The first time you make anything, it probably won't come out perfect, so it wasn't a huge surprise when MSI's debut gaming handheld struggled out of the gate. And that's before you consider the unorthodox choice to go with an Intel chip instead of one from AMD like practically all of its rivals. However, MSI didn't give up, and now it's back with not one but two versions of its second-gen handheld, headlined by the Claw 8 AI . Not only is it bigger than before, it has twice as many Thunderbolt 4 ports, a way bigger battery and some of the best performance we've seen from any device in this category. But more importantly, as the follow-up to a device plagued by lackluster software and unfinished drivers, it feels like the Claw got its bite back. With its 8-inch screen, the Claw 8 AI is bigger than its predecessor and a number of its rivals like the ROG Ally X, though it's still smaller than Lenovo's chunky 8.8-inch Legion Go.

I've made a big deal about how much I love the "Civilization" games to anyone who will listen. I made a big deal about it earlier this week to anyone reading about the awesome new MSI laptops for 2025. But sometimes an 18-inch laptop might not be the most convenient way to enjoy some on-the-go gaming (shocking, right), so I'm also making a big deal about the MSI Claw 8 AI handheld. Equipped with a bright eight-inch FHD (1920 1200) 120Hz 500 nit 100% sRGB IPS-level touchscreen (hence the Claw 8 name), the new model is even more immersive than the Claw 7 AI . At the same time, it's also more comfortable--with ergonomic grips based on extensive hand-mapping research measuring digits of varying lengths from multiple angles.

MSI has two new versions of the MSI Claw after the original landed with a thud earlier this year. The company's 900 MSI Claw 8 AI and 800 Claw 7 AI have Lunar Lake Intel processing, better battery life and quality-of-life improvements like redesigned sticks, bumpers and triggers. The previous model launched "a touch late and a bit too pricey," according to Engadget's Sam Rutherford in our review. He said its performance was underwhelming compared to cheaper rivals, its software was too clunky, and it was plagued by an overabundance of optimization updates (presumably because MSI scrambled to fix its long list of problems). We haven't handled the new models, but their switch to Intel's latest Core Ultra 7 processor should lead to better performance and lower power consumption -- two of the biggest marks against the A1M. The Claw 8 AI has an 8-inch (1,920 x 1,200) display, and the Claw 7 AI has a 7-inch (1,920 x 1,080) one.

Windows-based portable gaming PCs are all the rage at Computex, and MSI came loaded for bear with an update to its Claw design. The Claw 8 AI will launch with a Lunar Lake processor and a larger screen later this year. Adam cornered MSI's System Product Management Director Cliff Chun on the show floor to talk about it. In addition to a new BIOS and drivers created in cooperation with Intel that give the Meteor Lake version of the handheld a claimed 70 percent boost in performance, there will be a Lunar Lake-equipped variant of the 7-inch Claw released. But the big news is the 8-inch Claw 8 AI, which will debut along with Lunar Lake.