MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld PC lauded for top gaming performance and upgraded with 2TB SSD

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC is praised for delivering unrivaled gaming performance and strong battery life, despite a $1,800 price tag and a default 1 TB SSD. Reviewers in the United States upgraded the device with a 2 TB PNY CS2150 PCIe 5.0 SSD, using a Thunderbolt 5 dock and Macrium Reflect 8 to clone the original drive, thereby expanding storage headroom for Steam and Xbox games.

In Japan, the device was featured in a live‑stream talk program hosted by the “Jisatora” PC‑building group and writer Kato Kats, where its performance alongside the Arc G3 Extreme portable gaming PC was examined and described as “really amazing.” The broadcast, scheduled for 30 July 2026, highlighted the Claw 8 EX AI+ as a standout handheld for both enthusiasts and casual gamers.