MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM Intel Core Ultra 7 258V / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD specifications and in-depth review

MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM Intel Core Ultra 7 258V / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM is a handheld game console designed for high-performance gaming. It is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and features a vibrant 8″ display. With 32GB of RAM, it ensures smooth gameplay and multitasking capabilities.

This console boasts impressive technical specs, including 8 x 4.8 GHz CPU speed and a 1950 MHz GPU clock speed. It supports ray tracing and has a refresh rate of 120Hz, ideal for fast-paced gaming. With a 1TB NVMe SSD for storage, quick load times and ample space are guaranteed. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, while its 80 Wh battery provides extended playtime.

Pros
  • Supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6E, for fast and reliable connectivity.
  • Equipped with a large 1TB internal storage, offering plenty of space for games and media.
  • The 1200p display with a brightness of 500 nits ensures clear visuals in various lighting conditions.
  • Supports voice commands and quick resume functionality, enhancing the user experience with hands-free control and seamless gameplay transitions.
  • Compact and portable design with a weight of just 795g, making it easy to carry for gaming on the go.
Cons
  • Does not support adaptive triggers or dual force feedback, limiting advanced haptic feedback features.
  • Lacks a front camera and optical tracking, which may limit certain interactive features in games.
  • No 4K Blu-ray drive or Blu-ray disc playback capabilities, reducing its media versatility.
  • No wireless controller support, requiring a physical connection for multiplayer gaming.
  • Does not support NFC or cellular connectivity, restricting some potential features and connectivity options.
Who is this for?

The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM is ideal for gamers who prioritize portability and seamless gaming on the go. Its compact design and lightweight build of just 795g make it easy to carry, while its 1TB internal storage provides ample space for storing a variety of games. The high 1200p display with 500 nits brightness ensures good visibility, even in well-lit environments, making it well-suited for outdoor or on-the-move gaming sessions.

Who is this NOT for?

This device may not be ideal for users who require advanced haptic feedback or a fully immersive gaming experience, as it lacks features like adaptive triggers and dual force feedback. It also doesn’t support 4K Blu-ray or wireless controllers, limiting its appeal for those looking for a multi-functional media player or a flexible, multiplayer experience. Additionally, the absence of NFC and cellular connectivity may be a drawback for users seeking more versatile connectivity options.

Performance:

CPU speed 8 x 4.8 GHz
floating-point performance 4 TFLOPS
RAM 32GB
GPU clock speed 1950 MHz
supports ray tracing
Is an NVMe SSD
memory bandwidth 136 GB/s
Can connect to an external drive
shading units 1024
uses multithreading
refresh rate 120Hz
DDR memory version 5
RAM speed 8533 MHz

The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM delivers solid performance with its 8 x 4.8 GHz CPU speed and 32GB of high-speed RAM running at 8533 MHz. It supports ray tracing and achieves 4 TFLOPS of floating-point performance, ensuring smooth graphics and advanced visual effects. With a GPU clock speed of 1950 MHz and a memory bandwidth of 136 GB/s, it can handle demanding tasks efficiently. The console also features an NVMe SSD for faster data access, and a 120Hz refresh rate that enhances gameplay fluidity. Additional features like multithreading support and external hard drive connectivity ensure versatility and responsiveness.

General info:

Type Handheld
display resolution 1200p
release date January 2025
Hard drive is replaceable
Has an internal power supply
Display type LCD, LED-backlit, IPS
internal storage 1024GB
Is region free
thickness 24 mm
width 299 mm
height 126 mm
volume 904.176 cm³
Has an optical disc drive
weight 795 g
brightness (typical) 500 nits
battery size 80 Wh

The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM is a handheld console featuring a 1200p display resolution and an LCD, LED-backlit, IPS screen that offers vibrant visuals with a brightness of 500 nits. It has an internal storage capacity of 1024GB and supports a replaceable hard drive for flexibility. Weighing just 795 g, it remains portable and compact, with dimensions of 299 mm in width, 126 mm in height, and 24 mm in thickness. The device is region-free and includes an internal power supply, making it convenient for international use and long gaming sessions. The 80 Wh battery ensures extended gameplay.

Connectivity:

has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
is DLNA-certified
USB ports 2
has an HDMI output
Bluetooth version 5.4
has an external memory slot
Supports connectivity between home and portable devices
USB version 4
Has USB Type-C
has a cellular module
has NFC
RJ45 ports 0

The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM offers a variety of connectivity options to enhance your gaming experience. It includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, support for Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. For wired connections, it features USB Type-C and standard USB 4 ports, as well as an HDMI output for video output. Additionally, the console has an external memory slot for expandable storage, though it does not support cellular connectivity or NFC.

Features:

has voice commands
backwards compatibility
pixel density 283 ppi
Can play games while they download
supports quick resume
supports Discord voice chat
Supports 3D audio
supports Dolby Vision
supports VR
Has a 4K Blu-ray drive
screen size 8"
number of channels of sound output 2
has a touch screen
Has optical tracking
Has an autostereoscopic display
Has a secondary screen
Can play Blu-ray Discs
has two sensors
Access high scores and achievements
has stereo speakers
Supports 3D
has a front camera
Uses flash storage
has a child lock

The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM comes equipped with several user-friendly features to enhance the gaming experience. It supports voice commands and offers quick resume for seamless gameplay transitions. The device also supports VR gaming and Discord voice chat, making it ideal for both solo and multiplayer experiences. With an 8″ touchscreen display and a pixel density of 283 ppi, the console delivers sharp visuals. Additionally, it uses flash storage for faster data access and includes a child lock for safe use.

Controllers:

number of controllers 4
has adaptive triggers
Compatible with a motion-sensing controller(s)
Has a wireless controller
number of analog sticks 2
has an integrated touchpad
Has dual force feedback
number of buttons 16

The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM supports up to 4 controllers, offering a versatile multiplayer experience. It features 2 analog sticks and 16 buttons, providing precise control and a range of input options. While it is compatible with motion-sensing controllers, it does not include a wireless controller, adaptive triggers, or dual force feedback, making it a straightforward and responsive option for gaming.

Final Verdict

The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM is a solid handheld console designed for gamers who value portability and smooth performance. Its 1TB internal storage and compact design make it easy to carry, while the 1200p display ensures clear visuals in various lighting conditions. With features like voice commands and quick resume functionality, it enhances the overall gaming experience. However, its lack of support for advanced haptic feedback and wireless controllers may limit its appeal for users seeking a fully immersive or flexible multiplayer setup. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for portable gaming, though users with more specific media or control requirements may find some limitations.

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