNot available3066Not available
Shadow of the Tomb Raider19201080LowestNot available3076Not available
Cyberpunk 207719201080LowIntel XeSS 1.3 Auto, frame generation disabled3059Not available
Cyberpunk 207719201080LowFSR off3046.8Not available
Cyberpunk 207719201080MediumFSR off3037.4Not available
Cyberpunk 207719201080HighFSR off3031.4Not available
Cyberpunk 207719201080UltraFSR off3028.5Not available
Baldur's Gate 319201080Low, SMAANot available3040.4Not available
Baldur's Gate 319201080Medium, TAANot available3033.5Not available
Baldur's Gate 319201080High, TAANot available3029.2Not available
Baldur's Gate 319201080Ultra, TAANot available3028.7Not available
F1 2419201080Low, TAA, 16x AFNot available3085.7Not available
F1 2419201080Medium, TAA, 16x AFNot available3076.2Not available
F1 2419201080High, TAA, 16x AFNot available3059.5Not available
F1 2419201080Ultra High, TAA, 16x AFNot available3020.1Not available
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark19201080High QualityNot available3034.4Not available
Strange Brigade19201080Ultra, Ultra AA, 16x AFNot available3056.129.5
Source7Measurementwindowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Windows Central at 30 W. Ashes: Normal 1080p, V-sync on. Tomb Raider: Lowest 1080p, V-sync on. Cyberpunk: Low 1080p, V-sync off, XeSS 1.3 Auto, in-game frame generation disabled. Power source and ray tracing are not inferred.14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-8-AI-review-The-best-gaming-handheld-thanks-to-Intel-Lunar-Lake.974004.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Added FHD built-in Arc 140V rows use manual 30 W mode, not default AI engine 17 W. Exact presets/AA/AF retained. Cyberpunk explicitly states FSR off. Per-run power source and unknown ray-tracing/frame-generation/other upscaling states remain absent. Strange Brigade 29.5 is P1, not minimum. Different from existing Windows Central XeSS 1.3 Auto tests.
SSD sequential read (measured)
6,068MB/s7Measurementwindowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Windows Central CrystalDiskMark prose: 6068 MB/s sequential read on its reviewed Core Ultra 7 258V / 32 GB / 1 TB unit. Queue, block settings and SSD module identity are not published. The value is repeated only in the matching 1 TB US reference row A2VM-001US, whose maker sheet proves that configuration. The untested 2 TB and other regional/bundle rows remain unknown under the existing per-variant-column rules.
Memory card read (measured)
Not available
Battery runtime per test (measured)
TestGameTDP (W)Brightness (nits)Hours (h)
GamingCyberpunk 207730Not available2.17
GamingCyberpunk 2077301501.75
Wi-Fi browsingNot availableNot available15023.55
Wi-Fi browsingNot availableNot availableNot available16.62
Source7Measurementwindowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Windows Central Cyberpunk 2077 test at maximum 30 W TDP and roughly 200 nits: 2 hours 10 minutes. Approximate brightness is not stored as an exact nits value.14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-8-AI-review-The-best-gaming-handheld-thanks-to-Intel-Lunar-Lake.974004.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Added observed Cyberpunk FHD Ultra 150 nits 1 h 45 min is the fastest manual 30 W mode. Wi-Fi browsing 23 h 33 min at 150 nits and 16 h 37 min at maximum brightness, both 60 Hz. Firmware is not named. Approximate AI engine just-under 3.5 h is omitted. Existing Windows Central 2 h 10 min uses another workload.
Shortest gaming test runtime (measured)
1.75h
Longest gaming test runtime (measured)
2.17h
Video runtime (measured)
Not available
Full charge time (measured)
Not available
Power draw gaming (measured)
47W14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-8-AI-review-The-best-gaming-handheld-thanks-to-Intel-Lunar-Lake.974004.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact Core Ultra 7 258V / Arc 140V sample (AV2M-015) in manual mode 30 W. The default AI engine 17 W is different. Whole-system measured outlet input using Metrahit Energy, built-in screen 150 nits, Cyberpunk 2077 FHD Ultra/FSR off. Mean 47 W, not APU TDP or a battery charging limit. Separate external-monitor draw and stress-test peaks are excluded.
Fan noise per mode (measured)
Power modeLoadNoise (dB(A))
manualGaming41.4
manualMax load41.4
Source14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-8-AI-review-The-best-gaming-handheld-thanks-to-Intel-Lunar-Lake.974004.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Cyberpunk 2077 Ultra and maximum-load table both give 41.4 dB(A), manual 30 W. Earthworks M23R and Arta at 15 cm, ambient 24.7 dB(A). Gaming noise fluctuates 37.3-41.4 in this mode, stored upper observed value. AI engine 33.4-37.3 is a different mode and is not substituted.
Max fan noise (measured)
41.4dB(A)
Fan noise while gaming (measured)
41.4dB(A)
Back surface under load (measured)
36.7°C7Measurementwindowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 2026Windows Central thermal test after 20 minutes of CPU stress: rear middle maximum 98 °F, converted to 36.7 °C.
Grips under load (measured)
Not available
Chip temperature while gaming (measured)
Not available
Stick tests (measured)
Not available
Speaker loudness (measured)
Not available
Weight (measured)
Not available

Audio

Speakers
21Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Audio: 2 x 2 W speakers.
Speaker direction
Not available
Audio features
DTS sound effect, Hi-Res Audio6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Audio cell: DTS sound effect, Hi-Res Audio.
Microphones
Not available
3.5 mm jack
Yes1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Audio Port: one mic-in/headphone-out combo jack.

Ports and dock

Ports
TypeVersionCountMax speed (Gbps)Thunderbolt or USB4DP Alt ModeMax charging input (W)
USB-CThunderbolt 4240Thunderbolt 4Yes65
3.5 mm audioNot available1Not availableNot availableNot availableNot available
microSD cardNot available1Not availableNot availableNot availableNot available
Source9Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 2026Hardware overview, pages 2-6 to 2-8: two top Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, DisplayPort, up to 40 Gbps, PD input 45-65 W and output 15 W, microSD and 3.5 mm combo jack.
USB-C ports
2
USB4 or Thunderbolt
Yes
USB-C charging
65W
Video out
Yes9Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 2026Thunderbolt port description explicitly supports DisplayPort and 8K output. No refresh rate is given.
Max external display
Not available
External GPU
Thunderbolt13Maker product pagemsi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMXRead 30 September 2026Public indexed maker overview explicitly advertises connecting an external GPU. The exact SKU sheets identify both ports as Thunderbolt 4. Full overview direct access is denied. This specific published claim was read through the public index.
Dock
Sold separately9Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 2026Page 3-17 describes connecting the separate MSI Nest Docking Station accessory.
Max output through dock
Not available
Dock ports
Not available

Wireless

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Wi-Fi / Bluetooth: Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE201.
Wi-Fi bands
Not available
Bluetooth
5.41Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Wi-Fi / Bluetooth: Bluetooth v5.4.
NFC
Not available
Cellular
Not available
Network
Not available

Battery and charging

Battery energy
80Wh1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026Battery: 6-cell 80 Wh. Handheld battery only.
Battery capacity
Not available
Claimed battery life
Not available
Battery life (claimed, min)
Not available
Battery life (claimed, max)
Not available
Wired charging
65W9Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 2026PD function 45-65W input. Maximum 65W.
Charging standards
USB PD 3.09Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 2026Manufacturer specs name Power Delivery 3.0. The user guide identifies a USB-C PD adapter.
Charge 0 to 100 % (claimed)
Not available
Charge limit
Not available
Bypass charging
Not available
Charger in box
Yes1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 2026The model table explicitly lists the supplied AC adapter. Its output rating differs by bundle.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 2026AC Power Adaptor 65W.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 2026AC Power Adaptor 65W.
Included charger
65 to 100W1Maker product pagese.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMX/SpecificationRead 30 September 20262Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 20263Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 20267Measurementwindowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/msi-claw-8-ai-plus-reviewRead 8 October 202613Maker product pagemsi.com/Handheld/Claw-8-AI-Plus-A2VMXRead 30 September 202615Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1869644-REG/msi_claw_8_ai_a2vm_001us_claw_8_ai_a2vm.htmlRead 8 October 2026

Cooling

Fans
26Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Cooler Boost HyperFlow paragraph expressly states a dual-fan, dual-heat-pipe system.
Vapor chamber
Not available
Custom fan curve
Not available

Build

We could not find any of these 3 fields. Show them
Built-in kickstand
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Not available

Dimensions and weight

Front and side, drawn to scale.

Dimensions
Width299Height126mm(11.8 × 5 in)6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Published width and height retained. Maker states 24 mm thickness without specifying protruding-control inclusion. Maximum external depth could not be verified and is left out.
Weight
795g(1.8 lb)6Press releasemsi.com/news/detail/MSI-s-New-Claw-8-AI----Claw-7-AI--Handheld-with-Powerful-Performance-and-Low-Power-Consumption--Available-Now--145096Read 30 September 2026Claw 8 Weight cell: 795g.
Weight without controllers
Not available

Certifications

We could not find any of these 3 fields. Show them
Game compatibility programme
Not available
FCC ID
Not available
Other certifications
Not available

In the box

In the box
MSI Claw handheld PC, Quick Start Guide, USB-C PD adapter and AC power cord9Owner's manualdownload.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/nb/MS-1T42_MS-1T52_v1.0_English.pdfRead 30 September 2026Unpacking 2-2: MSI Claw, Quick Start Guide, USB-C PD adapter / AC cord. Pouch optional.
Carrying case
Not available

Warranty

Manufacturer warranty (source market)
1year2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-001US.pdfRead 30 September 2026Manufacturer warranty cell: one-year limited warranty, including one year global. Country-specific statutory rights are separate.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/excelSku/us/hh/Claw%208%20AI%2B%20A2VM-222US.pdfRead 30 September 2026Manufacturer warranty cell: one-year limited warranty, including one year global. Country-specific statutory rights are separate.

Compare with

Pick a handheld console to see both side by side. Differences are marked yellow.

More handheld console comparisons

Variants

Each variant lists only what differs from the specs above.

Model numberMarketsColoursStorageSSD sequential read (measured)DockCharger in boxIncluded chargerIn the box
A2VM-001USUSBlack1 TB6,068 MB/sSame as baseYes65 WNot available
A2VM-222USUSBlack2 TBNot availableSame as baseYes65 WNot available
A2VM-061NEUSESandstorm1 TBNot availableIncludedYes100 WMSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM, MSI Claw Travel Case II, 8-inch MSI Claw Tempered Glass Screen Protector, MSI Claw Lanyard, MSI Nest Docking Station with USB-C cable, 100W PD adapter
A2VM-013NEUSESandstorm1 TBNot availableSame as baseYes65 WNot available

Sources

We read 16 sources for this handheld console. The numbers match the markers in the sheet.

  1. Read 30 September 2026Backs 25 fields
  2. Read 30 September 2026Backs 9 fields
  3. Read 30 September 2026Backs 9 fields
  4. Read 30 September 2026Backs 1 field
  5. Read 30 September 2026Backs 1 field
  6. Read 30 September 2026Backs 19 fields
  7. Read 8 October 2026Backs 8 fields
  8. Read 8 October 2026Backs 3 fields
  9. Read 30 September 2026Backs 10 fields
  10. Read 30 September 2026Backs 2 fields
  11. Read 30 September 2026Backs 2 fields
  12. Read 30 September 2026Backs 1 field
  13. Read 30 September 2026Backs 2 fields
  14. Read 8 October 2026Backs 8 fields
  15. Read 8 October 2026Backs 1 field
  16. Read 23 October 2026Backs 1 field

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