The new Claw 8 EX AI+ portable console from MSI, powered by Intel’s Arc G3 chip, is now available in the United States. The console comes in two versions: one with the more powerful Arc G3 Extreme and another with the standard Arc G3. The latter, which is less powerful and $300 cheaper, is now available for pre-order in the U.S. at $1,499. This version was previously sold in China but is not yet available in Europe, particularly in France, though it is expected to launch there soon. The switch to the standard Arc G3 chip means some adjustments in the console’s performance. While it keeps the same 14-core CPU design as the G3 Extreme, its maximum clock speed is reduced by 100 MHz, dropping from 4.7 GHz to 4.6 GHz. The more significant change lies in the graphics processing unit (GPU). The standard Arc G3 uses an Arc B370 GPU with 10 Xe3 cores, capable of running at up to 2.2 GHz, while the G3 Extreme features an Arc B390 with 12 Xe3 cores and a higher 2.3 GHz frequency. Intel also reports a drop in the console’s theoretical AI performance, from 113 to 90 TOPS in INT8, a measure of computing power for artificial intelligence tasks. Despite these changes, most other technical features of the Claw 8 EX AI+ remain unchanged. The console still includes an 8-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and support for variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. The maximum brightness is listed at 500 cd/m², and the battery remains the same, with a capacity of 80 Wh. Controls are also unchanged, retaining the same design for the joysticks, triggers, and Hall effect technology. Connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 are still supported, along with two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Currently, pre-orders in the U.S. include 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory and a 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. There is no mention of a different configuration being released, though an announcement for the European market is expected by October 30. The Claw 8 EX AI+ continues to be a highly advanced and feature-rich portable console, even with the performance trade-offs in the standard version.