Handheld game consoles · Ranked #5 of 8 · Best handheld performance

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

Critic score how good?
80
Well liked · average of 5 professional reviews
Critic agreement how sure?
General agreement
Scores 70–90 · 3 of 5 recommend it
Where the 5 reviews landedRange 70–90
5060709010080 avg

Score 80 (exact average 80.4). Every score was printed by the outlet.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+Image: MSI

5 professional reviewers tested the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, and 3 recommend it. Most praised: speed. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by Trusted Reviews, Windows Central, Engadget and 2 more

The catch: It is extremely expensive, and the Windows software is buggy.

Check price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.

What 5 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    The fastest handheld the site has tested, with Intel's new chip outpacing rivals, although it is pricey and lacks an OLED screen.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  2. 90
    Windows CentralHands-on review · 2026

    Described as the best gaming handheld available, with huge performance and dual Thunderbolt ports, though its price puts it out of reach for most.

    Read Windows Central review
  3. 82
    EngadgetHands-on review · 2026

    A class-leading handheld in performance and efficiency whose only big problem is a price that makes it a tough sell.

    Read Engadget review
  4. 70
    WIREDHands-on review

    Phenomenal power and ergonomics, but the shocking price and cluttered, update-heavy Windows experience stop it from being the flawless device that cost demands.

    Read WIRED review
  5. 70
    ZDNETHands-on review · 2026

    Excellent performance, cooling and ergonomics make it the best handheld the reviewer has used, but the luxury price and buggy software are drawbacks.

    Read ZDNET review

What critics praise most

Speed5 of 5

What critics dislike most

Price5 of 5
Software and app3 of 5

Other handheld game consoles critics rate highly

Nintendo Switch 2Image: Nintendo
Top pick, narrowlyNintendo Switch 28 reviews85, Clear consensus
Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOSImage: Lenovo
Best for a console-like PC handheldLenovo Legion Go S SteamOS6 reviews85, Clear consensus
Valve Steam Deck OLED5 reviews85, Clear consensus
Asus ROG Xbox Ally XImage: Asus
Best premium Windows handheldAsus ROG Xbox Ally X9 reviews82, General agreement

Compare head to head

Common questions

Is the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ worth it?

Critics are divided: 3 of 5 recommend it. It is extremely expensive, and the Windows software is buggy.

Do critics agree about the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?

Critic agreement: general agreement. Scores range from 70 (WIRED) to 90 (Trusted Reviews), a spread of 20 points across 5 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.

What do critics dislike about the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?

Price (5 of 5 reviews), Software and app (3 of 5 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+?

The Nintendo Switch 2 (critic score 85 (clear consensus)), top pick, narrowly.