It is no secret that the MSI Claw A1M(curr. $569 on Amazon) remains comparatively unloved by media and consumers. While this was true earlier this year, the release of the ROG Ally X has pushed MSI's first effort even further down the list of recommended large gaming handhelds.

Unsurprisingly, MSI itself has not acknowledged as much. However, its decision to unveil a second-generation model at Computex 2024 just five months after presenting the Claw A1M spoke volumes about the device's comparative lack of success. For context, it also suggested that various other models are in the works too, including a larger option akin to the huge ONEXPLAYER X1. With that being said, it focused on the Claw 8 AI , during which it confirmed various hardware specifications:

• Display: 8-inch IPS, 1,920 x 1,200-pixel resolution, variable refresh rate (VRR)
• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake architecture) (17 W TDP)
• GPU: Arc Graphics 8 Xe2 cores
• RAM: 16 GB or 32 GB LPDDR5X 8,533 MT/s
• SSD: M.2 2280 standard
• Battery: ~80 Wh
• I/O: 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports

With IFA 2024 almost upon us, MSI has now offered more details about its next-generation gaming handheld, which is still on track to launch as the Claw 8 AI . While the device's appearance at Computex 2024 in June implied that a release may be on the horizon, that is not the case. Instead, MSI appears to have only confirmed in its German language press release that it will wait until early next year before it starts selling the Claw 8 AI . Please see MSI's quote below for further details:

At IFA 2024, MSI will also provide further insights into the Claw 8 AI . The new Windows 11 gaming handheld will expand the range in the Claw series at the beginning of 2025. The Claw 8 AI is equipped with the new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor and offers significantly increased AI performance. The new gaming handheld offers improved energy efficiency, a second Thunderbolt 4 port in USB-C format, optimized bumper buttons, a more powerful battery and a more practical charger. MSI took user feedback into account when developing the Claw 8 AI .