MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ review: outperforms Legion Go on power and battery

MSI’s Claw 8 EX AI+ is a clear refinement of the series, with reworked ergonomics, stronger cooling and a new Intel Arc G-Series processor. Flared handles, a laser-etched non-slip texture and well-balanced weight make long sessions comfortable. Directional pads now use a “metal dome,” while analog sticks and triggers retain Hall Effect sensors; the display remains an eight-inch Full HD IPS panel running at 120Hz.

The device runs Windows 11, which brings full PC multitasking and access to multiple game stores but also introduces quirks. The Quick Menu can jolt the cursor between settings, and the MSI App Player repeatedly failed with an "Initializing App Player. Please try again later" error; using the Google Play Games beta allowed Android installs such as Arknights.

The Windows interface has a learning curve, though an Xbox Mode offers a more streamlined alternative. Performance is the standout.

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