MSI just announced the launch of its latest handheld gaming PC at IFA 2024 taking place in Berlin, Germany. However, this is really more of a preview of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, given that the product will only go on sale sometime in early 2025 next year, as revealed in MSI’s German press release.

As its name suggests, the Claw 8 AI+ features a larger 8-inch display than the current model of the Claw; it is also powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra 200V processors codenamed Lunar Lake. Not only can we expect better integrated graphics performance from the new chips, power efficiency is said to have been improved as well, which will complement the handheld nature of the Claw.

Aside from that, the Claw 8 AI+ also features a redesigned chassis with two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports now – and a new “Sand Dune” colourway – along with improved shoulder buttons. More importantly, it has a sizeable 80Wh battery too for improved battery life, as well as a sharper 8-inch 16:10 Full HD+ IPS display with 120Hz refresh rate.

On paper, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ does look like a promising handheld gaming PC that improves upon the first Claw’s shortcomings. While we’re still some quite time away from the estimated early 2025 release, at least we know the Taiwanese company is still committed to the relatively new market segment.