One of the first Intel Arc G3 Extreme-based handhelds have been launched officially, and here's everything we know about it.
MSI Debuts Intel Arc G3 Extreme-Powered Claw 8 EX AI+ Gaming Handheld; Complete Specifications Revealed
The new Void Purple handheld is finally out. MSI has been working on it for a while now, and we have been reporting on the first-ever Arc G3-based handheld from MSI for several weeks. After Intel unveiled its Arc G3 lineup a few days ago, handheld makers were ready to unveil their first Arc G3-based handhelds, including Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer.
MSI has unveiled its Claw 8 EX AI+ gaming handheld officially today, unveiling all the specifications for the new Intel gaming handheld. It succeeds the Claw 8 AI+ handheld and brings the latest Intel Panther Lake variant SoC to its core for delivering up to 14 CPU cores and 12 Xe3-based GPU cores. It's a powerful chip for computing as well as for gaming that doesn't need an external GPU to rely on. The Arc B39 graphics ensure users can enjoy smooth gameplay via high frame rates, while the 14-core CPUs are sufficient for intensive tasks.
The handheld doesn't bring any major upgrades to the display compared to the previous edition. We are seeing the same 8-inch display with FHD+ resolution that operates in a 48-120Hz range and supports VRR. It brings up to 500 nits of brightness, making it fit for well-lit environments, and has good color reproduction, thanks to the IPS-level panel. As for the memory and storage, it comes equipped with on-board memory, and users can choose up to 32 GB LPDDR5X capacity coupled with a single NVMe M.2 Gen 4.0 SSD slot.
The handheld brings 2x 2W speakers with TD Audio processing and is Hi-Res audio ready. MSI has brought modern connectivity to the gaming handheld, including WiFi 7 and Bluetooth v6 for stable connection. For peripherals, the handheld supports dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack for external audio devices such as headphones. Powered by an 80Wh battery, it's on par with the current Claw 8 AI+, and the same goes for its overall weight, which is just 10 grams lower than the former.
MSI hasn't disclosed its official pricing yet, but reports suggest we could see a possible price tag of $1499, and the handheld will reportedly hit the shelves on June 23.
News Source: MSI
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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