As pleasure builds for MSI’s model new Steam Deck rival, a brand new benchmark exhibits that it’d simply change into one of many quickest handheld gaming PCs when it launches. In line with MSI, the brand new MSI Claw 8 AI+ isn’t simply beating the Steam Deck at its personal recreation, however the firm additionally claims it’s 20% quicker than the Asus ROG Ally X.
If that’s true, then the MSI Claw 8 AI+ could already be top-of-the-line gaming handheld gadgets you should purchase, even when it is just open for pre-orders. That will surely be a win for MSI, which didn’t fare too effectively within the courtroom of public opinion after the preliminary MSI Claw evaluations following its first try to crack the market. MSI would possibly really feel grateful to date, nonetheless, because the early noise about this new handheld seems to be very constructive certainly.
In a gathering with journalists and influencers, MSI introduced benchmark knowledge in regards to the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which was then launched in a video by YouTube channel ETA Prime. The info exhibits FPS benchmark outcomes for an entire assortment of video games launched in recent times, together with Cyberpunk 2077 and Metro 2033.
In line with the benchmark info, introduced by MSI in a slide to reviewers, each recreation examined confirmed elevated body charges on the Claw 8 AI+ vs the Asus ROG Ally X. The most important enhance was present in Metro 2033, which confirmed a 113% greater body price throughout gameplay testing, up from 44fps on the Ally X to 94fps on the Claw 8 AI+.
On common, MSI claims that this exhibits a 20% greater common body price on the Claw 8 AI+ in comparison with the Ally X at 1,080p on low graphics settings, regardless of the identical 17W energy limitations in each gadgets. These figures had been additionally confirmed in an MSI weblog publish, giving early proof that MSI is feeling very assured about its new product.
Whereas the MSI Claw 8 AI+ specs are spectacular, it’s the Intel Core Extremely 7 258V APU used within the MSI Claw 8 AI+ that’s behind the gaming energy. This Intel Lunar Lake processor is one other signal that selecting Intel for gaming on lower-powered cellular handhelds and laptops may be long-term guess, assuming they aren’t tormented by compatibility points. It additionally exhibits that Intel-powered handhelds akin to this one might supply severe competitors towards AMD options, such because the Steam Deck OLED on the prime finish of the market.
We received’t have to attend too lengthy to see for ourselves whether or not or not these claims are legitimate. The brand new MSI Claw 8 AI+ seems to be set to be launched within the new 12 months, with Amazon pre-orders now exhibiting a February 4, 2025 launch date. Nonetheless, we’ve seen some conflicting details about this launch, together with from MSI itself, so it could come out even sooner.
Excited to study extra about this new handheld? Try our new MSI Claw 8 AI+ information to find out about this potential top-tier handheld. You too can take a look at our Asus ROG Ally X overview to see what we take into consideration Asus’ AMD-powered rival.