MSI Claw Shocked at $1,800, Could Rise Even Higher

MSI’s latest handheld, the Claw 8 EX AI Plus, has just been unveiled, and its price tag sits at $1,800—roughly the combined cost of a Steam Deck and an ROG Xbox Ally X. For those who can stretch their budgets, this marks a significant entry point into the premium handheld arena.

Under the hood, the device is powered by Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme GPU, paired with a generous 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. Rising prices for memory and storage are a major factor behind the sticker shock, yet the Claw also boasts a large display, robust cooling, a sleek ergonomic chassis, and a host of additional features that have earned it the moniker “the absolute peak of the handheld market” by some reviewers.

The real question is how many units MSI will actually ship and whether there will be enough demand to justify the investment. With the handheld market still in flux, manufacturers are navigating uncertain waters.

MSI’s product marketing lead, Andy Chu, acknowledged the challenges, noting that the past year has been particularly tough for Intel and OEM partners alike, especially as they absorb the cost increases for critical components such as memory and storage.

Chu reflected that the Steam Deck once offered an attractive price point, making it an easy choice for many gamers. However, the device’s cost has surged, prompting him to suggest that now is the moment to truly evaluate what the new handheld can deliver.

MSI’s marketing representative is bullish on the device’s future, insisting that the price will continue to climb. He urges fans to purchase the Claw before it becomes even pricier, noting, “There’s ample room for another price hike, at least from my own observation.”

Despite the hype surrounding cutting‑edge resolution and performance in portable gaming, the rep admits the reality is harsher. Chu warned that the coming year will be challenging for both the industry and players alike.