MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ with Intel's Arc G3 Extreme processor costs a lot more than expected

At Computex 2026, we got the chance to go hands-on with a few PC gaming handhelds powered by the new Panther Lake-based Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, which features the impressive integrated Intel Arc B390 GPU. And we were blown away by the 1080p (or 1200p) performance that lets you play modern titles like Forza Horizon 6 or Battlefield 6 with High graphics settings at 60+ FPS thanks to XeSS.

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One of the devices we got to spend some quality hands-on time with was the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, which, in addition to featuring the new Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, has a vibrant 8-inch 120Hz VRR display, Hall-effect sticks and triggers, and premium ergonomics and build quality, quickly make it one of those devices that have you praying that it launches with a reasonable price point. A concern born from the current memory and component crisis driving up the cost of all things consumer tech.

Well, turns out that we weren't praying hard enough, as a retail listing for the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ over on MSI's official US storefront (via VideoCardz) puts the MSRP of this new gaming handheld at an eye-watering $1,799.00 USD. Yes, this would make it one of the most expensive portable gaming devices on the market, with the $1,800 price point also coming in a lot higher than the $1,500 or so that many were expecting - an already inflated price point based on the current crisis affecting consumer tech.

There is some good news, however, as the report notes that retail listings for the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ on both Newegg and Best Buy list $1,699 as the price, which is an improvement but still out of reach for most gamers. Also, the MSI store listing features a model with 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533 MHz memory and 1TB of PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD storage, so perhaps there's a more affordable option with 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage coming.

Either way, the sticker shock, so to speak, is not unusual in 2026, as recently Valve increased the price of its Steam Deck OLED model by a whopping $300 USD due to the current component crisis. And it's unfortunate because at the right price, the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor in an impressive handheld like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a genuine game-changer, outperforming similar handhelds powered by AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor.