MSI’s next “Claw 8 EX AI+” moves closer to a $2,000 price tag — as the handheld gaming industry seemingly loses its collective mind
MSI is preparing to launch the Claw 8 EX AI+, its upcoming handheld gaming device, powered by Intel’s new Panther Lake-based Arc G3 Extreme processor. Australian retailer listings have revealed a starting price of approximately $1,900 USD for the device. The listings confirm availability in at least one color variant, “Void Purple,” at launch.
The Arc G3 Extreme represents a significant hardware upgrade for the Claw line, with the new processor expected to make its public debut at Computex in Taipei next month. MSI’s previous iteration, the Claw 8 AI+, received favorable reviews from testing last year, with particular praise directed toward its strong performance capabilities.
The $1,900 starting price positions the Claw 8 EX AI+ as a premium option within the handheld gaming device market. This pricing strategy reflects broader industry trends, as manufacturers increasingly push premium-priced handheld gaming devices into the market. The pricing has drawn attention within the gaming industry regarding the sustainability and market positioning of such high-end handheld devices.