[CES 2025] New MSI Claw consoles: first hands-on

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On the MSI stand at CES 2025, we were able to get our hands on the new MSI Claw -s. Why ‘ClawS‘? Quite simply because there are two versions and they’re both promising. These two models are the first to feature Intel’s Lunar Lake chips, offering greater energy efficiency, longer battery life and much improved graphics performance. Ideal for the mobile gaming market?

With two references, the new MSI CLAWs take over from the Claw 7, based on Meteor Lake, which suffered from Intel’s launch. However, with time and regular blueprint updates, we’ve seen a significant improvement in performance. Now MSI has come up with a second generation. The Claw 8 AI and Claw 7 AI are equipped with a Core Ultra 7 258V or 256V.

MSI Claw 8 AI

MSI Claw 8 AI

This new version stands out for its 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a brightness of 500 nits, guaranteeing a fluid and bright visual experience. As you can see from the video, this change of panel makes a fundamental difference. It is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V or 256V processor, coupled with 32GB (for the 258V) or 16GB (for the 256V) of LPDDR5X memory, ensuring optimum performance for the most demanding games. Storage is provided by a 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD. Its 80 Wh battery promises extended autonomy, essential for prolonged gaming sessions. In terms of connectivity, it has WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, as well as two Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports and an SDHC reader. All this is packed into a chassis weighing in at 749g and measuring 29.9 x 12.26 x 2.4cm. The Claw 8 AI has been available on the US market since December 2024 at a price of $899. It arrives in Europe in January 2025.

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MSI Claw 7 AI

The Claw 7 AI is based on the Claw 7 design, with a 7-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel screen, also at 120 Hz and 500 nits. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, accompanied by 32GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD. Its 53 Wh battery provides satisfactory autonomy for mobile gaming. Connectivity includes WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports and an SDHC drive. Weighing in at 675g and measuring 29.4 x 11.7 x 2.1 cm, it’s easy to carry around. The Claw 7 AI has also been available since December 2024, priced at $799.