MSI Launches $1,800 Handheld Amid Tough Year Forecast

MSI has revealed the retail price for its newest handheld gaming PC, signalling that the company anticipates a challenging year ahead.

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, unveiled last month, was initially projected to retail for roughly $1,500. However, the device is now listed on MSI’s official website at a final price of $1,799.

In return for the price, the Claw 8 EX AI+ ships with an Intel Arc G3 Extreme CPU, Intel Arc B390 GPU, 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory, an 8‑inch IPS touchscreen, and a generous 1 TB SSD, delivering a powerful portable gaming experience.

MSI’s product marketing lead, Andy Chu, revealed during a recent interview with FRVR that the company has pushed hard to keep the handheld’s price as low as possible, yet component costs have posed a significant challenge.

“We’ve explored every avenue to secure cheaper memory and storage—strengthening ties with suppliers, negotiating deals, and doing everything within our power to reduce costs,” Chu explained. “Despite our best efforts, the reality is reflected in the pricing we see today. It’s going to be a tough year for both MSI and gamers alike.”

Chu also acknowledged that while the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ carries a premium price tag, it still outperforms the recently re‑priced Steam Deck OLED, which now sits at $949 for hardware that’s essentially four years old. In a market that increasingly caters to high‑spending enthusiasts, the Claw’s performance edge makes it a compelling choice for players willing to invest in top‑tier handheld gaming.

“I’m unsure how the market will evolve, but it’s clear that the handheld segment is now at a pivotal moment where we need to scrutinise its true value,” he remarked.

Chu cautioned that he remains uncertain whether prices will ease or if component costs will climb further.

“From what I’ve observed, there’s ample room for another price increase,” he added.

In a surprising move last month, Valve announced a steep price hike for its flagship handheld, the Steam Deck. Both the 512‑GB and 1‑TB variants saw their costs jump by more than 40%, a change that has sent ripples through the portable gaming market.

Under the new pricing structure, the 512‑GB model now costs $789 (or £669) compared to its previous $549 (or £479) tag, while the 1‑TB version has surged to $949 (or £779) from $649 (or £569). These adjustments represent a significant shift in Valve’s strategy, potentially reflecting increased production costs or a repositioning of the device as a premium product.

Valve is not the only company tweaking its hardware prices. Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 is slated to see a price increase on September 1, moving from $449 to $449—an adjustment that appears to be a typo in the original announcement but suggests a planned price revision.

Meanwhile, Sony confirmed in March that it would lift the prices of its console lineup by at least $100. The newly minted PlayStation 5 Pro, for instance, now retails at $900, up $150 from its launch price, underscoring a clear shift toward higher‑end gaming experiences across the industry.