Handheld gaming PCs have come a long way since Valve's Steam Deck launched in 2022, back when the handheld market was still very much in a niche form.

The Steam Deck appealed to so many gamers simply because of its affordability and performance, running both indie and triple-A games with little difficulty (with reasonable graphics settings). The device provided gamers with an easy way to tackle their game libraries when away from their desks.

Unfortunately, the ongoing RAM crisis, combined with other difficult market conditions in 2026, has not only forced Valve to delay the launch of new hardware, but also drastically increased the price of the Steam Deck OLED. That handheld is now $789 / £649 / AU$1,199 and $949 / £779 / AU$1,429 for the 512GB and 1TB models respectively.

We're not focusing on the Steam Deck today, though. Instead, our attention has been grabbed by the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, coming straight out of Computex 2026 and delivering exceptional performance across several games we tested. And frankly, it may turn out to be the best handheld of 2026 in terms of raw power and performance, but there's one massive problem – the same one Valve faced with its Steam Deck OLED.

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ price is a joke

While I can happily admit that the Steam Deck OLED isn't worth its new price by a long shot, the cost of that device doesn't even come close to the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ in terms of absurdity.

The Claw 8 EX AI+ will be available at retailers and from the MSI Store priced at $1,799 (around £1,340 / AU$2,540). Yes, you read that right. MSI's new handheld is almost the same price as an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (going by the GPU's MSRP, that is), or to look at it another way, the Claw is the same price as an full desktop gaming PC.

There's no denying how great MSI's new handheld is, especially considering the claims of its Intel G3 Extreme processor being 44% faster at 1080p than the MSI Claw 8 AI+'s Intel Core Ultra 258V. On paper, the only benefit it seems to be missing compared to other upcoming handhelds like the OneXPlayer 3 is an OLED screen.

However, I suppose it's a good thing there's still no OLED panel with this new Claw handheld, as I can only imagine how much more expensive the device would be if that was included. And frankly, the $1,799 price still wouldn't be justified if an OLED panel was part of the picture.

Simply put, it's pretty difficult to imagine anyone who will be willing to spend so much for a device like this when, as noted, you can get a full-blown gaming rig for this money. Okay, it's a handheld packing a lot of power and top quality performance, so it's definitely going to cost more, sure — but pushing close to $2,000? Absolutely not.

It's fair to point out that the RAM crisis has definitely had a part to play in the obscene pricing here, as shortages have put the entire PC market in disarray. Regardless, even with the memory shortage and other problems with PC components, I don't think the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has any business being as costly as it is — and I believe MSI will find that out sooner rather than later.

I also fear that this won't be the only seriously overpriced gaming portable to be winging our way in the future.

• Valve's latest SteamOS beta offers improved compatibility with Intel platforms
• It also sees initial firmware added for incoming Intel G3 Extreme-powered handhelds
• Performance on SteamOS with Intel hardware should improve further with future updates

Handheld gaming is set to reach new heights in 2026 and beyond, with Intel's latest Panther Lake mobile processors providing more power for high-level performance — and Valve has just made life better for Intel-based handhelds.

Valve's SteamOS 3.8.8 beta includes improved hardware support for Intel platforms, additional controller support for MSI Claw devices, and initial firmware for upcoming Intel handhelds. That includes handhelds like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, OneXPlayer 3, and the Acer Predator Atlas 8, all of which will use the Intel G3 Extreme processor.

Intel-based handhelds running SteamOS (or Bazzite) aren't anything new. However, performance with Intel hardware on the operating system hasn't been great, with devices like the MSI Claw 8 AI+ delivering worse game performance than Windows 11 — but it's the complete opposite for AMD-powered handhelds on SteamOS compared to Windows 11.

The appeal of SteamOS, besides its ease of use and console-like user interface, is its optimization for gaming in terms of memory usage, which Windows 11 lacks (and still falls behind Valve's SteamOS even with the Xbox Mode).

With that in mind, switching from Windows 11 to SteamOS for worse performance doesn't make much sense, and that's what has kept some owners of Intel-powered handhelds away from the Linux-based operating system.

Full Steam ahead for Intel chips

Fortunately, it's now evident that this is being addressed by Valve, as handheld enthusiast ETA Prime highlights with the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and its fluid performance results in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon.

Functions like sleep mode work as expected, which is great, but navigation and menu options still need updating, and the TDP (power consumption) can only be controlled via a Decky Loader plugin — plus the Steam menu button config needs to be added on Intel handhelds.

Regardless, this is a step in the right direction for these portables, and with more updates from Valve leading up to the launch of the new Intel-powered handhelds, this is definitely something to get excited about for those who don't have AMD-powered hardware.

Strolling through the halls of MSI’s 40th anniversary exhibition after a long week of Computex was a real treat; an ode to four decades of powerful hardware, creative designs, and one of the PC gaming industry’s longest-serving titans.

Speaking of Titans, it was the special Dragon Edition Draco Epic Titan 18HX that held my attention the most on the show floor; this beastly beauty packs some serious punch with an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU with 24GB GDDR7 memory.

However, it’s as much a work of art as it is a gaming device. Inspired by the constellation Draco, which represents the mythical dragon defeated by Heracles in Greek mythology, MSI’s 40th anniversary special edition laptop is emblazoned with a gorgeously textured metallic blue-grey dragon surrounded by golden constellations.

It’s not just the backplate of the laptop, which features the Draco-inspired design heavily; the design language carries through the entire device. Is it extra? Absolutely, but if you’re an MSI fan, this tribute to the brand’s dragon mascot feels apt.

Between this maximalist casing, its RGB keypad, and the ample bundled peripherals and accessories, this makes for one of the most dramatic, borderline kitschy designs I’ve ever seen on a laptop, and I’m absolutely obsessed.

How much is that dragon in the window?

Of course, the Dragon Edition Draco Epic Titan 18HX has a lot going for it beyond design and a powerful CPU / GPU combination. I didn’t get the chance to try any games on the device, but by specs alone, it’ll likely offer an exceptional gaming experience.

Its 18-inch UHD+ Mini LED display features a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth and vibrant visuals, and its vapor chamber cooler with a dedicated PCIe Gen5 SSD cooling pipe should keep the clamshell calm and collected even in longer play sessions.

As well as that aforementioned RGB haptic touchpad, there’s also the Cherry mechanical per-key RGB gaming keyboard — featuring a Copilot key if you’re part of the small minority who actually want one of these, let alone on a gaming laptop.

If this all sounds as great to you as it did to me, I regret to inform you that it’s, in all likelihood, out of your price range.

While MSI has yet to confirm pricing, the laptop’s maximalist design alone will likely lead to a significant price hike versus the standard Titan 18HX, which already clocks in at a prohibitive starting price of $4,999.99 / £4,379.98. Add to that the nature of this special edition laptop as well as the included mouse, mouse mat, packaging and collectors coins, and I’d be surprised if it costs any less than $7,500 / £7,000.

If your pockets are deep and you’re as enamoured with this loud and proud laptop as I am, more power to ya. I think I’ll focus on saving for the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ in the meantime.

• Check out our Computex 2026 hub for all the latest news out of Taipei.

Handheld gaming continues to grow year on year, with new hardware entering the fray to improve performance results in games — and with Computex 2026 well underway, it's time for PC enthusiasts to get excited.

There have already been several hardware announcements from the likes of Asus, Acer, OneXPlayer, and more, which means there's plenty for consumers to consider when picking out their next device.

Fortunately, Intel has been hard at work on its Panther Lake processor lineup and has delivered the powerful Arc G3 Extreme, which uses 14 cores and 14 threads and 12 Xe GPU cores, delivering some of the best performance on any handheld gaming PC we've seen thus far. However, it's not all just about power and performance.

Several other manufacturers have taken the time to fine-tune the handheld gaming experience, to improve visual enjoyment, comfort, and more — and here, we'll look at the best handheld gaming PCs that have been unveiled at Computex 2026.

1. MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

MSI has gone back to the drawing board after releasing the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+, and now, unveiled the all-new, powerful handheld, the Claw 8 EX AI+. While the display is effectively untouched, the processor is now the Intel Arc G3 Extreme, a significant step up from the Claw 8 AI+'s Core Ultra 258V.

Intel claims the G3 Extreme is 44% faster than the Core Ultra 258V at 1080p with 2x upscaling (i.e., from 540p), at 35W, and, notably, 42% faster than one of its rival chips, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme.

As a bonus to a monumental performance leap coming from the Core Ultra 200V series is its XeSS 3 upscaling compatibility, alongside Multi-Frame Generation, and access to Windows 11's Xbox Mode. Intel is the latest competitor to join Nvidia in utilizing Multi-Frame Generation technology, as AMD has yet to roll this out for Radeon GPU users.

With XeSS 3 upscaling, Multi-Frame Generation, and an overall raw performance boost, accompanied by better ergonomics for comfort, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ may end up being the best of the bunch among handhelds this year — however, its price could make or break it, especially if the rumored $1,500 figure is legitimate.

2. OneXPlayer 3

One-Netbook certainly isn't a mainstream manufacturer like MSI, but its new OneXPlayer 3 handheld is definitely a strong competitor to the Claw 8 EX AI+, and, on paper, in some cases arguably better.

The OneXPlayer 3 is a 3-in-one handheld gaming PC that supports AI, gaming, and productivity, and features the same Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor found in the Claw 8 EX AI+. However, it outshines MSI's device with a bigger, more immersive 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED display that is both VRR and HDR enabled.

Users have two storage options via microSD and mini SSD, while its battery has a capacity of 85 Wh. That latter might mean the handheld ranks among those with the best and longest-lasting battery life, but we'll need to see how it performs in real-world testing.

Without a doubt, this is a device that will be able to tackle any game thrown at it and provide exceptional visual quality while doing so. There's no information on its launch date nor its price, and yet again, the latter will likely be the defining factor in its potential success.

3. Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20

Doubling down on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X's impressive features, Asus revealed the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 to celebrate the ROG brand's 20th anniversary. More importantly, the X20 comes with a larger 7.4-inch OLED display with 1,400 nits of peak brightness, bundled with the ROG XReal R1 Edition 20 gaming AR glasses.

It's quite clear that Asus has prioritized visual improvements over performance or power, so it's hard to describe this as a 'mid-generation' upgrade, in the same way the Asus ROG Ally X was compared to its non-X counterpart.

The Xbox Ally X20 also features a rotatable D-pad, labeled a 'Transforming D-pad', which should cater to fighting game players when using the handheld, thanks to optimization for diagonal inputs.

The major downside is that Asus isn't currently selling this as a standalone device, and since the ROG XReal R1 Edition 20 gaming AR glasses retail for $849, the bundle will likely be priced at or around $2,000.

4. Acer Predator Atlas 8

Just like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and the OneXPlayer 3, the Acer Predator Atlas 8 is powered by Intel's Arc G3 Extreme, with power-ready capabilities that can bolster performance in several games for users.

Its design takes after the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X (and the new ROG Xbox Ally X20), just as MSI has, with controller-like handles that cater to comfort for those long gaming sessions. The adjustable triggers on the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld are easily one of my favorite features for any handheld, and fortunately, that's included here with the Atlas 8.

The only missing element is an OLED display for greater immersion, so it sits in a very similar ballpark as the Claw 8 EX AI+, with the only difference being the latter's comfier design.

In the same vein as all of Computex's handheld announcements, the Atlas 8 hinges on its price tag, and based on the current market conditions, thanks to the RAM crisis, it looks like it may be priced well above $1,000. Acer has confirmed that this will launch in October 2026, so price information shouldn't be too far off.

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review

The MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K is a gaming mouse with a pro level spec and some useful features. Despite this, it also has a pretty competitive price.

There's nothing spectacular or gamerish about the way it looks, maintaining as it does a relatively understated aesthetic. There’s only a small logo that allows some subtle RGB lighting to pass through.

In the hand, I found the Versa 300 more bulbous than I’m accustomed to, with a more prominent hump in the middle. However, I adjusted quickly to the shape and found it comfortable thereafter. In fact, it actually fitted my palm as well as the best gaming mouse shapes.

This fit also helps to impart a secure feeling, making me confident in performing lift-offs. This is further aided by the concave side walls and their diamond grip pattern. It’s a shame, though, that this grip area isn’t made from a soft touch material like silicone or rubber; it merely adopts the same smooth plastic as the rest of the unit. Regardless, I still found it provided sufficient grip and feedback.

The Versa 300 is quite a light mouse, weighing just 66g, which makes it easy to maneuver. However, there are certainly lighter mice around, and what’s more the weight doesn’t feel evenly distributed. Most of its mass seems to be concentrated near the rear, which can cause the whole unit to tilt backwards when lifting off. At least the Versa 300 feels solid and durable, which is always a positive. The body material feels smooth and upmarket, too, belying its budget price tag.

In action, the Versa 300 is quite impressive. The first aspect I noticed was just how smoothly it glided. This surprised me, given the PTFE skates are quite small compared to those on more premium gaming mice.

The included USB cable is braided and quite long, which makes it amenable to a wide variety of setups. It’s also quite light, although it still adds a small but noticeable element of drag to movements. The connection to the USB-C port is as solid as I could’ve wished for, so I wasn’t concerned about accidentally yanking it out.

The Omron mechanical switches feel satisfying enough, but they’re a little heavier and travel a little further than those on more elite gaming mice. This makes them feel less snappy. I still found them just about light enough for competitive play, but more serious head clickers might find them too sluggish for their needs.

The scroll wheel is somewhat unusual, due to its prominent, spiky finish. Far from being uncomfortable, though, I found this texture pleasing and it provided good feedback.

The middle click is also very satisfying, feeling more like a true button press than many others, thanks to its long travel and definitive thud when actuated. It’s probably one of the best middle clicks I’ve experienced.

However, the notching of the wheel is a little too light for my tastes, making it somewhat harder to judge single flicks compared to others. There’s no free scroll or tilt scroll feature, either, which some premium gaming mice get.

MSI Center, the brand’s peripheral software, is simple to use and laid out clearly. There is a reasonable amount of adjustments here, including five customizable levels for the DPI selector, ranging from 100 to 26,000, as well as rebinding options.

These are quite limited, though. You can only swap inputs around, assign media playback controls, and trigger macros (a fairly basic macro recording facility is included). It’s a shame you can’t customize the RGB lighting from here; for that, you’ll need to download another app, Portal X, which just creates more inefficiency.

You can enable more advanced features, such as Motion Sync and Angle Snapping, as well as alter the debounce time between 0ms and 30ms (in increments of 1ms). You can also adjust the lift-off distance, but this only has two settings: low and high.

Battery life is also excellent. After using the mouse consistently for several days, in both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, it only dropped around 10-15%. I didn’t experience any connectivity issues, either, with the two wireless modes maintaining a stable, lag-free signal.

Other gaming mice may have a greater selection of advanced performance based features, but it’s hard to complain about their absence in the Versa 300, given its competitive pricing. There aren’t many in this sector that offer a top-draw spec for so little, making it a compelling pick for those on a budget.

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review: Price & availability

• $99.99 / £59.99 (about AU$140)
• Available now
• Well-priced for its spec

The MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K costs $99.99 / £59.99 (about AU$140) and is available now in black only. It comes with a braided USB cable but no grip tape or spare skates.

Considering its spec, the Versa 300 is well-priced. There aren’t many gaming mice at this price point offering dual wireless connectivity modes, an 8K polling rate, and advanced tweaks.

It’s significantly cheaper than the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, which is one of our current favorites in the sector. But the Razer has more advanced software, granting you access to more adjustments and functions. We also loved its snappy mouse clicks, an area where the Versa 300 falls short.

However, if you’re after a truly budget gaming mouse, it’s hard to beat the Cooler Master MM311. We found it performed much better than it had any right to. It may lack multiple connectivity modes and a rechargeable battery, but you can’t really get better performance for less.

Should I buy the MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K?

Scorecard

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if…

MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K review: Also consider

How I tested the MSI Versa 300 Wireless 8K

• Tested for several days
• Used for a variety of games and tasks
• Extensive gaming mouse experience

I tested the Versa 300 for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general productivity. I used all of its connectivity methods with two different Windows PCs.

I played a variety of games, from fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, where speed and precision matter most, to games requiring a more considered and versatile and more encompassing mouse functionality, such as Subnautica 2.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have experienced many gaming mice in that time. I’ve also reviewed a large number of them, from budget offerings to pro-level and feature-packed premium models.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: May 2026

• The RAM crisis has reportedly resulted in a motherboard manufacturer crisis, according to Digitimes
• Digitimes' report suggests motherboard shipments have plummeted for four major Taiwanese manufacturers
• Consumers no longer have the incentive to buy motherboards for new PC builds due to unaffordable RAM kits

The AI boom and ongoing economic struggles continue to leave the PC hardware market in disarray, and a recent development suggests matters are only getting worse.

As reported by PC Gamer, a new Digitimes report indicates a 'collapse' for motherboard manufacturers and their shipment targets for 2026, due to the memory crisis.

Unsurprisingly, RAM shortages and price hikes have effectively discouraged consumers from building new PCs, which has a knock-on effect of leaving motherboards on the shelves.

Notably, the report states that Asus is among the four major Taiwanese motherboard manufacturers that lowered shipment targets at the end of 2025, and has still experienced a collapse in shipments. It also claims that Asus has only managed to ship 5 million motherboards in the first half of 2026, despite aiming for 10 million overall.

Frankly, those numbers are regarded as one of the worst for Asus, as it's said to mark the 'lowest point in Asus's motherboard shipments since the company split in 2008', and also worse than the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A similar case applies to MSI, which was reportedly estimating 11 million motherboard shipments but has fallen to 8.4 million for 2026.

Yes, these cases don't directly impact consumers, especially given the lack of consumer incentive to buy motherboards (which is part of the issue, but not to blame), but in theory, low motherboard sales could lead to a drop in production for the major manufacturers.

If the RAM crisis does dissolve, there will likely be a sudden demand for motherboards where production has been severed, ultimately leading to skyrocketing prices and shortages. It's quite evident that the AI boom has done immense damage to the PC hardware market, but we can only hope that it isn't irreparable.

• MSI has launched two new monitors, the MSI MPG 322UR X24, and the MSI MAG 321UP X24
• Both are 4th-gen QD-OLED monitors, using several new features to improve immersion
• DarkArmor Film and Uniform Luminance work to improve black levels and keep brightness consistent, respectively

QD-OLED displays are consistently lauded as the best on the market, thanks to their deep black levels, which ensure picture quality unmatched by mini-LED and regular LED monitors. However, it doesn't come without a few drawbacks, and that's what MSI's new displays promise to solve.

MSI has launched two new 31.5-inch OLED monitors, which were previously revealed at CES 2026: the MSI MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24 and the MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED X24.

Both models are 4th-gen QD-OLED displays, packed with several new features such as an AI Care Sensor to prevent burn-in by switching the display off when a user leaves the monitor's view. The most notable features are 'DarkArmor Film' and 'Uniform Luminance', both shaped to help revitalize and enhance the viewing experience.

DarkArmor Film is a new design made to increase black levels by 40% and increase the screen's scratch resistance. Most importantly, MSI claims it eliminates the 'purple tint' often seen on OLED displays in brightly-lit environments.

This should stop sunlight or other light sources from causing frustrating glares, which was the cause of the purple tint, and it's evident in MSI's demonstration video (available above), with the difference showcasing the DarkArmor Film display as the victor.

On top of that, both the 322UR and 321UP utilize Penta Tandem OLED technology, significantly enhancing brightness and improving light efficiency by up to 30% by stacking five light-emitting layers, a feature popular among new-gen OLED TVs and monitors.

Perhaps the bigger feature of the two is MSI's Uniform Luminance, which seeks to eradicate the aggressive auto brightness limiter (ABL) issues that plague OLED displays. Switching from small to bigger windows would result in very noticeable brightness shifts, leading to a jarring and inconsistent viewing experience.

Uniform Luminance uses customizable HDR curves to produce smoother transitions between light and dark scenes, ultimately reducing the impact of aggressive ABL and keeping brightness levels consistent.

Listings at several online retailers have the MSI 322UR QD-OLED X24 available at £895 / $1,099 / AU$1,799, and the MSI 321UP QD-OLED X24 available at $899.99 / (around £799 / AU$1,499). Undoubtedly, these are monitors worth keeping an eye out for, and ones I could see added to my wishlist.

• XpertStation WS300 supports trillion-parameter models without relying on cloud infrastructure
• Dual 400GbE LAN ports enable high-speed distributed multi-node AI workloads
• Unified HBM3e GPU and LPDDR5X CPU memory maximizes bandwidth for AI

MSI has officially launched the XpertStation WS300, a deskside AI workstation based on Nvidia’s DGX Station architecture.

This system is designed to handle demanding large language models, generative AI, and advanced data science workloads.

The platform is powered by the Nvidia GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Desktop Superchip and supports up to 748GB of unified, large coherent memory.

Unified memory architecture for high-bandwidth AI processing

The XpertStation WS300 combines HBM3e GPU memory with LPDDR5X CPU memory for high-bandwidth data sharing.

This configuration allows local processing of trillion-parameter models and supports extensive AI workflows without relying on cloud infrastructure.

The workstation includes dual 400GbE LAN ports, which enable multi-node distributed computing with up to 800Gbps aggregate bandwidth.

MSI claims that the XpertStation WS300 delivers data center class performance directly to the desktop environment, with its setup intended to help organizations move from experimentation to production while maintaining consistent compute reliability.

The XpertStation WS300 supports the full AI lifecycle, including large-scale model training, data-intensive analytics, and real-time inference.

By functioning as a centralized AI compute node, the platform enables collaborative fine-tuning and on-demand deployment, but maintains control over its data and intellectual property.

High-speed PCIe Gen5 and Gen6 NVMe storage accelerates dataset ingestion and AI pipelines, ensuring sustained utilization during compute-intensive operations.

Combined with the Nvidia AI Software Stack, the workstation integrates hardware and software to allow seamless workflow transitions from research to production environments.

MSI also integrated Nvidia NemoClaw, an open-source stack that runs OpenShell within a policy-controlled sandbox.

This allows autonomous AI agents to operate continuously and safely at the deskside, using the workstation’s 20petaFLOPS compute potential.

The configuration supports always-on AI processes locally, enabling experiments with advanced AI and robotics applications without transferring sensitive workloads to cloud servers.

"MSI has a strategic vision to advance AI-first computing," said Danny Hsu, General Manager of MSI's Enterprise Platform Solutions.

"With Nvidia, we are defining the next era of AI infrastructure, bridging centralized performance and distributed innovation, and enabling organizations to move from experimentation to production with greater speed, scale, and confidence."

The platform provides extensive capabilities for advanced AI workflows, but its $84,999.99 price tag raises concerns about cost efficiency.

Organizations that do not require maximum memory or continuous trillion-parameter model operation may find the investment difficult to justify.

The system delivers unprecedented local AI performance, enabling demanding computations at the desk.

However, the practical value of this workstation is likely limited to enterprises with high-throughput AI workloads and specific infrastructure requirements.

MSI Prestige 14 AI+: Two-minute review

The MSI Prestige 14 AI+ is a sleek business-focused laptop with a premium design that manages an interesting and useful mix of the features and performance you need, but skips a lot of the bloat.

As the name suggests, it’s a 14-inch laptop, and it’s aimed at users on the go who need a thin and light machine that still offers decent performance and battery life. The Prestige 14 measures in at 31.6 x 22.2 x 1.2 - 1.4cm (12.4 x 8.7 x 0.47 - 0.55 inches) and weighs 1.32kg (2.91 lbs) — an excellent size for portability without being too small. Compared to the non-Windows competition, it’s chunkier than a MacBook Air, but is slimmer and lighter than a MacBook Pro.

The Prestige 14 AI+ D3M configuration I tested uses the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 CPU with 32GB of onboard LPDDR5x memory and a 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD — a popular spec in laptops launched in 2026. You can also get the Prestige 14 AI+ in the same spec but with a 512GB SSD, or with a more powerful Intel Core Ultra X7 358H CPU.

While the Prestige 14 AI+ is a classic clamshell laptop, there’s also a similar 2-in-1 model. If that’s more your style, check out our MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ review.

On the left side, the Prestige 14 AI+ has two USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports (both supporting DisplayPort and 100W charging), plus an HDMI 2.1 output. The right side features dual USB-A ports and a 3.5mm headset jack.

The pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports makes it easy to connect the laptop up to a dock or monitor, and if also using HDMI, you can drive 3 external displays. I generally like having one USB-C port on each side, but the dual left ports plus HDMI setup does make it neat on a desk.

The 14-inch OLED display has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (a pleasing 16:10 aspect ratio) with excellent 100% DCI-P3 color. MSI doesn't quote a specific NIT figure on the local spec sheet, but in use the glossy OLED panel is bright enough to overcome reflections in slightly glary office environments but struggles a little outdoors.

Handily, the screen folds back through a full 180 degrees, which is great for sharing content across a table or using the laptop in a vertical stand. The 1920 x 1200 resolution is perfectly fine at this size but not quite as sharp as I prefer and you will need to look at the larger 16-inch Prestige 16 AI+ if you want a higher res screen, like 2880x1800.

The IR FHD webcam gives decent quality video when well-lit and is still acceptable in tougher lower-light conditions. It supports facial recognition unlocks, plus has a physical shutter for privacy. Speaker quality is better than expected, though as is normal in a thin laptop, the sound gets a little muddy at higher volumes.

The backlit keyboard has deep key travel, very little bounce and no distracting light bleed from under the keys. The large touchpad is nice and accurate and supports gestures, though its non-haptic click mechanism has unusually deep travel, especially on right click, and can feel a little awkward at times.

The new Intel Series 3 Core Ultra 7 355 CPU is a good fit for this kind of thin-and-light machine. In daily use the Prestige 14 AI+ feels very responsive for typical office work, photo editing and even heavier multitasking. This is thanks in part to the snappy CPU, but also due to the 32GB of RAM and fast SSD. The integrated graphics are a step down from Intel Arc iGPUs but performance is plenty for accelerating lighter creative work and even some casual gaming.

The battery has an 81Wh capacity — decently large for this class of machine — and the laptop lasted an excellent 14 hours and 42 minutes unplugged when doing office tasks. Video playback is even better at 16 hours and 21 minutes in testing, meaning the Prestige will happily make it through a day unplugged.

All in all, the combination of snappy everyday performance and excellent battery life in a stylish portable laptop makes the MSI Prestige 14 AI+ easy to recommend.

MSI Prestige 14 AI+: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $1,699 / £1,449 / AU$2,599
• When is it available? Available now
• Where is it available? Available in the US, UK and Australia

The MSI Prestige 14 AI+ is very new, so at the time of writing availability is not yet widespread and in the US, only the Ultra X7 385H variant is for sale.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 355 variant tested costs around £1,449 in the UK and AU$2,599 in Australia, though some retailers already have it a little cheaper. You can also save a little by opting for the 512GB SSD spec.

The pricing places the MSI Prestige 14 AI+ firmly in premium ultrabook territory rather than the more budget-friendly business-laptop space, but the spec and features do help justify the higher asking price — especially as the latest generation of laptops has experienced noticeable price rises compared to 2025 models. Still, I hope to see the price come down over time to help keep it competitive.

The Intel Ultra X7 358H variant is also sold in Australia and the UK with up to a 2TB SSD and is only slightly more expensive — so it’s well worth checking out if you need more storage or higher performance.

• Value score: 4 / 5

MSI Prestige 14 AI+: Specs

The Prestige 14 AI+ family includes several variants, but the configuration tested here is straightforward: an Intel Core Ultra 7 355, 32GB of onboard LPDDR5x memory, a 1TB SSD and a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 OLED display.

The other common option is a model with a more powerful Intel Core Ultra X7 358H CPU and up to a 2TB SSD.

• Specs score: 4 / 5

MSI Prestige 14 AI+: Design

• 180-degree fold-flat screen
• Dual Thunderbolt 4
• 16:10 OLED display

The Prestige 14 AI+ looks and feels like a proper premium laptop compared to MSI's more budget-friendly office machines, and it has a sleek, understated design that easily rivals the best from other brands.

The Prestige 14 measures in at 31.6 x 22.2 x 1.2–1.4cm (12.4 x 8.7 x 0.47–0.55 inches), and its 1.32kg (2.91 lbs) weight makes it a very manageable laptop to carry around every day. The curved edges of the aluminum alloy design make it feel pleasantly slim in hand (or when slipping it into a bag) but it’s strong enough to use without any undue flexing.

The port fitout and left/right split is pretty standard on laptops these days and has everything needed for most users. It would be nice to see little extras like an SD card reader, or another USB-C port on the right, but that’s increasingly rare.

MSI says the laptop can be equipped with 64GB of RAM, but for now I have only seen 32GB variants for sale. The RAM is soldered so can’t be upgraded, but the SSD uses a M.2 slot so can be swapped out in the future if you need more space.

The keyboard is above average, with comfortable sizing (even for my large hands), deep travel and very little bounce during a vigorous deadline-induced writing session.

The trackpad is large and accurate to use and supports gestures like adjusting volume or brightness, and has a handy shortcut to the calculator and the MSI Center S management software. You do need to turn the gestures on manually and once you get used to them they work pretty well, and they aren't easy to accidentally trigger. You can also set up your own custom actions for gestures, like activating specific hotkeys or launching apps.

Overall I found the trackpad to be above average and my only complaint during my use was that right-clicking in the lower corner felt oddly deep, despite it working just fine.

The 16:10 display gives that little bit of extra screen real estate that you only realize is so helpful if ever going back to a 16:9 laptop. The 1920 x 1200 resolution is lower than I usually like, but considering the 14-inch footprint, it's quite sharp and usable day to day. That’s helped by the OLED panel with an excellent 100% DCI-P3 color rating, and while there’s no listed brightness, it’s good enough even in bright office environments, but the glossy surface shows a lot of reflections if outdoors at a cafe.

If you want a higher resolution display, then look at the larger Prestige 16 AI+ C3MG lineup. The spec is very similar overall, but you get a 16-inch 2880x1800 OLED display and the price is only slightly higher. Or for touchscreen support, the Prestige 14 Flip machines offer a comparable laptop but with a 2-in-1 design.

My favorite feature though is that the screen uses a hinge that allows it to fold back through 180 degrees. That is very useful for using the laptop in a vertical stand next to external monitors — in my testing I had it upright and flat next to dual vertically mounted 4K 27” panels, letting me use the laptop screen as an extra workspace for things like a Slack chat. The fold-back screen also makes it easy to share content across a table, and works well in one-on-one meetings.

The Prestige 14 AI+ includes an IR webcam and fingerprint reader, so secure logins are fast and easy. Many laptops only have one or the other, but having both means you can use whatever method you prefer, or turn off facial logins if needed without resorting to using a pin or password.

• Design score: 4 / 5

MSI Prestige 14 AI+: Performance

• Great everyday performance
• Very quiet in normal use
• Fast 1TB SSD

The MSI Prestige 14 AI+ feels snappy in typical use, with top-notch single-core performance plus fast RAM and storage. The Intel Core Ultra 7 355 is aimed at being an efficient chip for thin and light laptops, so multicore performance is lower than you get with more powerful CPUs.

It’s still plenty for most tasks, but for anyone who runs more demanding apps, the Prestige 14 with the more powerful Intel Core Ultra X7 358H is well worth the slightly higher price. For most users though, the Ultra 7 355 is a good mix of performance and efficiency.

MSI has equipped the Prestige 14 with a very fast SSD that can approach the limits of the PCIe 4.0 interface. In my tests the drive managed 6,961 MB/s read and 6,335 MB/s writes in CrystalDiskMark, which helps ensure the laptop feels fast when launching apps and multitasking.

Of course, decent performance in a thin form factor means some fan noise is expected under heavy load. Like most laptops these days, MSI uses vapor chamber cooling and during normal office work the Prestige 14 AI+ is mostly inaudible, or very quiet when the fans do spool up a little.

It gets that characteristic laptop fan whine under heavy loads, but does ramp down quickly once the CPU isn’t working as hard. The chassis does get noticeably warm if you push the laptop for an extended period, but the keyboard, touchpad and underside never became uncomfortably hot in my testing.

Graphics performance is naturally limited by the integrated GPU, but it is still respectable for a thin business laptop. The Prestige 14 AI+ scored 3,296 in 3DMark Time Spy and 6,502 in Fire Strike, which is a bit less than last gen CPUs like the Intel Ultra 7 258V, but enough for lighter GPU work and some casual play with older or less demanding games.

If you need a laptop that can compete with low-end discrete graphics, then opting for the Prestige 14 with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H CPU is a good call, as it has a much more powerful Intel Arc B390 iGPU, which offers over 50% higher performance.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 355 includes an NPU with up to 49 TOPs performance, but we are still in that awkward phase where it’s underutilized most of the time. Still, it’s only going to get more useful, and already offers advantages such as efficiently handling webcam backgrounds and video effects in otherwise notorious resource-hogging apps like Teams.

If your workload consists of typical office tasks — writing, handling spreadsheets, multitasking across apps, image editing and other general productivity, the Prestige 14 AI+ has more than enough performance.

If you need to handle more creator-style workloads, then it’s definitely worth looking at other models, such as the MSI Prestige 16 AI+ C3M.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

MSI Prestige 14 AI+: Battery life

• 14 hours and 42 minutes work when unplugged
• 16 hours and 21 minutes of video playback

The Prestige 14 AI+ has an 81Wh battery — decently large considering the light weight and thin design meaning battery life is one of its key strengths. Connected to Wi-Fi, I managed 14 hours and 42 minutes of lighter office-style work (like writing reviews) on battery, which is more than enough to get through a long day.

If you add in some more demanding tasks like a lot of image editing, then battery life slips. But even then the CPU is efficient enough that you need to be working it pretty hard before you can’t make it through a day unplugged.

The Prestige 14 AI+ charges over USB-C using its included 65W adapter (though it supports 100W), and you can quickly add back 50% of charge in about 30 minutes, or be fully topped off in about 1.5 hours. The charger is not too bulky and you can change the AC end of the cable if going overseas.

For less demanding tasks such as video playback, the laptop lasts even longer. With Wi-Fi on and the screen at 50% brightness, it lasted 16 hours and 21 minutes.

Overall the Prestige 14 combines the large battery and efficient CPU well and is a solid choice if you need to get work done when on the go.

• Battery life score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the MSI Prestige 14 AI+?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

MSI Prestige 14 AI+: Also consider

If my MSI Prestige 14 AI+ review has you considering other options, here are three alternatives to consider...

How I tested the MSI Prestige 14 AI+

• I tested the MSI Prestige 14 AI+ for two weeks
• I used it both at a desk and when working on the go
• I tested it with benchmarking tools, battery testing and everyday workloads

I ran the MSI Prestige 14 AI+ through the usual comprehensive array of TechRadar benchmarks, as well as using it for actual day-to-day work.

I used it for office tasks, media playback, multitasking and general productivity work, while also checking battery life, thermals, noise and charging times.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2026

• MSI's general manager has called 2026 the "most challenging year since the company was founded"
• The RAM crisis is hitting the laptop maker hard, and it's cutting back on production of low-end notebooks by 30% as a result
• There is brighter news elsewhere as DDR5 RAM prices are seemingly dropping in Europe – but not by that much

The RAM crisis is again exerting unwanted pressures on the broader PC market, even while some slightly more optimistic news has reached us on memory pricing over in Europe.

The dose of pessimism comes from MSI, which is going to jack up the prices of its 'gaming products' in the order of 15% to 30% this year. This is according to general manager Huang Jinqing on a recent earnings call, as per a report from Taiwan's United Daily News (via Tom's Hardware).

The increases are driven by the RAM shortage, and also problems with GPU supply from Nvidia — we're told there's a 20% shortfall in securing stock of the latter.

The result is that MSI will cut back on its low-end gaming laptops to the tune of 30%, so it can focus more on mid-range and higher-end PCs. The simple equation to keep revenue flowing is selling fewer devices at higher prices.

Huang said the PC industry is facing severe challenges, and that: "This year is the most challenging year since the company was founded" (text translated from Chinese).

On top of the shifting priorities with laptops, MSI is switching its motherboards to favor models supporting DDR4 memory. Whereas previously four times as many DDR5 motherboards were shipped versus DDR4, that situation has reversed completely, so the older standard is now coming off production lines in fourfold compared to the quantities of DDR5 boards. That's quite a remarkable turnaround.

Analysis: tough times despite some sparks of hope

As noted at the outset, VideoCardz noticed another update from German tech site 3D Center, which keeps tabs on RAM pricing over in Germany, and observes that the price of DDR5 memory dropped by around 7% in March compared to February.

So that sounds quite positive, and it echoes other observations from the European market last month, too. However, lest we get carried away, remember that DDR5 RAM is still quadruple what it cost compared to the price in September 2025, according to 3D Center's price watching. It's just that it has dropped back a little, after plateauing from January to February this year.

Obviously, it's good to witness any kind of downward correction — or indeed just to see that RAM pricing isn't going up — but there is, of course, a limit to how much prices will rise before most consumers throw their hands up in the air and (rightly) just refuse to buy. Unless they have absolutely no choice, that is.

And elsewhere, we're hearing gloomier news on RAM hikes, and as MSI makes clear, all this — and related supply issues around video memory for GPUs — is making life very difficult for PC manufacturers (or indeed those building themselves a new computer). We've already heard as much from the likes of HP and other big laptop makers, of course.

However, to call 2026 the "most challenging year" is quite a statement, considering that the pandemic in 2020 was a very tough time for the market (and it isn't the first time we've heard this sentiment in the tech industry this year).

Huang is predicting a 10% to 20% decline in PC sales this year, whereas analyst firms are pitching their estimations at a 10% drop for 2026. That's the best-case scenario as far as MSI's general manager is concerned, which is troubling to say the least, as is the fact that the budget end of the PC market is going to be hit hardest.

• MSI MEG Vision X AI 13.3-inch touchscreen doubles as a monitoring hub for creatives and professionals
• GPU selection dictates performance for gaming, rendering, and professional workloads alike
• Lobster-like chassis combines expandability with unconventional aesthetics

MSI has launched the MEG Vision X AI series, a barebones all-in-one PC which combines high-end gaming hardware with a strikingly unconventional design.

The system features a full-size tower measuring 299.3mm wide, 502.7mm deep, and 423.4mm tall, weighing approximately 18.3kg, and a PS3-esque appendage and protrusions that suggest both function and a distinctive aesthetic.

The device includes a 13.3-inch touchscreen intended for system monitoring, quick toggles, or dedicated status displays, allowing creatives to access software shortcuts, monitor rendering progress, or adjust project settings without switching focus from their primary display.

Interactive touchscreen enhances workflow and monitoring

The unique look of this device promoted TechRadar Pro editor Desire Athow to quip the casing resembled, “a lobster that hadn't completely shed its hard exoskeleton to grow,” capturing the layered and almost organic appearance of the chassis, emphasizing the sense of a device that is both protective and expandable, housing high-end components while presenting a unique surface.

MSI appears to have embraced this aesthetic to showcase the interactive touchscreen while accommodating a full-size tower structure capable of housing top-tier components.

The device is larger than regular compact all-in-one PCs, suggesting the company prioritizes cooling, power delivery, and expandability over minimalism.

Performance is anchored by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 265K CPU on a Z890 platform, paired with 64GB of DDR5 memory.

GPU options split the series into two clear tiers, a GeForce RTX 5080X configuration at $4,640 and a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti model at $4,082.

MSI indicates that CPU and RAM are consistent across models, meaning buyers make performance choices largely through GPU selection.

This ensures that professional applications like 3D rendering, video editing, and simulation software benefit from dedicated GPU acceleration alongside gaming performance.

The MEG Vision X AI supports both wired and wireless connections, with Intel Killer E5000 5GbE for the former and Wi-Fi 7 or Bluetooth 5.4 for the latter.

It also includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support fast external storage, docking, or display expansion.

This connectivity allows professionals to attach high-speed NVMe drives or multi-monitor setups, which can streamline workflows for designers, animators, and video editors.

Power is supplied by an 850W 80 PLUS Gold PSU, providing adequate headroom for sustained GPU loads.

Although the primary audience for the device is gamers, its hardware and expandability suggest it could also serve as a versatile platform for creators who require both raw performance and reliable workstation capabilities.

Via Guru3D

• MSI's RTX 5090 Lightning can only be bought via a lottery system in the US
• Some buyers are therefore taking advantage of this and reselling the GPU for between $8,000 to $15,000 on eBay
• It's cheaper to buy the RTX 5090 Lightning from the UK and pay for shipping and import, but however you dice it, you'll be down a small fortune

Ever thought about dropping the best part of ten grand on a GPU? If you are mulling a purchase of MSI's latest Nvidia graphics card – which is a new premium spin on the Blackwell flagship – you better prepare for a wallet-destroying price.

VideoCardz spotted that MSI's RTX 5090 Lightning Z graphics card is priced at truly eye-watering levels for buyers in the US, who would be better off importing the GPU from the UK.

The catch with the RTX 5090 Lightning is that it's a limited-edition graphics card, with not many more than 1,000 units having been made for global distribution to the buying public. In the US, the extra tricky bit is that the Lightning can only be purchased via a lottery, meaning you must win the opportunity to buy this graphics card at its retail price, which is $5,090 (see what they did there?) in the US.

So, predictably, what has happened is that those who've won the chance to buy the RTX 5090 Lightning have done so, but with the aim of trying to resell the GPU on eBay (or other marketplaces) to those who really want this card, but failed to win the aforementioned lottery.

As you can imagine, the markup on the Lightning is a nasty one, with current eBay prices ranging from $8,000 to $15,000.

Now, as VideoCardz points out, for GPU enthusiasts in the US, there's a better approach here rather than buying one of those products listed on eBay, which is to look at UK retailers instead (where there isn't a lottery system).

At the time of writing, Overclockers UK – one of the big custom PC makers and component sellers in the country – has MSI's RTX 5090 Lightning in stock and ready to ship for £5,000. For a buyer in the US, that works out at around $6,800 currently, so even after shipping and import costs, it's still going to be a good deal cheaper than forking out $8,000 (or indeed a lot more).

Analysis: ride the lightning – or don't, and buy a whole RTX 5090 gaming PC instead

Granted, in the scenario presented, there are support issues if things go wrong with the GPU for a US buyer using a UK retailer. But then there'd be support issues with an eBay seller anyhow (some of which are abroad anyway, so for example, one of those RTX 5090 Lightning graphics cards is shipped from Germany).

Of course, there's a bigger issue here though, which is simply: why on earth would you want to pay so much for a GPU anyway, even a flash RTX 5090? True, the RTX 5090 Lightning is doubtless a sterling overclocker (it is "built to sustain 1000W loads with absolute stability"), and it's a stunning-looking creation (with a built-in 8-inch display, no less).

But the prices floating around are just ludicrous, as is the recommended retail price frankly, wherever you can manage to get the GPU at that level (not in the US, as noted). $5,090 is still over 40% more expensive than the most affordable RTX 5090 at Newegg currently (which is $3,600 – and yes, prices have shot up with the flagship in general). And unless you're a really hardcore overclocker – or just want supreme GPU bragging rights – that's a seriously painful premium for the Lightning even at MSRP.

More to the point, for five grand you can pick up an entire gaming PC with top-spec components including an RTX 5090. Again, at Newegg, you can buy a liquid-cooled gaming rig built around the MSI Ventus RTX 5090 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor with 32GB of DDR5 RAM (which is also seriously pricey these days) and a 2TB SSD.

Or a liquid-cooled Alienware Area-51 PC (as pictured above) can be configured with the same spec for the CPU (the Intel 285K), GPU (RTX 5090) and RAM (32GB), plus a 1TB SSD, priced at $4,650 at the time of writing, which is 10% under the cost of MSI's RTX 5090 Lightning. I know which purchase I'd be making – none of the above, but if I did have that kind of budget for my PC gaming, it'd be the Alienware machine, for sure.

MSI’s big updates for the year mostly focused on the company’s business and AI devices, between laptops, desktops, and all-in-one PCs.

MSI also brought out a new glacier blue colorway for the Claw 8 AI+ and updated its desktop components line for a fresh new ecosystem. But there were four new products that truly shined in MSI’s new lineup and they weren’t just a chipset refresh or new coat of paint.

Raider 16 Max HX

This year, CES didn’t come with all-new gaming processors, but that didn’t stop MSI from updating the Raider 16 for even more power. Promising an astounding 300W of power, the Raider 16 Max HX is MSI’s “most powerful laptop ever.” Which is saying a lot considering the sheer power of last year’s Raider A18 HX.

The Raider 16 Max HX’s incredible 300W of total device power will be split between the laptop’s Intel Core Ultra 200HX CPU and its Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 or 5090 GPU with a split of 125W to the CPU and 175W to the GPU.

Plus it's got a quick-access panel on the bottom cover to more easily upgrade memory and storage. So even if the Raider 16 Max HX costs more than your rent, you’ll be able to hold onto it for years.

Prestige 14 Flip AI

The Prestige 14 Flip AI is similar to last year’s Summit 13 AI+, though it's got the new, sleek Prestige design rather than the Summit’s black and gold color scheme and features Intel’s new Core Ultra 300 series CPUs.

With the MSI Pen 2 and a 360-degree convertible hinge, the Prestige 14 Flips is the most portable and versatile of the new Prestige lineup.

Vision RS AI 2nd Gen

MSI also updated the Vision RS AI desktop this year. Sporting a curved seamless glass panel and all-white case, the Vision RS AI 2nd Gen is a powerful, liquid cooled beast of a machine that can run your AI models or games without missing a beat.

And it just looks pretty. Instead of the usual RGB heavy gaming design, the Vision RS AI 2nd Gen is clean and understated. Plus it can be kitted out with an Intel Core Ultra 9 and Nvidia RTX 5090.

MPG 27QRF X36

Fast OLED displays are all over CES this year, but the MPG 27QRF is one of the better iterations with a 360Hz, 0.5ms panel featuring Nvidia’s G-Sync Pulsar motion clarity and variable refresh rate.

It also has a built-in webcam and ultra clean design with a sturdy base.

• Intel announced that there'll be a handheld gaming platform with the Panther Lake series
• Partnerships with MSI, Acer, GPD, and Microsoft mean a good few handhelds could be on the way
• These devices won't be here any time soon, but more details are expected later in 2026

Nothing much has been happening with handheld gaming PCs at CES 2026, but Intel has hinted at the potential for a raft of major new launches later in 2026.

As reported by Notebookcheck, Intel has promised that handhelds are coming which are built with its Panther Lake series of processors. This potentially includes partnerships with the likes of MSI, Acer, GPD, Microsoft, and Onexplayer, with further updates set to be revealed later this year.

With both Lenovo and Asus recently launching the Legion Go 2 and the ROG Xbox Ally X respectively, this leaves both of those manufacturers effectively out of the picture for a handheld refresh powered by these new Intel chips – new devices surely won't be coming for some time on those fronts.

Essentially, this leaves room open for one of the big players, namely MSI, to make a successor to the Claw AI+ handhelds that use Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V processor.

Based on Intel's performance claims for Panther Lake's Arc B390 integrated GPU, which is said to be 73% faster than AMD's Radeon 890M while running at a lower power usage, it's safe to say that Team Blue could give Team Red a run for its money in the handheld space here.

If it was built around a Panther Lake CPU, we could see a new MSI Claw device with significantly better performance than most of the current-gen mainstream handhelds. As Intel claims, this is supposed to be next-gen handheld gaming performance (see the graph above).

It also helps that XeSS 3 (supported by Panther Lake and older Xe integrated graphics) comes with the benefits of multi-frame generation, a technology that we've only seen Nvidia utilize for its RTX 5000 series GPUs (although it's also possible via Lossless Scaling on Steam).

More importantly, in the grand scheme of things, the battle between AMD and Intel in the handheld market is on.

Analysis: Intel is making a stronger name for itself in the gaming market

While AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU essentially provides gaming laptop-tier performance for the GPD Win 5 and other premium handhelds, Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V is still the most impressive chip overall for me.

It's the processor used in the MSI Claw AI+ handhelds, and the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the best handheld I've used to date. Yes, the Claw's $899 price tag was a point of contention for me, but with Max+ 395 handhelds costing nearly $2,000, there's a clear winner in terms of value.

If Intel's generational performance leap claims are accurate, we'll be in for a far more powerful successor to the MSI Claw 8 AI+ with a Panther Lake chip as its engine. And Intel will further establish itself as more of a presence when it comes to hardware for gaming – especially since its upcoming Arc B770 discrete GPU has leaked, supposedly packed with 16GB of VRAM.

There's plenty to look forward to from both AMD and Intel, not only in the desktop GPU department, but also for SoCs and their powerful integrated graphics for handhelds. I'm pumped to see what happens in 2026.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 live news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything we've seen.

You can also ask us a question about the show in our CES 2026 live Q&A and we’ll do our best to answer it.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

• MSI Nano Pen integrates seamlessly into Prestige Flip laptops for immediate access
• Tilt detection allows precise control of strokes in drawing and writing
• Two interchangeable tips give users options for different creative tasks

At CES 2026, MSI introduced the Nano Pen as part of its collaboration with Microsoft, creating a stylus designed for mobile productivity on newer Prestige Flip laptops.

The pen is integrated into a dedicated slot at the bottom of the device, keeping it secure and immediately accessible.

The Nano Pen weighs approximately 13.5g, making it an ultra-light option for frequent handling and extended writing or drawing sessions.

Design and technical features

The device supports the Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP) 2.0 and offers 4096 pressure levels and tilt detection, which allow more nuanced control over strokes in compatible applications.

The pen offers a 266Hz report rate and can hover 8 to 10mm above the screen, which helps input feel more responsive and precise.

It also includes two interchangeable tips, one sharper and one rounder, letting users choose the style that best suits their writing or drawing.

A distinctive aspect of the MSI Nano Pen is its built-in microphone for Microsoft Copilot, which enables press-to-talk voice commands.

By pressing both buttons on the pen, users can trigger voice input and interact with Copilot in a more direct and immediate way.

The combination of stylus input and voice commands streamlines workflows for users who frequently switch between writing, drawing, and dictating content.

Charging works through either a USB-C connection or the integrated slot on Prestige Flip laptops, depending on the configuration.

The slot allows the pen to charge rapidly, reaching full power in just 30 seconds and providing up to 45 minutes of use from only 15 seconds of charging.

Although battery life is relatively short, rapid charging offsets this limitation by allowing quick top-ups between tasks.

The design keeps the pen accessible while maintaining a lightweight profile and balancing portability with functional utility.

The MSI Nano Pen reflects an effort to combine conventional stylus input with AI-assisted voice functionality.

• MSI Prestige 16 delivers more than 30 hours of 1080p video playback effortlessly
• The aluminum chassis keeps the device light at only 1.59 kilograms
• PCIe Gen4 SSD slot provides fast storage access for large media files

At CES 2026, MSI introduced the Prestige 16 as part of its new Prestige series, which targets business and productivity users.

The laptop uses Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and Intel Arc B390 graphics and delivers sustained performance for professional workflows while maintaining a lightweight construction.

Its 81Wh battery supports more than 30 hours of 1080p video playback, a figure that exceeds most competing laptops, including Apple’s MacBook Pro.

Display and input for professional precision

The device features a 16-inch OLED display with 2.8K resolution, 48 to 120Hz variable refresh rates, and full coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut.

It carries DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certification and offers low blue light output, supporting accurate color reproduction and reduced eye strain during extended use.

The MSI Prestige 16 includes a single backlit keyboard with a Copilot Key, which supports traditional typing and quick access to voice-enabled commands.

The device also includes the Action Touchpad and MSI Nano Pen, which support precise input for professional workflows that require detailed control.

Users can configure memory up to 64GB LPDDR5x, and the system provides storage through a single PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slot.

This setup delivers fast read and write speeds suitable for professional applications and large media files.

Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports with DisplayPort and power delivery, two USB-A 3.2 ports, and an HDMI 2.1 port that supports 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.

Wireless connectivity relies on Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth v6.

For audio, the system combines dual 2W stereo speakers with woofers, spatial microphones, and DTS Audio processing.

Thermal management uses a dual-fan vapor chamber system to sustain performance under heavy workloads while keeping noise below 30dBA.

Security features include TPM 2.0, fingerprint scanning, an IR webcam, and Smart Guard presence-based auto-locking.

The laptop’s aluminum body features a slim profile with rounded edges and smooth contours, which reduce overall weight while maintaining a premium feel.

The chassis weighs 1.59kg, supporting mobility without compromising internal hardware or display quality.

"The newly designed Prestige series - with its all-new design language, smoother contours, and elevated craftsmanship - underscores MSI’s commitment to innovation in the business and productivity segment," said Eric Kuo, Executive Vice President and General Manager of MSI’s NB Business Unit.

"With unique features like the Action Touchpad and MSI Nano Pen, we’re helping professionals unlock greater productivity and control wherever they go."

We're currently stuck in a PC market where RAM acquisition is the main concern, as prices skyrocket due to the ongoing AI boom, with consumers left to pay up or wait patiently for price drops, especially for the best gaming laptops.

You might be wondering why that matters in regard to the MSI Katana 15 HX B14W gaming laptop. Powered by the Nvidia RTX 5070 (laptop GPU), the Katana 15 HX B14W is also limited to 8GB of VRAM.

Now that last mention might throw most consumers off of purchasing, as 8GB of VRAM isn't desirable for game performance, considering the high system requirements from newer titles. Games are gradually becoming VRAM hungry, and with only 8GB of VRAM, users have to be reasonable with graphics settings and resolutions, especially when using Frame Generation, which utilizes more VRAM.

Also, in case you're unaware of how I've felt about 8GB VRAM GPUs in both laptops and gaming PCs, I'll say this: I don't like them and have always pushed for 12GB to be the new minimum.

However, the MSI Katana 15 HX B14W proved me wrong in some areas, with results ending up different from what I was expecting, even in a few of the toughest scenarios that would usually spell a complete collapse on low VRAM GPUs. However, it's not all great, and there's a reason why 8GB of VRAM is frowned upon.

Maybe 8GB of VRAM isn't so bad after all?

It's not unreasonable to expect an 8GB GPU to provide good performance in games that don't have demanding system requirements, but the real question is, how well can it perform in some of the most demanding games of the last decade?

That's exactly what I put to the test; in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p using DLSS balanced on the ultra graphics preset, I managed an average of 90fps, which is very impressive considering how great Nvidia's DLSS 4 is in image quality, thanks to the transformer model replacing the former CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) model.

A step up to the ultra ray tracing graphics preset gave me an average of 54fps, and it's no secret that Cyberpunk 2077's ray tracing is no easy hurdle for any graphics cards to jump over, so that's another positive for the Katana 15 HX's RTX 5070.

Enabling Frame Generation (not Multi-Frame Generation) made performance results much better in Cyberpunk 2077, with an average of 115fps. Since the base frame rates were high enough, enabling frame gen wasn't going to significantly worsen image quality (although visual artifacts are still somewhat noticeable), and gameplay felt smooth and responsive.

It's worth noting that not all games tested feature ray tracing and DLSS Frame Generation technology. Titles such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider ran exceptionally, with an average of 160fps at 1440p ultra graphics settings using DLSS on balanced, with frame gen absent.

Performance in most titles also got better at 1080p, and a prime example is Monster Hunter Wilds. At 1440p DLSS Balanced on ultra settings, I got an average of 55fps, and saw a 21% performance increase when dropping down to 1080p, with a 66.51fps average.

However, as expected, 8GB wouldn't be a point of contention for consumers for no reason, and my tests in VRAM-hungry games like Black Myth Wukong, Monster Hunter Wilds (in central hubs), and Assassin's Creed Shadows proved that.

When attempting to use Frame Generation in Black Myth Wukong, VRAM usage would hit 7.1GB, using almost all 8GB, – not ideal for performance. A similar case was present during testing of Assassin's Creed Shadows (a game that has ray tracing enabled by default), where base frame rates were low, and enabling Frame Generation hardly increased the frame rate, but only significantly increased VRAM usage.

In cases of poorly optimized games, like Monster Hunter Wilds, stability and performance with constant stutters got worse as VRAM was almost maxed out when in central hubs and camps in-game, without using Frame Generation.

8GB VRAM isn't future proof, and the RAM crisis is a major worry

While I'm impressed with how well 8GB of VRAM is able to hold up for gaming based on the Katana 15 HX benchmarks, it doesn't mean I'm particularly happy with it. Games are becoming more demanding on system requirements year by year, and while we can see that such configurations can handle heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077, it's also evident that 8GB is close to hitting limits in games that need more VRAM.

With the current RAM crisis leading to price hikes across the board, recent reports estimate that we'll be seeing more 8GB RAM specifications on laptops and PCs, which would ultimately reduce manufacturing costs. If 8GB of VRAM is already showing signs of being insufficient for modern gaming, then a return to 8GB system RAM will only make performance worse.

Games are already beginning to launch with system requirements that include a need for at least 16GB of RAM, and 32GB is being pushed as the ideal amount for good performance, so 8GB alone could cause significant problems for stable performance.

It's not just the fall back down to 8GB for VRAM and RAM that's an issue, but also the potential that these systems would cost more than they normally would, significantly reducing bang-for-the-buck.

I'm not suggesting that the MSI Katana 15 HX is a bad gaming laptop, no. It's more than enough for budget gamers who don't mind gaming at 1080p or 1440p resolutions while using upscaling.

After all, the RTX 5070 is a midrange laptop GPU. However, this gaming laptop and many others that use 8GB specifications will more than likely struggle with upcoming games – and unfortunately, I don't think we'll be seeing the end of 8GB VRAM or RAM configurations any time soon.

The MSI Pro MP165 E6 is a budget portable monitor that fits the bill if you need a simple display to extend or add to your current setup.

I found it slim and lightweight, and a good way to get a bit more screen real estate without breaking the bank. The USB-C connection means you can hook it up to plenty of other devices, from laptops to games consoles.

While the specs aren't dazzling, the price certainly catches the eye, making it one of the best portable monitors for business travel.

MSI Pro MP165 E6: Price and availability

The MSI Pro MP165 E6 is an affordable portable display, retailing for $95 at Amazon.com and £90 at Amazon.co.uk.

I'm also seeing it available from other retailers, too, for around the same price. There aren't many sub-$100 portable monitors worth your money, but this is one of them.

MSI Pro MP165 E6: Unboxing and First Impressions

The MSI Pro MP165 E6 shows off its lightweight frame right out of the box. Something was missing when I was opening everything up because the entire package was so light. The packaging was minimal, with only a USB-C and HDMI cable and a protective sleeve in the box —no frills, just the basics. I appreciate that MSI chose a sleeve rather than a case/folio. It comes off easily, allowing me to plug in the monitor and set it up semi-permanently without needing to store the cover.

I have tested many portable monitors and found a wide range in quality, usability, and functionality. The MSI Pro MP165 E6 sits beautifully in the budget category, offering good value for a great price. It ticks most of the boxes in terms of functionality without knocking it out of the park in quality, but that is where the budget-friendly nature comes into play. But, more on that later.

MSI Pro MP165 E6: Design & Build Quality

Picture the top half of a budget laptop, no keyboard, just the display. Now you've pictured the MSI Pro MP165 E6. It's a simple display, with simple inputs: no battery, no heft, no fuss.

MSI did choose to add some innovative features, even for a budget item, such as VESA mounting screws, a stand, and 90-degree cables in the box. These are all really little, simple things that go the extra mile.

Even though this panel could be used for an abundance of different use cases, MSI positioned the ports at the bottom edge of the display, making them super accessible, while still allowing you to tuck cables away if and when necessary.

MSI Pro MP165 E6: In use

Given this display's nature, I have many uses for it in the professional world. I've used this in my IT professional world as a display for some desktops I was working on, so I could keep them in my tech area without needing to remote in or connect a larger display. I have also used this display to set up an Apple TV and to check a camera's output.

The monitor was used quite a bit on a VESA-mountable stand for a camera playback feature, and then moved to a custom upright piano casing. This monitor still lives in that upright piano casing, serving as a display for a Mac mini plugged in and running all the tracks for a Music Director rig. This display was great for that, as it's quickly deployable, lightweight, only needs a USB-C port, and offers standard 1080p resolution, making it larger than 4K and easier to see.

For those who are not in the niche music industry, this panel is great to throw in your backpack and take with you to board meetings to display content to those across the table from you, for productive work in a co-working space or coffee shop, or even for photographers who need a reference display to make sure their camera shot is lined up.

The USB-C connectivity makes this display super accessible to most devices made in the last few years, and if that doesn't work, there is always an HDMI too. In my testing, I found no issues between macOS and Windows, nor did I encounter any problems with Chromebooks, Apple TVs, or Nintendo Switches.

While this is a fantastic display for the price, it is in no way a tremendous display panel. It's standard 1080p, it's got mediocre brightness, and the speakers that should have just been skipped.

But, if you are looking for something to get you into portable monitors, or if you want a backup, or if you just need a basic panel to display some information, and you don't care if it's the best quality, you should check out this display, but for those who need something a bit higher-tier, check out my guide to the best portable monitors.

MSI Pro MP165 E6: Final verdict

The MSI Pro MP165 is a solid choice if you're looking to get into the world of portable monitors and don't have any specs in mind. It's a great entry point into this world, and it won't hurt the budget too badly, coming in under $100.

If you're in the market for a portable monitor, I'd recommend starting out with this one and see how you like having that second screen before you go off and spend absurd amounts of money on the more expensive ones.

For more options for your workspace set-up, we've tested the best business monitors.

• The MSI Claw A8 has been spotted on Newegg in the US for $1,149
• No stock suggests the price may have been a placeholder
• If legitimate, the MSI Claw A8 could join other mainstream handhelds that cost over $1,000

Mainstream handheld manufacturers have recently priced new devices within unaffordable price regions, well above the template Valve set with its Steam Deck – and unfortunately, it seems that trend isn't stopping any time soon.

As reported by VideoCardz, the MSI Claw A8 Ryzen Z2 Extreme handheld has been spotted on Newegg, listed for $1,149, without any sign of stock. The handheld has had a staggered launch in other regions, notably Asia, and it's currently available in the UK for £849, but it hasn't seen a launch in the US for months.

It's important to note that the $1,149 may be a placeholder, but we've seen cases of early listings before, and that's enough to suggest that this price tag may be legitimate once stock is available.

This could be the third mainstream handheld gaming PC to cost over $1,000 in the US if this current price tag sticks, making the MSI Claw A8 join the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and Asus ROG Xbox Ally X as arguably overpriced handhelds. The prices for these devices in particular are major points of contention, since the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor isn't a big leap from its Ryzen Z1 Extreme predecessor in power and performance.

There's no doubt that both tariffs and RAM price hikes have played their part if this is the real price tag. However, similar pricing for handheld hardware was still present before the current crisis, and frankly, consumers likely won't be happy regardless of the reasons.

The Steam Deck's affordable price template is seemingly becoming a thing of the past, and while Valve's earnings from the Steam storefront made Steam Deck sales at a loss possible, handheld manufacturers should be looking to stick close to that template. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like that will be the case, even after this RAM price crisis eventually ends.

Analysis: The only thing that will change high handheld prices is a drop in sales

Besides a fall in DRAM pricing via an eventual collapse of the current AI boom, the only way ludicrous pricing of handhelds will come to an end is if sales fall significantly, which means consumers need to stop paying unreasonable prices for handhelds.

I've argued that there are handheld gaming PCs that do warrant prices at or just over $1,000, but these aren't from mainstream manufacturers, and the devices are equipped with processors that quite literally challenge laptop GPUs, notably the AMD Ryzen AI Max + 395.

The Ryzen Z2 Extreme that powers both the Legion Go 2 and the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X doesn't warrant the high price tags they have, and the same applies to the MSI Claw A8, if the Newegg price remains.

As long as sales stay within a decent range for the likes of MSI, Asus, and Lenovo, we will continue to see cases of overpriced devices – and that's unfortunate, as I don't believe consumers feel strongly enough to resist purchasing new devices.

I'm a big fan of compact desktops. The more I do and grow in my professional career, the more I appreciate their value. Not only are compact desktops great for administrative roles, but also front desks, stationary desktops for employees to be able to utilize, perhaps you have offices where part-timers, or hourly employees need to be able to work and access company data or systems, or maybe the setup that you have you need to have a compact workstation and a laptop doesn't make sense for whatever reason.

Mini PC's are phenomenal in these areas. Now, for this review, I am not going to act like this is the most powerful machine I have worked with and that it is capable of running large LLM Models, a massive codebase, edit 12K videos and teach you how to perform open heart surgery all at the same time, I understand that while there are machines that are built to be powerhouses, this is meant to be a compact machine, it's meant to give you the power that is needed at a reasonable price and a better footprint.

MSI isn't trying to break records with this machine; they are trying to create a machine for everyday users. It wanted to make a machine that can be plugged into any display and perform basic tasks, or run headless and connect to servers, run processes in the background, or something along these lines.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Price and availability

The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is widely available from online retailers like Amazon. I'm seeing prices starting at around the $1000 / £1000 mark depending on where you buy.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Unboxing and First Impressions

The Cubi NUC is a simple setup. It's included in a basic package, which consists of power, a VESA mount, and an extended power button, if needed. The VESA mount design is excellent, allowing you to easily use it or forget it exists without altering the layout, restricting access to key ports, or requiring the purchase of an accessory. The VESA mount is ideal for mounting behind a monitor, TV, or display, or for attaching to the underside of a desk, wall, or other surfaces.

Like so many of the best mini PC machines I've used, the size of the Cubi NUC lends itself to plenty of different use cases as well. It's ideal for tucking away in a cabinet at a medical office, on a cart in a hospital, in a digital screen display kiosk, in a classroom, at a welcome desk, and more. That's where a machine like this thrives.

I was pleased to see the port layout, which makes quick-access ports extremely easy to reach, along with a fingerprint scanner for added security. Additionally, for setups and use cases where the computer may be tucked away, mounted, or hidden out of reach, MSI includes an external power button with a long cable, allowing you to place it in a readily accessible area and keep the machine where you ideally want it.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Design & Build Quality

The design is both minimal and functional. Unlike some machines that place all ports on the back to maintain an ultra-minimal look, MSI understands that this approach is not always the most functional.

Therefore, they opted to divide the ports on the front and back to maximize productivity. The quick access ports are on the front, accessible if the machine is mounted or on top of a desk, and the (typically) one-time-plug-in-and-forget-about-it kind of ports are in the back. This layout facilitates cable management, as it positions the majority of the cables to the back of the desk, or at least away from the user.

For a business machine that isn't competing in any beauty pageants, this design is excellent, focusing on productivity and functionality.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: In use

MSI's Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG has been in my fleet (yes, it's a fleet at this point, as I currently have 18 computers in my review queue) for 92 days. In that time, I've had it set up at my secondary desk in my home office, plugged into my BenQ EW2790U on my Flexispot E7 Plus Desk Setup. It's been great for background tasks, writing, emails, and some productivity work as well.

The ease of having a machine always ready to go is fantastic. I like having a server computer that I can remotely access using a VPN, Remote Desktop, or my recent favorite, Chrome Remote Desktop, to modify my network drives. Locally access my Synology, rip content without slowing down my primary machine, transfer data, or perform other tasks that don't require my primary machine.

Having a computer ready to go, plugged in at all times, is also great if you want the least amount of friction possible to get from not working to working and then back to not working again. You just have to sit down, press a key on a keyboard and you are good to go.

The dual network lines came in handy when I tested connecting to my Synology BeeStations and Disk Stations for some updates to the newest DSM software, while I also wanted to connect to my LAN. Granted, Synology allows for LAN access, but I wanted to transfer some content quickly to my NAS as well, making this a perfect solution.

Another great use case for the dual Ethernet would be if you need to connect to a redundant network, a secure network, and a more open network, a server, a network audio controller, or really any other network-controlled device. It’s a little machine like this that can take your workstation, studio, office, or role to the next level, harnessing the simplicity and power of its ease, connectivity, and possibilities as a headless unit to run tasks for you in a more efficient way.

There are some scenarios where these armrests may not be ideal, but for most, they’ll be fine, or worth the lack of adjustment if you like the style and overall aesthetic and feel of this chair.

Some chairs you give up look and design for overall comfort and features. The Serene Nox by Eureka is the exact opposite, you give up highly adjustable armrests and lumbar for the overall aesthetic.

That’s another element of this chair that you should probably know. You’re not going to want to use this chair with a cheap folding desk, nor at the kitchen table, where your temporary workspace is, you won’t even want to use this chair in a bullpen, you want to use this chair in offices, in executive corner suites, you want this chair at the reception desk of a high end corporation so that it can look the part and still provide comfort.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Final verdict

The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is not for everyone. In fact, it may not even be for most people. But it's well-specced for those who need an easy office machine. It'll capably handle tasks like a Windows headless unit to run a server, running multiple digital displays, or an always-on machine that can be on dual networks at once.

It’s a discreet and smart machine that may just be the building block to a more efficient chain of automations, or simplified workflows, or introducing AI into your sphere, all without taking up precious real estate on your desk, or locking you into a non-upgradable display that may or may not meet your desired specifications.

Should you buy a MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more professional-grade computing, we've tested the best business laptops and best business computers.

The TechRadar team is delighted to present the winners of the TechRadar Choice Awards 2025! These are our biggest awards ever, honoring the best products of the last 12 months in the major tech areas, while bringing in hot new categories such as open earbuds, and making sure we still have price-conscious categories, to represent how people are really buying gadgets today.

As always, the TechRadar Choice Awards are chosen by a combination of our expert judges' verdicts based on their experience with the products, with votes from you, the TechRadar readers. The vast majority are awards are voted on by the public, to make sure that products that people really love in the real-word are represented.

Our first category is our Readers' Choice Award, which is the award chosen 100% by reader votes, then we have our Editors' Choice Awards, which are selected solely by our expert judges. After that, every winner was picked by a 50/50 combination of the votes of our readers with the scores from our judges.

Readers' Choice Award

Editor's Choice Awards

Phone of the Year

Camera of the Year

Laptop of the Year

Gaming device of the year

TV of the Year

Streaming Service of the Year

Headphones of the Year

Health and Fitness Device of the Year

Home Device of the Year

One to Watch

Brand of the Year

Phones category winners

Phones Brand of the Year

Best Value Phone

Best Mid-Range Phone

Best Folding Phone

Best Flip Phone

Best Camera Phone

Best Gaming Phone

Best Phone Accessory

Best Tablet

Best AI Phone

Best eReader

Best Writing Tablet

Cameras category winners

Camera Brand of the Year

Best Beginner Camera

Best Mid-Range Camera

Best Professional Camera

Best Video Camera

Best Instant Camera

Best Action Camera

Best Dash Cam

Best Camera Lens

Best Compact Camera

Best Camera Accessory

Best Drone

Computing category winners

Best computing brand

Best value laptop

Best Chromebook

Best AI laptop

Best gaming laptop

Best gaming PC

Best computing innovation

Best processor

Gaming category winners

Gaming brand of the year

Best mobile gaming accessory

Best PC Gaming Handheld

Best console accessory

Best gaming service

Best gaming controller

Best Gaming Keyboard

Best Gaming Mouse

Best Gaming Headset

Best Gaming Monitor

Best Gaming Chair

TV category winners

Home Entertainment Brand of the Year

Best Gaming TV

Best TV for Sound

Best OLED TV

Best Mini-LED TV

Best Mid-range TV

Best Value TV

Best Projector

Best Portable Projector

Best Ultra Short Throw Projector

Best Gaming Projector

Best Soundbar

Streaming category winners

Best Streaming Service for Movies

Best Streaming Service for Documentaries

Best Streaming Service for TV Series

Best Streaming Service for Value

Best Free Streaming Service

Best Live TV Streaming Service

Audio category winners

Audio Brand of the Year

Best Wireless Headphones

Best wireless earbuds

Best Open Earbuds

Best Value Headphones

Best Value Earbuds

Best Value Open Earbuds

Best Wired Headphones

Best Wired Earbuds

Best Bluetooth Speaker

Best Wireless Speaker

Best Portable Audio Player

Best Turntable

Health & fitness category winners

Health and Fitness Brand of the Year

Best Smartwatch

Best running watch

Best fitness tracker

Best smart ring

Best Fitness App

Best electric toothbrush

Best connected fitness tech

Best electric bike

Home tech category winners

Home Tech Brand of the Year

Best Smart Lights

Best Home Security Camera

Best Video Doorbell

Best Air Fryer

Best Blender

Best Coffee Machine

Best Robot Vacuum

Best Vacuum

Best Hair & Beauty Tech

• Four brands now sell laptops powered by Intel’s Ultra 9 285HX processor
• Lenovo joins Dell, MSI, and HP in offering Intel’s fastest mobile chip
• Ultra 9 285HX laptops remain expensive but two are suddenly much cheaper

If you’re in the market for a new business laptop, and you want one that’s superfast and is going to age well, then a PC powered by Intel’s Ultra 9 285HX, its fastest ever mobile processor, is a no-brainer.

They aren’t cheap - but the problem is you won’t exactly be spoiled for choice when it comes to brands or models, as currently just four manufacturers make them.

If you’re after an absolute beast, then the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus Laptop with Windows 11 Pro is the one to look at. It includes an Nvidia RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell GPU with 24GB of GDDR7 memory, 128GB of DDR5 memory, and a 4TB performance SSD.

Price cuts!

At $9,458.02, Dell's monster workstation is comfortably the most expensive, but for professionals who need maximum computing power for demanding tasks, it’s got you more than covered.

If your budget won’t stretch to that, MSI’s Raider 18 HX AI is a more "affordable" choice. It uses the same Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor running at 2.1GHz, paired with 64GB of DDR5 memory and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU with 16GB of GDDR7 memory.

The 18-inch QHD+ 240Hz display, 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD, and Wi-Fi 7 make it ideal for creative work and heavy multitasking.

It’s also the first of the four to enjoy a solid price cut. Microcenter is currently selling it for a bargain (relatively speaking) $2,699.99, down from $3,399.99, while at ExcaliberPC prices start at around $3,052.50.

If you want to feel like you’re getting an absolute steal, HP is having a sale you’ll appreciate.

The ZBook Fury G1i 16 Mobile Workstation PC is priced at $6,999, down from its usual $14,212. It features the same Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, an Nvidia RTX Pro 5000 GPU, 128GB of DDR5 ECC memory, and a 16-inch 2.5K IPS display.

It also includes a 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 support.

Lenovo is late to the party, but the world’s largest laptop maker has quietly launched the ThinkPad T16g Gen 3 business laptop built around Intel’s Core Ultra HX series, including the flagship Core Ultra 9 285HX, with GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 laptop GPUs.

It comes with up to 192GB of DDR5-5600 memory and three M.2 PCIe drives totaling 12TB. There’s no word on pricing yet, but it’s fair to say you won’t be seeing a discount on that one any time soon.

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Handheld gaming PCs are right up there for me when it comes to what's hot in tech, and while I've had some strong opinions on some recently due to obscene pricing, I've been lucky enough to give a handful of them a whirl to see which one is up my alley. Simply put, I've had the opportunity to test some of the best handheld gaming PCs available, all of which cater to different preferences.

Whether it's an immersive big screen, a lengthy battery life, or a powerful processor to enhance frame rates across a variety of demanding games, you'll be able to pick out what's best for you in this handheld gaming market.

Intel and AMD are both in direct competition in the mobile SoC market, with multiple processors like the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, and now, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, present in new devices like the MSI Claw A8 and MSI Claw 8 AI+.

In my case, I've been in pursuit of a handheld with an 8-inch display that still takes advantage of AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme (or a processor with processing power). Yes, I'm sure you might be aware of which ones those are – and I'm here to showcase my favorites, and explain why you should have them on your radar.

MSI Claw 8 AI+

Right out of the gate, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the best handheld gaming PC I've used, checking all three important boxes: an immersive display, long battery life, and most importantly, a very powerful Core Ultra 7 258V processor. It's the first handheld I've used where I can set a demanding game's graphics settings to a high preset, and using Intel XeSS, still achieve great average frame rates.

It might not be the king of handhelds, as I still believe that epithet belongs to Valve's Steam Deck OLED, thanks to its affordable pricing that provides a great gaming experience via its OLED display with a processor still capable of running several demanding triple-A games. However, it shines in almost all regions, except for its MSI Center M software and Windows 11.

To give you an idea of just how good this handheld is, while testing Cyberpunk 2077, one of the most impressive games when it comes to visuals (and very demanding on hardware), I maintained an average of 33fps at max resolution and the ultra graphics preset, when using Intel XeSS on balanced. If you decide to use frame generation or drop the resolution, you'll see frame rates increase without any major input lag.

Now I know what some of you might be thinking. I've criticized MSI for its pricing of the Claw 8 AI+ (and recently the Claw A8), which goes for $999 / £899 / AU$1,799 (and was previously $899 in the US), and I think that's too much when upgrading from the likes of an Asus ROG Ally or any other Ryzen Z1 Extreme-powered handheld.

While there is a significant leap in performance from the Z1 Extreme to the Core Ultra 7 258V, I felt it was still more reasonable to opt for the Asus ROG Ally or the original Lenovo Legion Go.

However, since the announcement of the Lenovo Legion Go 2's ridiculous $1,099 / $899 / AU$1,609 starting price, which then goes up to $1,349 / £1,099 / AU$2,199 (if you want the Z2 Extreme model), I've changed my stance on the Claw 8 AI+.

I'm sure the Lenovo Legion Go 2's 8.8-inch OLED screen is great, but in no way should it warrant paying gaming laptop money for a handheld. More importantly, though, the Claw 8 AI+ (besides the display) is the better device on paper with an 80WHr battery instead of the Legion Go 2's 74WHr battery.

It also features a processor that beats the Z2 Extreme in several games based on benchmarks, and provides very similar performance, so perhaps I was a little too harsh on MSI, considering Lenovo's ludicrous pricing – because the easier choice is clearly the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS (Z1 Extreme)

My personal favorite and strongest recommendation here is the Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS (Z1 Extreme) model. I've covered this already in my previous piece, but this ticks the right boxes for me. This was a direct upgrade from my Asus ROG Ally, and the jump to an immersive 8-inch display, 32GB of RAM, and SteamOS pre-installed was everything I could ask for.

Games that would often suffer from stuttering or bad frame times now perform much better, and using this device with the Lossless Scaling Decky Loader plugin is an absolute game-changer.

In my case, I managed to get my hands on it for £699 ($829 / AU$999) in the UK, which is a fairly reasonable price tag for what it has to offer; it still uses the Ryzen Z1 Extreme from the original Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally, but the outstanding upgrades lie within the addition of 32GB of RAM and the ergonomics.

Without a doubt, it's the most comfortable handheld I've used, beating the Steam Deck and MSI Claw 8 AI+, with edges that sit perfectly in your palms, suitable for long playing sessions – and that's likely due to the omission of detachable controllers.

While its 55.5 WHr battery isn't as impressive as the MSI Claw 8 AI+'s battery, battery life on handhelds isn't a dealbreaker for me since I hardly play without my devices plugged in, and I'm sure that will be the case for many others as well.

It's not all perfect, though; the Legion Go S still needs a few Valve SteamOS updates for better functionality, as there are a few bugs, such as the maximum 40W TDP limit not appearing unless you start the device while plugged in to a power outlet – but it's not so bothersome it spoils the experience.

If you can find it in stock for £699 in the UK, or lower than $829 in the US, then I doubt you'll have any regrets opting for this beast.

Asus ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme)

If you're upgrading from the Steam Deck on a budget or simply looking to get your first handheld gaming PC, the Asus ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) fits the bill. While some may not be satisfied with its 7-inch display and its poor battery life, it's another device powered by AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme that provides some of the best performance possible without having to overspend.

Right now, you can get your hands on it for $649 / £599 / around AU$980, pricing it in the same ballpark as the Steam Deck OLED, but with much better performance across a plethora of games.

If not for the 7-inch display (which is a personal dealbreaker of mine), I'd have stuck with my Asus ROG Ally as the main handheld, as this device holds up so well after a slightly sloppy launch from Asus in 2023. Drivers, software, and hardware issues were widespread, with a notable overheating SD card expansion slot problem.

Now, it's well polished using the Armoury Crate software as a tool to get your games up and running. However, I would highly recommend buying this and using Bazzite (a SteamOS clone) to really get the best out of the device. Microsoft is still on a journey to get Windows 11 in good shape for handhelds, with the new full-screen experience on the horizon, but SteamOS is far ahead as it stands.

It all comes down to how much you're willing to spend and where your priorities lie. If battery life and the best possible performance are on your radar, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ should be your pick, but be ready to spend the big bucks. If battery life isn't a priority, the battle falls between the ROG Ally and the Legion Go S – but if you ask me, I'll always pick the latter.

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• Hands on: I tried the new MSI Claw A8 at Gamescom 2025 and AMD’s Z2 Extreme chip was nothing but an extreme let down
• I've been testing the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Asus ROG Ally for weeks – and so far, there's a clear winner

• The MSI Afterburner tool is getting a feature to overclock RTX 5000 GPUs in new ways
• It'll allow for memory voltage and auxiliary voltage to be pushed up, which isn't currently possible
• While it's only for MSI GPUs to begin with, other card makers will hopefully follow suit

The developer of a popular utility for overclocking graphics cards is improving the software to allow for bigger performance boosts to be potentially achieved – albeit only for future RTX 5000 GPUs.

This is the MSI Afterburner app – which despite the official affiliation with the graphics card maker MSI, works with a range of GPUs – and developer Alexey Nicolaychuk has revealed the next step forward for the tool.

As Tom's Hardware reports, Afterburner is getting 'triple channel voltage control' as explained by Nicolaychuk in a post on the Guru3D forums.

What this means exactly is pretty techy and involved, but in a nutshell, the move will allow those using the tool to ramp up more than just the core voltage of the Nvidia GPU (which is all you can do currently).

The new functionality will enable enthusiasts to juice up memory voltage and auxiliary voltage, too, and doing so unlocks further possibilities in pushing ever faster frame rates in the best PC games.

The developer is currently testing this feature behind closed doors in a beta of MSI Afterburner which should be released soon enough.

There's a catch, though, and as Nicolaychuk explains, this extra overclocking capability will be limited to "future MSI 50x0 graphics cards", so just MSI models of RTX 5000 GPUs. And not existing boards, either, only MSI models going forward which swerve around restrictions Nvidia's put in place with default voltage controls.

As the developer explains, triple channel voltage control "won't work on current reference design 5080/5090 cards because Nvidia locked access to such PWM controllers there". (PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation and it controls the speed at which cooling fans are spinning).

So, that's going to leave most PC gamers out in the cold – at least for now, but there's hope that situation will change.

Analysis: disappointment for some gamers – but hopefully other card makers will bring in support

The ability to overclock the graphics card's memory (VRAM) could usher in considerable gains, and this is the most exciting prospect here. Furthermore, Afterburner is also enabling a boost for core voltage control, which will boast a higher possible offset (100mV versus 20mV currently). How much difference that might realistically make is unclear, though.

Suffice it to say that this could mean some considerable performance uplifts for those who are willing to tinker with their GPU. The main catch is the limited application of this functionality – it's just MSI's RTX 5000 models to begin with, as noted, but that could change.

The developer expects that future GPUs aside from MSI boards could play nice with triple channel voltage control, provided that other manufacturers don't stick to Nvidia's restrictions in terms of the reference design as outlined above, and follow MSI's lead.

Of course, it remains unknown whether other graphics card makers will bother, but with any luck, those selling higher-end boards designed for overclockers – with beefy cooling solutions – may act to enable this functionality. After all, it's an attractive addition for enthusiast overclockers who pay a lot of money for an Nvidia RTX 5080 or RTX 5090.

MSI Afterburner continues to make steady progress, and the tool recently brought in support for RX 9000 graphics cards, albeit unofficially, as MSI don't make those, so couldn't supply the developer. Nicolaychuk had to buy a PowerColor board to bring in support – as the dev joked at the time, MSI Afterburner is also a bit PowerColor Afterburner now.

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It's no secret that I'm not particularly enthused over the prices of new handheld gaming PCs. The likes of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and MSI Claw A8 are both close to having a $1,000 price tag, and I've already seen listings of the former at $1,000 due to tariffs; and while these devices may be among the best handheld gaming PCs on the market, their prices aren't warranted.

I've mentioned this several times already, and it's worth noting that the upcoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is rumored to follow in the same footsteps in terms of pricing. However, there's one new impressive innovation for portable gaming that's got me thinking about these issues again – and that's Framework's new Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics module for the Framework Laptop 16.

Essentially, this allows users who already own a Framework Laptop 16 to purchase the RTX 5070 GPU module individually to replace the old one. In easier terms, it's upgrading a laptop GPU. This isn't an entirely new concept, as it's been previously done with older MXM GPU hardware, but its cumbersome installation process for non-tech-savvy users wasn't exactly ideal.

With Framework's modular laptop design, installation is as easy as unscrewing the existing graphics module, and slotting in the new one, without the fuss of reapplying thermal paste or deeper disassembly. The RTX 5070 module is only being sold with new systems for now, but it will be sold individually soon.

So what's the correlation between this and handheld gaming PCs then? It's simple. I would love to see handheld gaming PC manufacturers opt for modular designs, particularly ones that serve as upgrades for the SoC (System-on-Chip) if it's possible – because only then will I feel less frustrated about high prices.

Recent handheld chip performance jumps are too minimal for high prices

Let me get to the point – a modular design that would allow users to upgrade the system's GPU and processing power, would be a great move for mainstream handheld manufacturers to consider. Perhaps this would work in the same manner as the aforementioned old MXM GPUs.

Hypothetically, this would save consumers plenty of money if they're out for a processing power upgrade instead of purchasing a new handheld entirely. That's not to say the other benefits, like an 8-inch screen with a higher refresh rate, or the likes of an 80Wh battery, aren't worth considering, but not all handheld gamers like myself are interested in other specification upgrades.

I mostly use my Asus ROG Ally plugged into my wall socket and hardly ever on battery, because I'd rather not have to limit performance with lower TDPs – but that's probably because travelling isn't a regular thing for me (and power banks exist if it ever came to that).

The only reason I'm seeking out the Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme model) to be specific is because that's essentially a direct upgrade from my current ROG Ally device. It comes with an 8-inch screen, which is what I was adamantly searching for, but also with 32GB of RAM; the Asus ROG Ally X may sound like it's the easier upgrade path, but that's using a 7-inch display.

You can also throw in the additional bonus of the Legion Go S' official SteamOS license, since I'm sick of Microsoft's Windows 11, so installing Bazzite (a SteamOS clone) isn't necessary, but that's besides the main point.

I'm not thrilled about spending $729.99 (for me in the UK, it's around £540) for a new device, mostly for a screen upgrade, but I'm certainly not pushing that figure up for what are seemingly negligible power upgrades.

And that's exactly why I think modular handhelds would be a massive benefit for the market. We've already seen it happen with the GPD Win 5 powered by AMD's most powerful mobile APU, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, using detachable batteries – which means if you have two batteries, you can keep playing while the other charges, so you're never out of the action.

I know I'll have some of you suggest I'm in dreamland, hoping for a concept like this to come to handhelds, but I think I've seen just about enough in terms of how fast tech is advancing, to say that it's within the realm of possibility. Handheld gaming PCs are just small form factor gaming laptops, so if the design of the chassis is right, surely it's not that far off. Right?

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MSI Datamag: 30-second review

The MSI Datamag is a rare portable SSD that combines real-world speed with a genuinely useful design twist. The 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface keeps transfers moving fast and in testing the drive very comfortably met and exceeded its rated read and write speeds.

It’s quick to launch projects, back up big shoots and handle transfer tasks without fuss and is a notable step above 10Gbps rivals that top out under 1,000MB/s.

The standout feature is the magnetic mount. Snap it to an iPhone or any MagSafe-compatible case or use the included stick-on rings to park it on laptops, rigs or consoles. Cable management is easy thanks to the included short and long USB-C leads plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter for older gear.

The compact square shell uses aluminum as a heat spreader and the finned edges help the drive stay cool in sustained work. In extended stress runs I saw consistent throughput and no throttling.

Two quick caveats: you need a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for full speed and there’s no stated IP rating, so treat it as a tough metal portable drive rather than a truly ruggedized model.

Price and availability vary by region but it generally compares well for the performance on offer – especially considering the five-year warranty that adds some extra peace of mind.

If you want a compact fast drive that mounts neatly on a phone or workstation without extra fuss, the Datamag is an easy pick for everyday use. You can pay more for flagship USB4 drives that are a shade quicker or spend less on 10Gbps options but few match the overall blend of speed, thermals and magnetic attachment convenience.

MSI Datamag: Pricing and availability

• How much does it cost? 2TB: $160 / £160 / AU$269
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in most major markets including the US, UK and Australia

The MSI Datamag 20Gbps isn’t always stocked at all retailers, so start with your local MSI website and its Where to Buy page or check your country’s authorized retail partners for current options.

It’s generally easier to find in Australia and the UK while US availability varies by capacity and retailer.

In the MagSafe-friendly portable SSD niche there are only a few direct rivals and among 20Gbps-class drives the Datamag is competitive, but some almost as fast models do undercut it on price.

• Value: 4 / 5

MSI Datamag: Specs

MSI Datamag: Design

• MagSafe compatible
• USB-C with USB-A adapter
• Aluminum heatsink

The Datamag looks and feels purpose-built rather than being just another generic plastic-wrapped portable SSD. MSI uses a compact square footprint with trimmed corners and a radial brushed top that keeps fingerprints in check and gives the logo a low-key finish.

The aluminum enclosure doubles as a heat spreader and the ribbed edge detailing is more than cosmetic, helping the drive shed heat during long writes. It’s a tidy pocketable shape that doesn’t snag cables in a bag and the single USB-C port sits flush so it’s easy to pack.

The headline design trick is the magnetic mounting system. On an iPhone or any MagSafe compatabile phone (and that now includes the Pixel 10 thanks to Pixelsnap) it snaps on securely and for non-magnetic surfaces MSI includes two stick-on metal rings in black and white. That makes the Datamag handy on varied rigs, claptops, consoles and other devices since you can park it exactly where you want it and keep the cable strain-free.

MSI also bundles both long and short USB-C cables plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter, so you can go access it on older devices, or just have a bit of versatility when you run out of ports. The lanyard loop in the corner is a small but smart touch for tethering for extra security.

At 66 x 66 x 13mm (2.60 x 2.60 x 0.51 inches) and 81g (0.179lb), the Datamag carries a reassuring heft without feeling bulky. The square puck format spreads weight across a phone well, so it stays put during handheld shooting and the rounded edges keep it comfortable against a palm.

There’s no stated IP rating, so treat it as a solid metal portable rather than a true rugged drive. Overall the design is simple, durable and very practical.

• Design: 4 / 5

MSI Datamag: Performance

• Great performance
• No throttling

Aside from magnetic wizardry, performance is the Datamag’s calling card and the 20Gbps USB interface and Phison PS2251-U18 controller deliver impressive throughput.

In the ATTO benchmark I saw peaks of 1,660MB/s reads and 1,860MB/s writes, while sustained transfers in Windows managed 1,642MB/s read and 1,514MB/s write. That’s comfortably above the rated 1,600 / 1,500MB/s and well ahead of 10Gbps rivals like the SanDisk Extreme and Samsung T7 that top out near 1,000MB/s. In comparison, higher-tier 20Gbps options such as the SanDisk Extreme Pro can read a touch faster at around 1,900MB/s and of course USB4 drives are even faster.

The aluminum body with finned edges helped keep temps in check and I saw no throttling in a 30-minute mixed read and write run. For large media copies, camera offloads and scratch disk use the Datamag feels snappy and dependable under load.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

MSI Datamag: Final verdict

MSI’s Datamag is a portable SSD that feels ready for real-world workloads. It’s fast in everyday tasks, doesn’t slow down on long transfers and stays cool thanks to the metal shell.

The square pocketable design is easy to carry every day and the magnetic mount and included rings make it quick to attach to a phone or other equipment.

Pricing is decent for the class and the five-year warranty is a great bonus. If you want speed with a smart attachment system, the Datamag delivers dependable 20Gbps performance in a compact easy-to-mount package.

Should I buy the MSI Datamag?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

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• The Lenovo Legion Go 2 prototype outperforms the MSI Claw A8 in new benchmark video
• The MSI Claw A8 featured in the video has 16GB of RAM, while the Legion Go 2 has 24GB
• The Legion Go 2 prototype is available on second-hand markets in China, but is yet to launch officially

As we approach the latter stages of 2025, several new contenders are about to enter the handheld gaming PC market – and one of them in particular, the Lenovo Legion Go 2, looks like it will make a big impression.

As highlighted by Notebookcheck, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 outperforms the MSI Claw A8, according to a new benchmark by Lines Tech on YouTube. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the MSI Claw A8 hit an average of 44 fps, while the Lenovo Legion Go 2 had an average of 49 fps, the latter producing 10% better performance.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is still in its prototype phase, but is already available on second-hand markets in China. Both the Legion Go 2 and the MSI Claw A8 utilize AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, so it may be a bit confusing to see the former managing better performance.

However, it more likely comes down to the amount of RAM available; the MSI Claw A8 has 16GB of RAM, while the Legion Go 2 has 24GB, which is 8GB more. It's also worth noting that the Legion Go 2 appears to have a placeholder CPU name, but we know it has the iGPU that's in the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which is the Radeon 890M.

For the MSI Claw A8, there has strangely been been little to no mention of other configurations featuring less RAM than the marketed 24GB (according to the specifications on its website), which should specify 'up to 24GB', but that's beside the point.

Ultimately, based on these benchmarks, the Lenovo Legion Go 2's top configuration (featuring 32GB of RAM) should outperform the MSI Claw A8, which will be limited to a maximum of 24GB of RAM. We'll need to see both handhelds and their 24GB configurations go toe-to-toe, and if Lenovo's handheld still comes out as the victor, it could simply be due to better cooling.

Analysis: None of this will matter if availability and pricing are an issue...

Having seen the performance benchmarks of the MSI Claw A8 and personally used its similar counterpart, the MSI Claw 8 AI+, I've already written off a purchase of both handhelds. While the performance leap from AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme is evident, it's not enough to warrant such a huge expense, but that's slightly different with the Lenovo Legion Go 2.

If the Lenovo Legion Go 2 doesn't come with an unreasonable price tag above $1,000, I could see it being a big hit considering all the benefits. It has an 8.8-inch OLED screen powered by the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, and if it wasn't clear already, the OLED display is what gives it an extra edge.

However, I'm worried that potential buyers will be thrown off by pricing – or worse, a lack of availability. Even if I had decided that I wanted to buy an MSI Claw 8 AI+, the stock would disappear before I could even come to a decision.

Fortunately, that's gradually changing with better availability at Currys in the UK, but I could easily see the same stock woes happening with the Claw A8 and the Lenovo Legion Go 2 when it eventually goes on sale.

Tariffs on Taiwan are certainly part of availability issues, as it's where both Lenovo and MSI manufacture these handhelds. Let's just hope it doesn't get out of hand...

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• New pre-order listings for the MSI Claw A8 have appeared at European retailers online
• The prices suggest the Claw A8 will cost just under $1,000 / £1,000, similar to the Claw 8 AI+
• It may be a tough sell, in the same vein as its Claw 8 AI+ counterpart

Handheld PC gamers have been eagerly awaiting the debut of AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, which promises enhanced portable gaming performance. Fortunately, the MSI Claw A8 is officially the first to launch using the powerful chip, but early listings indicate an unsightly price tag.

As reported by VideoCardz, European retailers have pre-orders available for the MSI Claw A8, with listings indicating a price tag in the same ballpark as the MSI Claw 8 AI+. On Alza.de, it's available for €976 (excluding tax, €820). There are still no listings in the US or UK, so it's not exactly clear what the final price tags will be – but all signs point towards a price tag just under $1,000 / £1,000.

Based on early benchmarks, the Claw A8's performance is very similar to the Claw 8 AI+'s, which uses the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. As evident below (thanks to Lines Tech on YouTube), Shadow of the Tomb Raider has an average of 52fps at 1080p on the Claw 8 AI+, while the Claw A8 has an average of 49fps at 1080p on the same graphics settings.

Whether this comes down to the Claw A8's Ryzen Z2 Extreme being slightly weaker than the Core Ultra 7 258V, or the former's 24GB of RAM (which is strangely 16GB of RAM in the benchmark video) instead of 32GB, isn't clear just yet. However, it looks set to be priced just slightly under the MSI Claw 8 AI+ ($900 / £899 / AU$1,799), and that's not a good look.

Analysis: If the MSI Claw 8 AI+ at $899 is a hard sell, then so is the MSI Claw A8

Having finally used the MSI Claw 8 AI+ (review coming soon), it's easily one of the best handhelds of this generation with solid gaming performance.

Unfortunately, though, it's still a very hard sell at $899 / £899 / AU$1,799. If the Claw A8 with less RAM alongside a potentially weaker processor for gaming performance is at the same price or only slightly cheaper, then I doubt it will compete well in the handheld market.

Again, I must stress that there aren't any UK or US listings for the MSI Claw A8, but the price at European retailers gives us a strong idea of what they could be. It's also worth noting that tariffs on China goods will likely affect pricing, as we've already seen with the MSI Claw 8 AI+, so it could place the new Claw in a weaker position on the market.

While the Steam Deck OLED is a weaker handheld performance-wise, it still offers enough for a great portable gaming experience at $549 / £479 / AU$899. That's also in the same region as the Asus ROG Ally at $649.99 / £599 (currently $449.99 on sale) using the Ryzen Z1 Extreme.

If the Z2 Extreme doesn't prove to be a huge jump from its predecessor, then I can't see the new Claw A8 outselling its Claw 8 AI+ counterpart – especially, if stock and availability issues arise.

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MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Two-minute review

When I think "gaming laptop," I think of a portable machine with just enough juice to squeeze out 60 FPS in modern titles at medium settings. The MSI Titan 18 HX AI, however, seeks to break that mold and offer something closer to a desktop replacement, boasting a tagline of "total dominance."

With enough power under the hood to crank out 90+ FPS in fairly demanding titles like NBA 2K25 and Black Myth: Wukong, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI lives up to its name. It's a behemoth of a laptop, weighing in at 7.93 lbs (3.6kg) and sporting an RTX 50-series GPU.

It's not going to live out of your backpack - it's going to sit still on your desk and look pretty doing it. But it does offer much more portability than a traditional desktop PC.

As for that massive 18-inch display, it's a joy to game on. The miniLED 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate offer the perfect balance between high refresh rate competitive gaming and high fidelity story gameplay. You're probably not going to hit 4K and 120 FPS in most titles, but the ability to pick is enough for me, especially on a laptop.

There are only a few areas I wish the Titan 18 HX executed differently - namely, the trackpad and cooling system. While the trackpad is a nice size, I found myself muttering under my breath at the accidental inputs and unclear distinction between left- and right-clicks far too often.

As for the cooling system, I can tell you with complete certainty that this is not a fanless laptop. If you've ever heard a jet engine whirring up, you have a good idea of what the MSI Titan 18 HX AI sounds like under load.

And then there's the price. There's no beating around the bush; this system is going to cost you an arm and a leg. But when you consider the hardware on offer in a (somewhat) portable machine, that price point starts to make more sense. Still, it's a tough pill to swallow.

When all is said and done, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI is an incredibly performant machine with a few scant drawbacks and a price point that makes it perfect for a select few.

MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? Starting at $5,799.99 / £5,999.99 / AU$11,799
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? US, UK, and Australia

With great power comes great...asking prices. You get what you pay for with the MSI Titan 18 HX AI, and you get quite a bit. At a starting price point of just under $6,000, with options to upgrade the CPU, RAM, and display for a higher premium, that's going to prove a very high barrier to entry for most.

Frankly, you can find a lot of the best gaming PCs on the market well under that price point and still have some cash left over to get yourself a gaming handheld or decent gaming laptop.

But if you're set on a top-of-the-line laptop, you'll have to pay for it.

It looks like the only model available in Australia is the MSI Titan 18 HX AI Dragon Edition Norse Myth, which features the same set of specs along with a unique graphic on the lid and trackpad.

• Price: 2.5 / 5

MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Specs

MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Design

• Big and bulky
• Clean aesthetics
• Noisy fans under stress

In terms of design, the first thing you'll notice is how large this laptop really is. It's not afraid to take up space, and at 7.93 lbs (3.6kg), there's some serious heft to it. It's not making our list of the best thin and light gaming laptops anytime soon, but it was never trying to.

Instead, the MSI Titan 18 HX AI's design lends itself more to a desktop replacement than a portable gaming rig. Don't get me wrong, it would still be far easier to lug this laptop around in a large backpack, tote, or suitcase than a traditional gaming PC. But I wouldn't opt for a Titan if you're planning to take your gaming laptop to and from college or a friend's house.

Imposing size aside, the Titan 18 HX looks great. It features an understated black and grey design with subtle accents like an MSI logo on the clamshell lid and light texturing on the speakers and chassis. If you have to have your RGB, you'll be happy to know the Cherry mechanical keyboard is per-key customizable.

Speaking of the keys, this is one of the first gaming laptops that didn't make me want to break out my own typing piece. It does come with a high-pitched metallic pinging sound on some keys that I'm not crazy about, but the typing feel is quite springy and satisfying. Plus, you get a full-sized keyboard with a tenkey numpad and function keys here, which is a big plus for quick adjustments and games that utilize a lot of inputs.

Moving to the port selection, you've got a Kensington security slot, two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports, and an SD Express card reader on the left side. On the right, you get two Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, another USB-A 3.2 Gen2 slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Around the back side, there's an HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ45 slot, and a slot for your 400W power adapter.

Overall, that's a really solid port selection you'd be hard-pressed to complain about. I love seeing the USB-A and USB-C combo here as a lot of PC peripherals (including the best gaming mice) still use that tried and true USB-A connection.

Now, for something I wish were a bit different: the cooling. When I tell you these fans are loud, it doesn't quite do it justice until you've heard them yourself. I had to raise the volume of the game I was playing multiple times just to hear over the whir required to keep that RTX 5090 cool.

This is only when the laptop is under load, so if you're just browsing the web or listening to music, you get a pretty noise-free experience. But this is a gaming laptop after all, and unless you're sticking to Stardew Valley (in which case, don't shell out for this laptop), those fans are going to make themselves known.

• Design: 4 / 5

MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Performance

• Outstanding 1080p and 1440p performance
• Solid 4K capabilities
• Offers fast-paced, competitive gaming and gorgeous story gameplay

Performance is the name of the game for the MSI Titan 18 HX AI. With an Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, RTX 5090 laptop GPU, and a whopping 64GB of DDR5 RAM (upgradeable to 96GB), this laptop is the heavyweight main event of the evening.

I've been on a sports sim kick lately, with titles like NBA 2K25 and Rematch dominating my playtime. While 2K25 is fairly demanding, the Titan chewed through it like nothing, easily spitting out 90-120 FPS at 2K resolution. Rematch, on the other hand, is pretty lightweight, but that just means the 120Hz display can really shine.

I also ran the MSI Titan 18 HX AI through synthetic benchmarks and tested it in several triple-A games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong, and more, which you can check out in the chart above.

Performance definitely takes a hit at 4K, but many of the games are still playable at around 30-70 FPS. Plus, if you tweak a few settings and use upscaling where available, you can definitely land a sweet spot between decent frame rates and gorgeous 4K visuals, even without Frame Generation.

You'll also get a solid rendered FPS at 4K with DLSS 4, so Multi-Frame Generation won't introduce the kind of noticeable input latency that it would on less powerful devices, so feel free to turn it on and maximize the capacity of the 120Hz display when you can.

• Performance: 5 / 5

MSI Titan 18 HX AI: Battery life

Considering this is a gaming laptop with a 50 series GPU, Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX and a massive 120Hz display, the battery life here is actually pretty passable. Not to mention that with a machine this bulky, it's going to be plugged in most of the time anyway, so battery life isn't a big concern in my eyes.

It's not going head-to-head with the Razer Blade 16 anytime soon in terms of battery life, so if you're looking to game on the go at 4K without a power bank or outlet nearby, forget it.

But it does buy you about an hour and a half from full charge to dead under moderate stress (at 60Hz with RGB off), and if you need to break it out of your bag to send a few quick emails and watch a little Netflix, it'll get the job done.

• Battery life: 3 / 5

Should you buy the MSI Titan 18 HX AI?

Buy the MSI Titan 18 HX AI if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

• I used the MSI Titan 18 HX AI for over three weeks
• Gaming, media, and everyday browsing
• Our suite of gaming laptop benchmarks, including synthetic and in-game

I used the MSI Titan 18 HX AI A2XWJG as my primary gaming system for three weeks. I played several different titles, including NBA 2K25, Rematch, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. I also put the Titan to the test with everyday browsing and media enjoyment on YouTube, Max, Gmail, and more.

We put the Titan 18 HX through its paces in our suite of gaming laptop benchmarks, including synthetic tests and in-game benchmarking.

If you want to learn more about how we test our laptops and desktops, check out this page.

• First reviewed July 2025

• The MSI Claw A8 is now available for pre-order in China
• It has an official price of 6,999 RMB without subsidy, which is roughly $970
• It's expected to launch this July in China, and potentially the same in other regions

MSI announced its latest handheld gaming PC at CES 2025 without any word on release date or pricing, so official details have been a long time coming – but it looks like we may finally have our answer.

As reported by VideoCardz, the MSI Claw A8 is now available for pre-order in China, with a confirmed launch this July. Its official price (according to its China pre-order listing) is 6,999 RMB, which is roughly $970 (including tax), making it even more costly than its MSI Claw 8 AI+ predecessor.

There's also a subsidized price at 5,949 RMB (around $737), thanks to the Chinese government offering a 15% subsidy on some products, but this likely won't be relevant for other regions.

As the first handheld to use AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor (if it releases before the ROG Xbox Ally), it's expected to outperform most handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and the Nintendo Switch 2. However, if the converted price is accurate for its retail price when it becomes available in the US and other regions, some prospective buyers could be put off.

The MSI Claw 8 AI+, the Claw A8's predecessor, is already an expensive handheld; it can be argued that it backs up its pricing with great gaming performance, but that doesn't change the fact that it prices out most gamers.

The Claw A8 potentially having a higher price would suggest the Z2 Extreme is the more powerful chip than the Claw 8 AI+'s Core Ultra 258V – but it's hard to see it selling well if it's pushing even closer to a $1,000 price point.

Analysis: Don't muck this up please, MSI...

While nothing is confirmed for other regions just yet, I'd say it's highly likely that the purported price based on its Chinese listing (or somewhere within that ballpark) is accurate.

It's hard to believe that the Claw A8 will be significantly cheaper than the Claw 8 AI+, especially if the Ryzen Z2 Extreme turns out to be the better option for performance. It would have been unreasonable to expect a major price shift, then, but that doesn't mean the pricing won't affects its appeal.

If it's pricier than the handheld that's already difficult to buy (since the Claw 8 AI+ is scarce), then we can forget about it truly challenging other handhelds and the Switch 2.

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is already pushing it with its $899 / £899 / AU$1,799 price tag, and it's worse with price rises due to tariffs. I have no doubts that it will be one of the best handhelds on the market in terms of performance, but I can't say I'm not worried about the impression its cost will leave on consumers...

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The biggest tech news this week has undoubtedly come from Apple's WWDC event. From the brand's surprisingly skeuomorphic new Liquid Glass design language to an entirely new naming structure, there were plenty of updates on the software side of things.

But the one thing that we didn't get was any new hardware releases, which is disappointing for those of us who were hoping for some new gadget drops.

• Read all of our previous Review Recaps

Fortunately, there are plenty of other new devices out this week and TechRadar's reviewers have been hard at work putting them through their paces.

Firstly, we've been testing out Samsung's stunningly bright, glare-resistant 4K mini-LED TV – and boy is it a dazzling performer.

We've also been assessing MSI's gaming laptop behemoth, with its seriously smooth 240Hz display and high-octane AAA gaming performance. So read on for our pick of the week's reviews.

1. Samsung QN90F review

2. MSI Vector A18 HX A9W review

3. LG xboom Grab review

4. TCL C6K review

5. XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review

MSI Vector A18 HX A9W: Two-Minute Review

It's simple. If you're out for a powerful gaming laptop, capable of reaching high and smooth frame rates with minimal performance issues, the MSI Vector A18 HX A9W is your answer. Using Nvidia's RTX 5080 laptop GPU and AMD's Ryzen 9 9955HX processor, gaming is a breeze at its native 2560x1600 resolution without using Team Green's DLSS upscaling technology; however, when it is used, achieving high frame rates is a cakewalk.

It shines best in games like Cyberpunk 2077, Indiana Jones: The Great Circle, and Resident Evil 4 remake. It can struggle when attempting to use ray tracing at maximum graphics settings and at a 4K resolution without enabling DLSS, but that's exactly what Nvidia's tools are there for.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 had very little trouble reaching over 100fps, and edged close to the 100fps mark when running on ECO-Silent mode (which is incredible as I'll dive into later), helping reduce the workload and high temperatures, thanks to MSI Center's user scenario options.

With a 240Hz refresh rate, playing less demanding titles like Hades that can reach such frame rates, was an immersive and astonishing gaming experience. I know I've previously said that 144 or 165Hz refresh rates are more than enough for gaming, but with any game that can stay at 240fps without any significant dips, it's very impressive.

It's not all perfect though; this laptop is not ideal for long trips or playing on the go, as it's incredibly heavy (especially when including its 400W power adapter), and you'd need a large backpack to fit the 18-inch laptop in for travels. I found it difficult to use for long hours on a sturdy mini bed desk, with worries that it would snap its legs in pieces, and even at my main gaming desk, with its power adapter taking up space – so, portability isn't the best here.

This isn't an inexpensive system either - however, if you can afford the expense and you're looking for one of the best gaming laptops to provide great gaming performance, look no further.

MSI Vector A18 HX A9W: Price & Availability

• How much does it cost? Starting at $2,999.99 / £3,199 / AU$6,599 (for RTX 5080 configuration)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? In the US, UK, and Australia

There's no denying that the MSI Vector A18 HX A9W is a very expensive piece of hardware, instantly locking most gamers out of a potential purchase. However, for those who can afford it, you're getting the bang for your buck with a system that is capable of matching a variety of desktop builds.

With both a powerful AMD processor and Nvidia GPU, it's more than enough to satisfy most gamers' performance needs; the Ryzen 9 9955HX excels at single-core and multi-core processes, which you'll see later below.

With this configuration (A9WIG-006UK), there is no OLED or mini-LED display available, which would've slightly softened the blow of the high price, with an immersive and brighter screen – but that shouldn't hinder the gaming experience here.

The issue is that it's more or just as expensive as some pre-built gaming PCs, which is somewhat reasonable since it's using a CPU as powerful as those in high-end desktops – but the RTX 5080 discrete desktop version is the stronger GPU.

Regardless, this is a gaming laptop that packs plenty of processing power in a beefy and sturdy chassis, cooled very well with its Cooler Boost 5 tech using a 'Dedicated Cooling Pipe', so it's not very surprising to see it cost so much.

Still, the point remains; unless you're adamant on travelling with the Vector A18 HX A9W and using it on the go (which I wouldn't recommend because portability isn't that great here), or just want a PC you can move around your home easily, it might be a better choice to buy a desktop rig.

• Value: 2.5 / 5

MSI Vector A18 HX A9W: Specs

MSI Vector A18 HX A9W: Design

I absolutely love the chassis of the Vector A18 HX A9W as it has a sturdy build, and perhaps most importantly, a great cooling pipe design. Even when gaming on Extreme Performance, temperatures were never too high, often hitting a maximum of 77 degrees Celsius.

Its speakers aren't particularly a standout, but are serviceable and get the job done, especially with an equalizer and 3D surround sound available to improve audio immersion. It's also always easier to use Bluetooth speakers or headphones that have much better bass and clarity.

The two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports present are ideal for fast file transfers and for those who aren't keen on expanding internal storage with a new SSD, who would rather use an external one. It also features an HDMI 2.1 port on its rear, right next to its power adapter port – and one particular aspect I don't like is the slightly short length of the wire, which often forced me to place the chunky adapter on the desk.

With an 18-inch screen, you're getting the best you could possibly ask for when it comes to portable gaming – and if you've got a spacious desktop setup, it's a great experience.

However, the screen size and the weight are the only two main issues I have in this region, as you're going to have trouble fitting this in most backpacks for travel, and it's very heavy to carry around.

At 7.9 lbs, it had me paranoid that it would make my mini desk meet its demise, and while it's understandable considering all the powerful components, you should be aware that this laptop isn't built for portability (especially while carrying the adapter around, too).

Regardless, this is a beefy gaming laptop power-wise, and these gripes weren't too significant to spoil my experience overall.

• Design: 4 / 5

MSI Vector A18 HX A9W: Display

My review model of the Vector A18 doesn't exactly have the best display available, as it's neither OLED nor mini-LED – both of which offer greater contrast and brightness. However, that doesn't stop it from being an immersive display that I found ideal for intense and competitive multiplayer gaming sessions.

It's thanks to the 240Hz refresh rate and 2560x1600 resolution, which matches up well with the horsepower of the RTX 5080. There aren't many games that are going to run at 240fps (unless you significantly lower graphics settings or resolution), but the ones that do, look absolutely incredible.

I must admit, coming from the consistent use of an OLED ultrawide, it took a little bit of an adjustment to become accustomed to an IPS LCD panel again – but that's to be expected when scaling down from one of the best display types (and it would be unfair to knock points off here because of that).

It's worth noting that HDR isn't present either, which often goes a long way at providing better color accuracy and detail in both brighter and darker images.

Regardless, the Vector A18 HX A9W has a 100% DCI-P3 coverage, so I never once felt dissatisfied or urged to calibrate or adjust color profiles. It also helps that you're getting a full 18-inch screen, which I believe is the sweet spot for portable laptop gaming (besides it probably being why it's so heavy).

The one downside I ran into is playing games that don't have 16:10 aspect ratio support. To put it simply, if you dislike black bars filling out portions of your screen while gaming, you're not going to like it here. So, it's definitely worth considering before committing to a purchase, but there are no other gripes from me.

• Display: 4 / 5

MSI Vector A18 HX A9W: Performance

• RTX 5080 is a beast of a laptop GPU
• The combo with AMD's Ryzen 9955HX processor is fantastic
• The CPU's performance is incredible, matching desktop processors

The biggest highlight of the MSI Vector A18 HX A9W is its performance, almost across the board. It shouldn't come as a surprise for me to say that the RTX 5080 laptop GPU is an absolute powerhouse, and crushes the 2560x1600 resolution in most triple-A games – and DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation is a game changer when used where necessary (essentially anything as demanding as Cyberpunk 2077).

In CPU-bound games, AMD's Ryzen 9955HX processor shines bright with 16 cores and 32 threads, ensuring the Blackwell GPU can do its job without any major bottleneck. In synthetic tests, both single-core and multi-core scores soared above chips like Apple's M1 Max in Cinebench 2024, and in real-world gaming tests, the results were consistent, as I didn't notice anything ominous regarding performance frame rates and frame pacing.

Most importantly, MSI Center features three different user scenario modes: ECO-Silent, Balanced, and Extreme Performance, which can all be used in any of the three Discrete, MSHybrid, or Integrated Graphics modes.

For the best results, I stuck with Discrete Graphics mode, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised at how great ECO-Silent was, in particular. Using a lower TDP (power consumption), temperatures are significantly decreased, and the fans are silent, hence the name ECO-Silent – but I came away shocked at the frame rates I was hitting using this mode.

At 1600p on ECO-Silent, Cyberpunk 2077 at maximum graphics settings without ray tracing and DLSS Quality, it ran at a solid 77fps, sometimes reaching the low 80fps mark, with a 1% low of 66fps.

In Assassin's Creed Shadows – a game that is arguably nearly as demanding on PC hardware as Cyberpunk 2077, and frankly, needs Frame Generation for higher FPS – ran at an average of 40fps on maximum graphics settings at 1600p, using DLSS Quality on ECO-Silent.

With the same graphics settings applied to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, it hit an average of 62fps; if that doesn't indicate how impressive ECO-Silent mode is, then I don't know what will. It's the best option for gamers who are bothered by fan noise and higher temperatures, while you still get very impressive performance results.

It gets even better with Balanced and Extreme Performance; the former has fans only a little louder than ECO-Silent, and is the way you should use the Vector A18 HX A9W for gaming (it's also MSI's recommended option), as it gives you a true reflection of what this machine is capable of, evident in the performance charts above.

Sticking with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Balanced mode was 41% faster than ECO-Silent, with an average of 94fps and 1% low at 77fps.

In the case of Extreme Performance, expect a whole lot of fan noise and higher temperatures, in favor of the best possible performance. In most cases of casual play, I hardly needed to use this mode, as the FPS boost wasn't significant enough coming from Balanced mode. However, it's absolutely essential for gaming at 4K, especially if you're using ray tracing.

It mustn't go without mention that DLSS Multi Frame Generation (when you have a decent base frame rate) is an absolute treat. It makes Cyberpunk 2077's Overdrive path tracing preset playable without needing to adjust graphics settings; yes, increased latency is worth noting, but I honestly didn't think it was too impactful in this case.

• Performance: 5 / 5

MSI Vector A18 HX A9W: Battery

As it is with most gaming laptops I've used, the battery life isn't terrible, but it's also not great either – so, decent at best. We're still seemingly a long way off from battery tech improving, especially for gaming laptops and handheld gaming PCs, but I give the Vector A18 HX A9W its plaudits for being at least average here.

It has a 99.9WHr battery, and switching MSI Center's user scenarios, battery life can vary. While playing Resident Evil 4 remake on Hybrid mode and Extreme Performance, the laptop lasted a full hour, starting at 85% before draining. Knocking the scenario settings down to Discrete mode and Balanced (with 50% brightness) allowed it to last another 10 minutes from the same battery percentage.

If you ask me, I wouldn't even bother gaming without the power adapter because, as expected, performance is significantly worse. Bear in mind, there's a 400W power adapter ready to handle the combined 260W of power from the RTX 5080 and the Ryzen 9 9955HX.

On the other hand, while web surfing in Balanced mode and Integrated Graphics, results were a little bit more impressive; at 59% battery, it took exactly 51 minutes to fall to 6%. When at 100%, it lasted 3 hours and 25 minutes during YouTube playback, so it's decent enough for those who want to use this laptop for work or multitasking.

However, the biggest downside is the charging time, as it takes a total of 2 hours to fully charge. It's already not great that the battery drains within 3 hours outside of gaming, but the addition of a long charge time isn't beneficial if you're looking to use it while on the go.

Portability isn't a strong suit, and these battery results are one of the main reasons why, especially when paired with the hefty design.

• Battery: 3 / 5

Should you buy the MSI Vector A18 HX A9W?

Buy it if...

Don't buy if...

How I tested the MSI Vector A18 HX A9W

I tested the MSI Vector A18 HX A9W for three weeks, running multiple games and synthetic benchmarks. It kept me away from my main desktop gaming PC for a while, with Multi Frame Generation being a significant reason in why, and while I don't want game developers to become over-reliant on Nvidia's DLSS tech, it's great when implemented properly.

Navigation and web browsing was a breeze too, with 32GB of RAM and a powerhouse CPU giving me all I needed to acknowledge that this was a gaming laptop that enthusiasts won't want to miss out on.

Computex 2025 is now underway with companies and manufacturers set to showcase upcoming desktop and portable PC hardware – and MSI has just set the tone for the remainder of the biggest tech event.

After numerous rumors regarding a potential new AMD-powered handheld, MSI has officially announced the new MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM handheld gaming PC. As speculated, it will use AMD's latest Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, as MSI moves away from Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V used in the Claw 8 AI+.

It's certainly a big surprise despite the previous leaks, and there are some key takeaways to make – from its new design down to its potential performance capabilities. Here's everything you should look forward to with the Claw A8 handheld gaming PC.

1. It will be powered by AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU

While AMD's latest handheld processor, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, has been included in the prototype version of the Lenovo Legion Go 2 (and supposedly the rumored Xbox handheld), the new MSI Claw A8 will join it in doing so – and may even launch ahead of it.

However, the highlight is that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme is expected to be Team Red's most powerful handheld Z2 chip yet, and an upgrade from the original Ryzen Z1 Extreme (used in the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go). It has 8 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores, a sizable jump from the previous 12 GPU cores on the Z1 Extreme.

We've not seen any handheld gaming PC officially use the Ryzen Z2 Extreme yet, besides the Legion Go prototype – and its specifications suggest it will be competing against Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V used in the MSI Claw 8 AI+, so it'll be exciting to see which device (between the Claw 8 AI+ and the Claw A8) comes out on top.

2. The Claw A8 may be a slightly cheaper alternative to the new Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition

Since prices aren't announced yet, there's no clarity on the new MSI Claw A8's price. However, it may be the slightly cheaper alternative to the new Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition; it's using Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Intel's Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4 (which makes sense since there's no Intel chip here).

It will also have up to 24GB LPDDR5 RAM support, instead of the Claw 8 AI+'s 32GB RAM, which means there may be two different configurations of the Claw A8 to choose from.

We should have more clarity on pricing during Computex 2025, but the price difference may stem mostly from the Ryzen Z2 Extreme's performance versus the Core Ultra 7 258V.

3. It has a new design for hand comfort and a new green color scheme

As you can see in the images, it looks like the MSI Claw A8 will feature a different design to provide more hand comfort. The handles appear to be curved inwards, which looks very similar to the Asus ROG Ally's, and this could go a long way in providing extra comfort for those long hours of gaming.

I'm happy to see that MSI has kept the 8-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display with the Claw A8, as it's the ideal amount of screen space to get the best out of portable gaming. It'll also be interesting to see how the Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor tackles the resolution, and see how it fares against its counterpart's processor.

So far, it looks like we'll have the same snow-white color scheme from the Polar Tempest Claw 8 AI+ on the Claw A8, alongside an entirely new green color to choose from. There's currently no confirmation on a release date, price, or availability, but you can expect to see further details during Computex 2025.

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MSI is the latest entrant in the race to miniaturize AI infrastructure with its upcoming EdgeXpert MS-C931, a compact desktop system positioned as an AI supercomputer.

Following the launches of the Dell Pro Max with GB10 and the Asus Ascent GX10, MSI’s new machine is built on Nvidia’s DGX Spark platform and will be showcased at COMPUTEX 2025.

While the hardware sounds formidable, questions remain about whether this device truly lives up to the lofty label of a "desktop AI supercomputer", or if it’s simply a case of marketing overreach.

A powerful machine built on familiar ground

The EdgeXpert MS-C931 is powered by Nvidia’s GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, delivering up to 1,000 TOPS of AI performance (FP4), 128 GB of unified memory, and ConnectX-7 high-speed networking.

MSI says the system targets sectors like education, finance, and healthcare, where data privacy and low latency could justify on-premise hardware over cloud-based services.

Given its specs, the MS-C931 could rank among the most capable workstation PCs currently in development. Its high memory bandwidth and AI-focused compute also suggest it could be a top-tier PC for coding, especially for machine learning or large-scale simulation tasks.

However, the real value of this product depends less on its raw specs and more on how grounded MSI’s claims about its purpose truly are.

The phrase “desktop AI supercomputer” continues to be used liberally, and MSI’s adoption of it raises similar concerns to those previously leveled at Asus and Dell.

A supercomputer, by definition, implies massive parallel processing power, usually deployed across large-scale server racks. Shrinking that concept down to a single desktop machine, even with cutting-edge components, feels more like branding than technical accuracy.

MSI isn’t alone in this; Nvidia’s DGX Spark framework itself seems at least partially designed to enable this kind of positioning.

For all the talk of supporting top-tier AI tools and delivering enterprise-grade performance at the edge, there’s currently little evidence that these systems approach the breadth or scalability of true supercomputing infrastructure.

Even 1,000 TOPS, while impressive, must be understood in the context of what modern AI teams actually require to train or run LLMs.

While MSI may succeed in delivering a dense, high-performance system for localized inferencing and AI prototyping, the real-world utility of the MS-C931 is likely narrower than the “supercomputer” label implies.

Until these machines prove their value in practice, calling them desktop supercomputers feels more like aspirational branding than a reflection of what they truly deliver.

Via TechPowerUp

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• A new leak reveals a new MSI Claw handheld, with the model name 'MSI Claw 7 A2HM'
• It appears to be an upgrade from the original MSI Claw A1M
• Previous rumors suggested a new MSI Claw would use one of AMD's Ryzen Z2 processors

The biggest computing tech event of the year, Computex 2025, is fast approaching, which means that new handheld gaming PCs could be unveiled – and fortunately, a new leak suggests a new handheld from MSI may be one of them.

As reported by VideoCardz, a new MSI Claw has been spotted by a leaker on X (@94G8LA), based on MSI's hardware parts store. It appears to be a new variant of the original MSI Claw A1M, as it's labelled 'MSI Claw 7 A2HM', but is instead rumored to use one of AMD's Ryzen Z2 APUs or Intel's Arrow Lake processors.

This comes after speculation of MSI eventually releasing a new Claw handheld that could take advantage of Team Red's new APU lineup; while this should be taken with a grain of salt, this leak makes the previous rumors more plausible.

The purported new Claw won't be an 'AI+' handheld based on its leaked model name, so it may be safe to assume that it might not be as powerful as the Claw 8's Core Ultra 7 258V chip. However, it could likely be an upgrade from the original A1M model, which used the Core Ultra 5 155H processor (and that wasn't received well based on reviews).

Regardless, the question remains; if it does use one of AMD's Ryzen Z2 processors, will this be the Z2 Go (which we've seen on the Legion Go S), the Z2, or the Z2 Extreme? If the latter is the answer, then we could be in for a fantastic upgrade from MSI's original A1M handheld mishap.

I'd absolutely love a Ryzen Z2 Extreme MSI Claw, but just not with a 7-inch screen...

The negative consensus surrounding the MSI Claw A1M is old news at this point; it was criticized due to its poor gaming performance and battery life, along with the inability to compete against other handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally.

Despite the massive improvements made with the Claw 8 AI+, MSI looks set to right its wrongs with the rumored Claw A2HM model (especially if it's using the Z2 Extreme APU) – but the only gripe I have is that it will be another 7-inch display.

It's not terrible by any means, as I've become accustomed to using my Asus ROG Ally's 7-inch screen, but it's definitely not ideal. A lot of potential screen space is already taken up by bezels, and this is why I've had the MSI Claw 8 AI+ on my wishlist, thanks to its 8-inch screen and powerful processor alongside it for great performance.

These are still just rumors, of course, but if MSI can launch an 8-inch A2HM as well, it would actually be great competition for the Claw 8 AI+ with more variety for its consumers.

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• MSI has a new Claw 8 AI+ model ready to ship for consumers on July 15
• The Polar Tempest Edition features a new snow-white color scheme, and an optional 2TB of storage
• It will be available at $999 / around £990 / AU$1,890

MSI has quietly revealed a new model of its recent handheld on its main site, which features more powerful and beneficial specifications over the Nintendo Switch 2 - and it's coming shortly after the console's launch on June 5.

As highlighted by VideoCardz, the new MSI Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition features a new snow-white color scheme and an optional 2TB of storage available at $999 (around £990 / AU$1,890). It will reportedly ship to consumers on July 15.

The base model starts at $900 / £899 / AU$1,799, and provides fantastic performance across several games using Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V processor. It's also worth noting that battery life is key with the Claw 8 AI+; it uses an 80 WHr battery and can still yield high frame rates at only 17W power usage.

This could likely be significantly better than the Switch 2's 5220mAh battery, which should be roughly around 20 WHr. While the Claw 8 AI+ is undoubtedly the more expensive option, it's likely going to outperform the Switch 2 in every region in terms of hardware and game performance.

In a world of inflated GPU prices, consumers looking to dive into PC gaming could potentially be spending over $1,000 for hardware parts alone - and that's without mentioning the cost of a pre-built system - and MSI's handheld seems to be in a league of its own versus competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally X.

The only issue is that the base model already seems scarce in terms of availability in the US, and there's a chance the same could happen to this new Polar Tempest Edition. Even worse, it could see a major price jump due to US tariffs.

If US tariffs affect the MSI Claw 8 AI+ price, then I'll take back everything I've said

Without sugarcoating it, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a very expensive piece of hardware - and it's quite possibly the only reason I wouldn't recommend it for most gamers. It's potentially only going to get worse if US tariffs impact its price; the 90-day pause on tariffs is keeping things steady for now, but if this changes, I'll eat my words.

However, compared to buying parts for a desktop gaming PC, it's much cheaper, and its $450 (or more, depending on the configuration) higher cost over the Switch 2 is worth it considering the greater gaming performance capabilities. Traditionally, PC games are also cheaper to buy (especially since Nintendo revealed Switch 2 games could cost as much as $70), so if you want a large library, it could save you money in the long run (though, of course, you’ll be missing out on Nintendo’s first party exclusives, which could be a deal breaker).

The Switch 2 is using Nvidia's T239 chip, which will give users access to DLSS upscaling, but it's hard to see this being enough to power demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, let alone compete with other handheld gaming PCs.

I won't pretend that $900 / £899 / AU$1,799 isn't much, especially for most gamers on a budget, but if I had the choice of buying a Switch 2 or saving for an MSI Claw 8 AI+, I'm picking the latter.

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Handheld gaming is again growing in popularity, with new AMD and Intel SoCs (System-on-Chip) hitting the market that provide great gaming performance, and Team Blue has taken steps to improve the efficiency of two of its iGPUs.

In an official blog post, Intel confirmed a performance update for both the Arc 140V and 130V iGPUs, claiming a 10% FPS gain and a 25% upgrade on 99th percentile (essentially lowest possible FPS) uplifts across several games at 17W (power consumption). The Arc 140V is present in the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the MSI Claw 7 AI+ handheld gaming PCs, which both use the powerful Core Ultra 7 258V processor.

This is all possible thanks to the previous Arc Graphics driver 32.0.101.6734, which improved power management at lower wattages (also incorporated in its latest Arc Graphics driver 32.0.101.6739), as Intel highlighted in its release notes. We previously reported on this, but now Team Blue has performance charts to showcase the enhancements.

In games like Cyberpunk 2077, God of War Ragnarok, and Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered, both average FPS and 1% lows see significant improvements between drivers 6732 and 6734 while gaming on 17W TDP. Notably, Fortnite on driver 6734 has the biggest uplift in both average FPS and 1% lows; essentially, this increases smoothness with better frame pacing.

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the king of efficiency by the looks of it...

Considering its 80WHr battery and performance capabilities at a low 17W TDP, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is probably the best handheld gaming PC in terms of efficiency.

I'd be lying if I said I've been using my Asus ROG Ally consistently; it's been mainly collecting dust, because its battery life is poor. As much as I don't mind staying plugged into a wall socket (same as what you'd do with a gaming laptop), it gets frustrating.

I've not had the pleasure of using the MSI Claw 8 AI+ yet, but everything I hear about it makes me want it that much more (especially after the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal). You'd barely need to push the device beyond 17W, and you'll still have great performance - and I can't say the same about the ROG Ally.

Now, if you do want to use the MSI Claw while on battery, it's still going to last a lot longer than the ROG Ally and other handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go. It's a testament to how MSI turned things around after its initial attempt with the MSI Claw A1M model. Let's hope it can once again outdo itself with a new device in the future...

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• The images reveal the GPU's PCIe 5.0 interface along with 16-pin or 8-pin power connectors
• PCIe 4.0 motherboard users may need to upgrade to get the best out of the new GPU

Nvidia has yet to complete the full launch of its RTX 5000 series GPU lineup, as it still has some low-end cards in the pipeline. Fortunately, a new leak has given us a first look at third-party models of an unannounced Blackwell GPU. Spoiler alert: you might want to upgrade your motherboard.

Thanks to VideoCardz, MSI's GeForce RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards have leaked with new images showcasing four different models, and each of them uses either 16-pin or 8-pin connectors. More importantly, all of these GPUs will use PCIe 5.0, as the leaked images (which I won't post here) indicate.

While higher-end RTX 5000 series GPUs can provide great performance results for users on non-PCIe 5.0 motherboards, it might not be the same story for lower-end cards like the upcoming RTX 5060 Ti.

Since low-end GPUs don't have the same processing power as what you'd get with an RTX 5080, for example, aspects like VRAM capacity and PCIe bandwidth speeds have a bigger impact on performance.

If the RTX 5060 Ti is indeed PCIe 5.0 x8, it could hinder performance for gamers still using PCIe 4.0 (or PCIe 3.0 and older) motherboards, as the GPU won't be used to its full potential when it may desperately need it - especially for the rumored 8GB VRAM models.

In this case, you have to wonder whether buying a new budget GPU and possibly having to upgrade to a PCIe 5.0 motherboard (if you don't already have one) is worth the cost: instead, it may be a better choice to purchase an older high-end GPU - if one can be found at launch price, anyway.

Is budget PC gaming gradually becoming non-existent?

Let me get one thing straight: this isn't me having a go at Nvidia or any other GPU manufacturer making the jump to the PCIe 5.0 interface. It's rather an observation of how bad the GPU market is in terms of consumers finding GPUs at their launch prices, and the high likelihood of having to mandatorily upgrade your motherboard or other components to get the best out of your new graphics card.

For those using PCIe 4.0 motherboards, the RTX 3000 and 4000 series GPUs are ideal, as they are all PCIe 4.0 cards. While the new PCIe 5.0 cards can still be used on other motherboards, you could feel a performance loss, particularly with weaker hardware, but it remains to be seen with the rest of the Blackwell lineup.

It's also easy for me to suggest buying an older high-end GPU, but you'd either struggle to find it in stock anywhere due to discontinuations, or end up overpaying (just look at XFX's Radeon RX 7900 XTX for example).

So it begs the question: is 'budget' PC gaming becoming non-existent? Inflation, scalpers, low availability, and tariffs are all active, making what is supposed to be budget hardware more expensive. When you tie that in with an entire PC build, it's no longer 'budget'.

Aside from handheld gaming PCs or laptops, PC gaming is currently an expensive hobby, and I'm hoping things can change sooner for the better...

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• Intel's new Arc Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 targets better handheld gaming PC power management
• It improves frame pacing while gaming at lower wattages
• This could improve playing sessions for users with less power consumption and better performance

The handheld gaming PC scene is expanding rapidly, and we still have plenty more to look forward to - most notably the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go 2 using AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU. However, one of the best handheld gaming devices right now, the MSI Claw 8 AI+, has just received an exciting update.

As reported by Notebookcheck, Intel's new Arc Graphics Driver 32.0.101.6734 optimizes power management for the Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors, specifically handheld gaming PC iGPUs: the key takeaway here is basically that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the MSI Claw 7 AI+ (both using the Core Ultra 7 258V) now have much better game performance.

The driver patch notes highlight improvements on 'frame pacing' at lower power modes, allowing users to game at lower TDPs (essentially lower wattages) while still providing great FPS and frame pacing results. The latter is ideal, especially when using features like XeSS Frame Generation: lower TDPs usually result in poor frame pacing, regardless of how high your fps is, leading to a less consistent gaming experience.

With Intel targeting this, XeSS Frame Generation may feel much smoother, especially if base frame rates are high enough (a recommended native framerate is usually around 40 fps or above). It could also help extend your gaming sessions, with the improved power management granting less battery consumption compared to older graphics drivers.

Now we just have to wait to see how AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme will perform...

Intel is currently taking the handheld gaming PC scene by storm, with its powerful SoCs providing exceptional performance on the new Claw AI+ devices. I've not had the privilege of testing it myself yet (pretty please, MSI?), but based on plenty of reviews and performance results, it appears to dominate its key competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X.

However, the verdict isn't final yet: AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU is set to hit the market sometime this year, likely appearing first in the Lenovo Legion Go 2. There are supposedly performance results available, which are likely based on the Z2 Extreme's rumored Radeon 880M or 890M iGPUs (since the actual chip hasn't been released yet).

I'm hoping that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme offers a significant performance boost over its Z1 Extreme predecessor - enough of a performance leap to challenge Team Blue's impressive Core Ultra 7 258V processor.

If it doesn't, there's still hope for AMD's new FSR 4 upscaling method to make its way to RDNA 3.5 hardware for performance and image quality in games. Right now, FSR 4 is exclusive to RDNA 4 GPUs (the Radeon RX 9000 series). Regardless, I'm glad to see that handhelds of this generation are getting the attention they deserve.

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• MSI will be extending panel refreshes on its OLED Care 2.0 monitors to 24 hours instead of 16 hours
• It will eliminate gameplay disruptions for gamers
• This will come into effect starting in May

OLED monitors have gradually become a mainstream option for many users (especially gamers) with advanced care technologies built to help prevent image retention and burn-in. Fortunately, MSI is introducing a new measure to further improve this technology's efficiency.

As stated in a press release, MSI will be extending its OLED Care 2.0 timer to 24 hours to prevent panel protection (pixel shifts) from activating automatically to stop burn-in (permanent image retention). Previously, this would occur every 16 hours which would disrupt activities - but now, users will have more flexibility with this function without many disturbances.

It goes a long way to show how advanced MSI's OLED care is, as most other monitors advise users to start pixel refreshes at least every 4 or 6 hours: with my Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide, prompts will be presented every 6 hours, and while you can always set this to not show up at all, it's also easy to forget to activate.

Measures such as this could prove to be beneficial for MSI and other OLED displays: one of the biggest reasons why most PC users won't make the transition to OLED from a regular LED monitor (besides its expensive nature), is the fear of potential burn-in, but that's very quickly becoming a non-issue.

OLED monitors are finally getting the attention they deserve, and I love it

There's still a long way for OLED monitors to go in terms of pricing and improvements for work-related activities - as most OLED users complain about text fringing when working from home - but it's great to see that companies are making extra efforts to make them more accessible.

Samsung has already announced that it will introduce cheaper OLED monitors to help speed up the transition from regular LED, which could encourage gamers to make the switch. I've stated this before, but OLED is quite literally the best display type I've had the pleasure of using, with deeper black levels thanks to an infinite contrast ratio, ultimately providing great image accuracy.

Updates to technologies like OLED Care 2.0 are examples of what will only help the display type become mainstream. We're also seeing discounts more often for the likes of Samsung's Odyssey G6 QD-OLED, which is currently 31% off at Amazon.

It's only a matter of time before LED is left behind for a large majority, and I can't wait until that day comes.

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• MSI has listed an RTX 5080 24GB model on its website
• It's not the first time MSI has hinted towards a higher capacity card
• Some claim it's a mistake, others a sign of things to come

MSI has teased an RTX 5080 model featuring 24GB GDDR7 VRAM (up from the standard 16GB) of the 80-class card on its website.

Spotted by TweakTown, a compatibility listing of MSI's X870 Tomahawk Wi-Fi motherboard features support for an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 model with "24576" under the Memory Size.

Before the RTX 5080's launch date on January 30, 2025, we previously covered rumors that an RTX 5080 24GB version could be "inbound" because Samsung's GDDR7 memory modules are shipped in 2GB (with 3GB configurations on the way). This is part of the reason why the RTX 5090 features 32GB GDDR7 (up from the 24GB GDDR6X of the RTX 4090).

This source also notes a previous occasion when MSI showcased an RTX 5080 Vanguard variant featuring 24GB GDDR7 in a promotional video, with the alleged memory pool seen on the packaging. However, it's been quiet (outside of rumors and speculation since then) until now.

It's possible that this could just be an error on MSI's part, but it also shows that the 80-class card could feature double the available VRAM. Interestingly, the listing does not feature the standard 16GB version in the specs sheet, so the company could have listed a placeholder amount based on pre-release information rather than the retail figures.

With that said, it's not the first time that we've seen different memory pool capacities of graphics cards, such as with the original launch window for the then-cancelled RTX 4080 12GB (which later became the RTX 4070 Ti). Similarly, the RTX 4060 Ti exists in both 8GB and 16GB configurations, proving that two versions of the same GPU can succeed in the market without confusing consumers.

A sign of things to come for the 80-class card?

Whether the RTX 5080 24GB listing is a genuine mistake or not, the possibility of having two options on the market is only a good thing for people as you'll have the option of two different GPUs, with a potential latter model more "futureproofed" for 4K gaming as releases demand more VRAM than what we typically see.

Some gamers have expressed disappointment in the RTX 5080 having the same memory pool as the RTX 4080 (despite the jump in GDDR7 from GDDR6X and the differences in bandwidth seen). This was seen with the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti, both featuring the same respective 12GB and 16GB memory pools as their previous-generation counterparts.

After many months of speculation around an upgraded RTX 5080 24GB version, we may see it surface, or it could remain little more than a possibility, hinting towards the next generation instead. If it does release, it could be the half-step between it and the RTX 5090, which makes sense given the $1,000 difference in MSRP between the two; if we were to speculate on potential pricing, $1,200 (matching the original RTX 4080) seems most likely.

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MSI is well known for its gaming laptops and desktops, graphics cards, motherboards, monitors, and other PC components. Fairly recently, they also decided to break into networking, adding a line of routers and mesh Wi-Fi to take on TP-Link and others head-to-head.

The biggest selling point that MSI promotes with the Roamii BE Lite is that this is a Wi-Fi 7 Mesh router. Which is great, but the bummer is that there is no 6Ghz channel. So, while it does provide the Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) Standard, it only has 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies, no 6Ghz - confusing, I know.

The MSI Roamii BE Lite targets users who want affordable Wi-Fi 7 connectivity in their homes (or small businesses) and want a multi-gig WAN/LAN port. Regardless of location, the Roamii BE Lite has excellent security features, which protect your digital assets and family and ensure reliability.

As long as you don't require a 6GHz channel, this is one of the best Wi-Fi mesh systems for the money, but for those who want those 6GHz speeds, this system may not be the right fit for you.

MSI Roamii BE Lite: Price and Availability

The MSI Roamii BE Lite is sold for $210 / £210 as a two-unit system. This includes the main router and a secondary node that you can place throughout your home office or small business to extend your mesh network further. It's available through Best Buy, Amazon, and many others, all of which can be found on the MSI Website.

MSI Roamii BE Lite: Unboxing & first impressions

The MSI Roamii BE Lite came very well packaged -- partially because the two triangle units could lay over one another and partially because of the sleek packaging that still protected the units. The box had two nodes: power adapters, an ethernet cable for the primary node to connect to a modem, and wall-mounting brackets. Though I would never mount something like this to the wall, it's nice for MSI to include this for those needing it.

I just finished reviewing the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro mesh router, so I was not shocked to see a taller, white, similarly sized router. However, the change in shape, moving from a cylinder to a triangle, was a nice change-up. The smooth, modern white finish blends nicely without being too prominent, especially in my home office. Another thing that I noticed right away was that both nodes had ethernet ports, meaning that, just like in the TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro, I could use it to extend my ethernet network (in a way) without running ethernet cables through my walls.

MSI Roamii BE Lite: Design & build quality

As mentioned, the nodes are sleek and minimal in a soft white, triangular tower shape. The MSI Roamii BE Lite is durable, sturdy, and not too large. The triangular shape has a smooth edge and can easily blend in with my home office. While some routers may attempt to attract attention, the Roamii BE Lite does not -- they try to blend in.

One downside of this router is that there are no USB ports, meaning I cannot easily attach storage to my network via a basic drive. I would need a Synology DiskStation or BeeStation, which is precisely what I did -- more on that below.

MSI Roamii BE Lite: In use

Setting up the MSI Roamii BE Lite was very easy. I downloaded the companion app, and I followed simple step-by-step instructions. Since I didn't want to start a new network, and in my situation, I wanted to replace my old router to try this one out, I kept my network settings the same, using the identical SSID and Password. My devices (for the most part) could reconnect to the new router without issue. A few smart devices took a little while, but most of my devices (I have around 70 connected devices in my house at any given time) could jump to the new router.

My 2.4GHz devices connected without a problem, and so did my 5GHz. However, I quickly noticed that I was missing the 6GHz band when working on my iPhone 16 Pro, my iPad Mini 7, and some of my laptops for testing. While it's not a huge deal, it is noticeable at some slower speeds -- but then again, I'm the person who checks that stuff and pays attention to it.

According to MSI, you can get about 5,800 sq ft of coverage with these two nodes. For medium to large homes or smaller offices (compared to, say, a State Farm Corporate), this is perfect. So far, I've not noticed any dead zones, nor have I seen a drop in connection when walking around my home and home office. As mentioned, I always have a large number of devices in my space. So far, while testing the Roamii BE Lite, I haven't noticed any devices struggling to stay connected as more get connected, nor have I noted any that have been flat-out pushed off the network due to limited connections.

One of the areas that MSI promotes very heavily for the Roamii BE Lite is the security and parental controls they have baked into their app and router. This includes parental controls, access scheduling, filtering, network scans, and more. In short, this means that if you need to control who can be on the Wi-Fi, or when, or what is seen, this is a great option. I am also hyper-aware of who and what is on my network. Because of this, I have loved doing network threat scans (okay, love may be a bit too dramatic), and it's great peace of mind knowing that there is built-in security to help protect my network's integrity.

MSI Roamii BE Lite: Final verdict

Overall, the Roamii BE Lite is good at what it does. In 2025, especially from a gaming-heavy company, they'd include a 6GHz band. However, the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands work well. That, plus the great price, makes this a great budget buy. If you are looking for maximum connectivity, the highest speeds, true Wi-Fi 7 feature sets, or that 6GHz band, this is probably not the unit for you.

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• There won't be any Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs from MSI
• It's currently unclear why, but could be down to MSI's successful Nvidia partnership
• AMD has supposedly prioritized distribution for Asus, XFX, and PowerColor

AMD's Radeon RX 9000 series GPU lineup has another twist to its tale, this time regarding its board partners - and it could have a potential impact on Team Red's battle against its fierce rival Nvidia.

As reported by our friends at Tom's Hardware, MSI won't be releasing any partner Radeon RX 9000 series graphics cards, with AMD reportedly prioritizing Asus, XFX, and PowerColor board partners for distribution (as highlighted by Wccftech). This comes as something of a surprise, since MSI has manufactured third-party cards for previous Radeon GPU generations: the Radeon RX 5000, 6000, and 7000 series have all received support from the Taiwanese company, but the 9000 series will be skipped entirely.

It's unclear whether MSI's omission from releasing Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs stems from AMD's choice to prioritize other board partners, or if it was a decision on MSI's part made before learning about Team Red's distribution plans. It wouldn't be far-fetched to suggest that MSI’s successful ongoing partnership with Nvidia (particularly in terms of sales) may be the reason here - and perhaps, MSI has secretly struck an exclusivity deal with Team Green.

It's also worth noting that AMD won't have any reference cards for RDNA 4 GPUs: consumers will be left relying on board partners like Asus and XFX to supply the goods. Now, that isn't exactly good news for gamers, since Asus has implemented price hikes on new GPUs from both AMD and Nvidia, so the notable exclusion of MSI this generation could put Team Red at a disadvantage against Nvidia.

Nvidia may have the upper hand again...

Again, since AMD won't have any reference cards for its new lineup, I'm willing to believe that Nvidia has an advantage in this region. While there are still no RTX 5000 series Founders Edition GPUs currently available for purchase, Team Green has the likes of MSI and numerous other board partners currently selling Blackwell GPUs.

I feel that this puts Team Red on the back foot - especially because gamers only have one way of purchasing the RDNA 4 GPUs, and that's via third-party retailers. Unless you get lucky and find a retailer that implements a buying queue scheme, you'll likely end up paying above MSRP.

Meanwhile, Team Green has resumed its 'Verified Priority Access' scheme, which gives US buyers a special chance to obtain an RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 GPU directly from Nvidia on a first come, first served basis. Now, this isn't exactly ideal, since it's region-based and there are certain stipulations around the scheme (you must have made an Nvidia account on or before January 30), but it's at least an option that allows consumers to keep tabs on Founders Edition and AIB cards.

I won't downplay Asus, XFX, and PowerColor when it comes to releasing RDNA 4 GPUs - all three are well-established AIB partners for AMD - but I'm hoping that MSI's dropout doesn't have too much of an impact, because the GPU market needs lively competition right now more than ever.

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• MSI’s Multi-Platform Streamer Prime app - no extra software needed
• Integrates Google TV with thousands of movies and shows
• The wireless display feature supports Google Cast and Miracast

MSI has entered the smart monitor market with the launch of the Modern MD272UPSW, a UHD 4K display.

The 27-inch IPS panel features a 3840 × 2160 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, with 94% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 127% sRGB coverage. It also offers a 300-nit brightness level, an anti-glare surface, a 178° viewing angle, and a 4ms (GtG) response time, ensuring sharp visuals and vibrant colors.

MSI, known for gaming laptops, now joins the likes of Samsung and LG, who, with products like the LG 32-inch UltraGear OLED and Samsung ViewFinity S9, are embracing the smart business monitor trend — blending business and entertainment features into a single display.

Google TV integration for all-in-one entertainment

Unlike traditional business monitors, the MD272UPSW includes Google TV, for access to over 400,000 movies and TV episodes. Users can also browse through more than 10,000 apps and 800 free live TV channels.

It also integrates the Multi-Platform Streamer Prime app, allowing users to stream live content across multiple platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook without additional software.

With Google Assistant integration, voice commands can be used to search for shows, open apps, and control the monitor, while the included remote makes navigation effortless.

The MD272UPSW is still definitely designed for professionals, featuring a wireless display function with Google Cast and Miracast, plus Multi Control and KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) functionality for allowing users to operate two devices with a single keyboard and mouse.

For seamless connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4a, LAN (RJ45), and USB Type-C with 65 W power delivery. The monitor also includes a headphone jack, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, and two 3W Dolby Audio speakers.

Via TechPowerUp

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• Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti has been strongly rumored for a February 20 release
• MSI sent a countdown timer live by accident, seemingly confirming that date
• What we aren’t hearing, worryingly, is any word on the RTX 5070 and its launch date

Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti graphics card is increasingly looking set for a rumored February 20 launch date, just over a week from now – but we still haven’t heard anything on the grapevine about the vanilla RTX 5070’s release timeframe.

The latest piece of spillage regarding the on-sale date of the RTX 5070 Ti doesn’t come from a retailer – which have been the source of multiple leaks pointing to February 20 – but from one of Nvidia’s board-making partners.

It’s MSI to be precise, the French division of which sent a web page live (as Wccftech noticed) featuring its GeForce RTX 5070 Ti models along with a countdown that started with 10 days on the clock.

That happened yesterday, February 10, meaning the release date is February 20, in theory – although even with this leak, we can’t get carried away with it being conclusive, of course. Nothing’s ever fully set in stone until Nvidia actually announces the launch.

The web page was pretty vague – it didn’t show any of MSI’s models of the RTX 5070 Ti, or offer any info at all, apart from the assertion that the launch is nearing – and it’s now been taken down. That’s standard practice, of course, once a mistake like this has been made.

Analysis: What kind of mistake, though?

Well, we say it’s a mistake, but in this case, a 10-day countdown to the purported February 20 launch wouldn’t be an error as such – that was the design and intent of the web page, presumably. Unless the launch is, in actual fact, happening later than February 20, and MSI sent this countdown live early, by accident, but that seems unlikely.

What appears to be the case is that the French arm of MSI thought this countdown might be a good idea, fired up the web page, and quickly got told off, then took it down, but obviously I’m just guessing.

Whatever the case, with a French retailer also revealing the date of February 20 for the RTX 5070 Ti very recently, all signs are very much pointing to this as the day for the inevitable scramble to begin. Yes, stock levels of the RTX 5070 Ti will be watched like a hawk, given that this more affordable Blackwell GPU will surely be in greater demand than the RTX 5080 (and the RTX 5090 has always been a niche proposition).

As for the RTX 5070, the worry here, which I’ve expressed before, is that we aren’t hearing anything on the rumor mill about the launch of what should be a strong contender for our list of the best graphics cards.

There’s been a theory floating around for a while that the RTX 5070 Ti was coming first, but surely the RTX 5070 must be fairly close behind – Nvidia said both models would launch in February, after all.

So, not hearing a peep about the RTX 5070 is a little disconcerting, especially given the odd wisp of a rumor about a delay to March. Let’s hope that isn’t true, but AMD will doubtless be hoping the opposite, and that it’ll give Team Red’s new RX 9070 models arriving in March a better chance.

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MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Two-minute review

The GM41 Lightweight is a super simple wired gaming mouse appealing to serious gamers with its light weight and laser-like focus on gaming over extravagant features.

This even extends to its looks. It sports a sleek, low-slung design with little in the way of adornments, or anything to offset the total black colorway. A large RGB light on the body is the only element that brightens up proceedings, which can be customized by holding the DPI button and pressing other buttons or moving the scroll wheel to adjust aspects such as the brightness, mode, speed, and color.

The thin, long shape will likely suit those with long hands, although it might not be wide enough for some. As it’s flat and lower to the ground than many of the best gaming mice, your hand is barely raised from your desktop, which again, some may prefer and some may not. The mouse buttons are relatively flat too, meaning claw grippers might not find them to their liking.

Its texture is smooth all over, save for the rubberized sides that help with grip, but they’re not as sticky as some others are, which I prefer.

The DPI switch is located on the bottom, which isn’t the most convenient, although this does help to keep the GM41 Lightweight as minimal as possible, and prevents mispresses from occurring.

There’s no removing the braided cable as it's hardwired. It also feels more durable than other braided cables, although it’s not as soft to touch. And while it’s light, it’s not as light as some of those adorning its rivals.

In order to tweak the GM41 Lightweight further, the MSI Center software can be downloaded for free. However, compared to other peripheral software, it’s disappointingly basic.

There are only a handful of rebinding options, including other mouse buttons and a few multimedia functions, but there are no keyboard assignments or system-level functions available. The same is true of performance enhancements. While you can select the increments for DPI cycling, the only other adjustments are for the polling rate, angle snapping, and lift-off distance – the latter of which only features two settings with no distance unit given. Those who like to tinker with their debounce time or toggle motion sync will be left out here.

When it comes to actual gaming, the GM41 Lightweight acquits itself reasonably well. The lightness makes for easy maneuverability, while the mouse clicks are snappy, thanks to their lack of travel. However, this lack of travel also reduces feedback somewhat. This makes spamming clicks harder, as does the relative heaviness of the clicks themselves and that aforementioned flat shape of the buttons. On a more positive note, however, I did find the mouse buttons to be also pleasingly resistant to slam clicks.

The scroll wheel, however, is very fast yet still provides enough notching to make for controlled flicks when needed. The scroll click is a little heavy, however, making it hard to actuate at times, but thankfully, it’s secure enough to prevent accidental mis-scrolls.

The side buttons are very thin, but light enough to use with ease. They offer slightly more travel than you might expect, but they are satisfyingly damped, making them more enjoyable to use than you might expect.

However, while the cable is light, I found it did create drag when making large swipes. The issue seems to stem from the lack of angle on the strain relief, as it did little to elevate the first portion of the cable from my desktop surface. Depending on the layout of your setup, this might not be an issue, but you may benefit from using the GM41 Lightweight with a mouse bungee.

Thankfully, the PTFE skates allow for smooth gliding on hard and soft surfaces, although they are quite thin, and there’s no spare set included in the box. But if you stick to mouse pads, then you should have no problem moving the GM41 Lightweight around.

If you’re looking for a basic gaming mouse with no extra buttons or features, then the GM41 Lightweight is a solid choice. Its main rivals boast similar prices, such as BenQ’s range of EC mice. However, there are others, such as the Cooler Master MM311 and the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, that are cheaper and offer brilliant gaming performance, all without requiring a cable.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Price & availability

• $54 / £29 (about AU$85)
• Available now
• Black only

The GM41 Lightweight costs $54 / £29 (about AU$85) and is available in one colorway: black. It doesn’t come with any replaceable parts, such as grip tape or a spare set of skates.

Its price is in line with other 1K wired gaming mice. The BenQ Zowie EC2-C, which is our pick as the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2, costs about the same. However, that mouse is heavier at 73g, and that’s excluding the cable, but we still found its performance to be excellent.

There are wireless gaming mice for less. The Cooler Master MM311, for instance, is our budget champion and also features a 1K polling rate, although it has no rechargeable battery. Likewise, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed is only marginally cheaper than the GM41 Lightweight, and is our pick as the best wireless gaming mouse for those on a budget.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Specs

Should you buy the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Also consider

How I tested the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2

• Tested for several days
• Played various games
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the GM41 Lightweight for several days, during which time I used it for playing games, productivity, and general use.

In order to push the GM41 Lightweight to its limits, I played fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, which is the ultimate test for any gaming mouse.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and have used a large number of mice during that time. I have also reviewed many of them, from budget picks to high-end offerings, all with various shapes, sizes, weights, and feature sets.

• First reviewed: November 2024
• Read more about how we test

• MSI’s US store will only have RTX 5090s on pre-order come launch day
• While the flagship GPU can be bought on January 30, it won’t ship until February 6
• This is happening against a backdrop of broader worries about stock levels, which Nvidia has also just warned on

MSI’s RTX 5090 graphics cards that’ll be sold through its own store won’t be made available to buy on the official release date of January 30 – rather, these GPUs will be up for pre-order on that day (tomorrow), but not shipped until a week later.

As per information shared by a representative of MSI on Discord, as discovered by VideoCardz, the RTX 5090 will only be available for pre-order on January 30, whereas the RTX 5080 will be purchasable and ship on the same day. RTX 5090 models from the official MSI store in the US won’t ship until February 6, we’re told.

The MSI rep said they couldn’t talk with any surety about the situation with other retailers, but did confirm that those other retailers would have at least some stock of MSI’s RTX 5090 models (as you’d hope).

VideoCardz further points out that a PC builder in the US (StinceBuilt) is also saying that MSI’s RTX 5090 graphics cards have been pushed back to a launch of February 6.

Clearly, this must be due to being short on stock of the RTX 5090, and it mirrors what we heard from MSI China already, namely that the initial supply of the Blackwell flagship GPU will be tight and limited.

On top of this, an Nvidia employee (on its official forums) also recently indicated that “stock-outs may happen” with the RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards.

Analysis: The consuming GPU gloom

Unfortunately, this is another in a fair old string of rumors about the RTX 5090 being very short on stock when the flagship GPU first launches. We can’t say anything for sure, with all this being unofficial chatter via the grapevine – even if some nuggets are from representatives of companies in the know, such as MSI here.

If you want an RTX 5090, then, the situation is looking very shaky indeed, and the odds of you getting one tomorrow, on the official launch day, seem extremely slim. If not actually impossible going by what is said by MSI here (well, you can order a flagship GPU, to be fair, but you won’t get it for a week). This is perhaps why some people have taken extreme measures such as camping out in queues in front of retailers already, in the hope of securing their RTX 5090.

More folks will be after the RTX 5080, mind you, which is far more reasonably priced (relatively speaking). And there has been some better news about that GPU in terms of stock, though it still sounds rather thin on the ground, and the level of demand will likely mean that this Blackwell graphics card also sells out in a flash. The additional worry with the RTX 5080 is that pricing for third-party graphics cards will be inflated well above MSRP in the main, for many models, though we’ll have to see if that pans out.

All in all, it’s difficult to be even remotely optimistic about the chances of getting an RTX 5090 in particular, but also an RTX 5080, especially given the recent comments from Nvidia, and now MSI. With scenarios like these, scalpers are, of course, rubbing their hands together with glee at the potential price-gouging profits to be made – which inevitably adds to the difficulty of the average gamer trying to secure a shiny new GPU.

It’s hard not to be disappointed by all this, and I’m certainly struggling to avoid becoming overly gloomy in my outlook with Nvidia’s imminent GPUs. It’s not even the RTX 5080 I’m primarily looking at as a graphics card upgrade, although any hope I might grab this as my next GPU has been pretty much dampened by the talk of potential price hikes over MSRP and stock difficulties. My real worry is that the noises being made around stock extend to the RTX 5070 (and its Ti sibling), the mid-range models I’m really looking at (including rumors that it could be delayed to March).

As I said, fighting the gloom feels like an uphill struggle right now, but I just have to keep reminding myself that it’ll only be a matter of time before the stock situation settles down, if it does play out badly with the RTX 5070 at launch. Right? Or, I’m looking at an AMD RX 9070, which is where the thinking of a number of PC gamers may be heading, I suspect…

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• MSI says there will be a limited supply of the RTX 5090 at launch
• This shortage reportedly stems from miscommunication with Nvidia
• Scalpers may have the upper hand at launch due to limited availability

Nvidia's RTX 5090 is about to launch at multiple retailers on January 30 and considering the power it packs for providing the best gaming performance across the board, many PC gamers are keen to get hold of one - but unfortunately, that might not be easy.

As reported by Wccftech, MSI claims that the supply of the RTX 5090 will be limited at launch, suggesting a chip shortage on Nvidia's part. While this is only one of Team Green's third-party partners, it certainly doesn't spell good news for other partners and those attempting to purchase Founders Edition GPUs.

Considering the history of scalping surrounding the previous generation's RTX 4090, I’m worried it might turn out to be much worse this time around - with an MSRP of $1,999 / £1,939 / AU$4,039 (along with the combination of a limited supply), we could be seeing a far more dire situation. It's also worth noting that most partner cards will be more expensive than Nvidia's Founders Edition, so this may give scalpers an opportunity to go overboard with pricing if demand is suitably high.

According to IT Home (translated from Chinese), the projected short supply at launch stems from miscommunication between Nvidia and partners, plus the 'Spring Festival' (Chinese New Year) affecting factory opening times. Whilst it's not the end of the world for those intent on purchasing the flagship GPU, it does indeed point towards a potential long (and expensive) wait if scalpers are quick to strike.

So, how do you beat scalpers?

Let's face it: there's not much one can do to beat scalpers other than staring at your screen and constantly refreshing the store page to reach the checkout before everything sells out. The same can be said for those camping outside retailers for the RTX 5090 due to the limited supply as highlighted by IGN - besides this, most of it is left to luck and any measures put in place by Nvidia itself or retailers.

We've seen this occur with the likes of Valve's Steam Deck, which was limited to one order per account when in high demand - and whilst it didn't completely eliminate scalping, it did a great job at softening the blow, though at the cost of customers left on edge when awaiting a new batch of units. If you’re wondering where to buy Nvidia’s RTX 5090, we’ve made a short guide on the best online retailers to keep tabs on.

If scalpers manage to beat customers and units sell out quickly, I'd say it's worth waiting patiently to avoid overpaying - especially if you're still using an RTX 4090, as I promise you, you're perfectly fine for the time being.

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• MSI's new Claw 8 AI+ has limited availability with only some customers receiving orders
• The release date was set for January 15 in the US, and February 11 in the UK
• It's currently only available at Currys in the UK 

CES 2025 saw a range of upcoming handheld gaming PCs revealed, including Lenovo's Legion Go 2 prototype. While the Nintendo Switch 2's announcement came shortly after the tech event, it's hard to believe that it stands a chance against the new slate of handheld gaming PCs, notably MSI's Claw 8 AI+ – at least, if you can manage to find one in your region.

As reported by VideoCardz, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is suffering from limited availability at launch, with only a few users in the US getting their hands on the device despite its original 15 January launch date from MSI.

The same issue seems to apply to users in the UK. The release date was set for 11 February, but at time of writing there's only one preorder listing of the Claw 8 AI+ – at Currys, priced at £899. The fact that it's only available on one retailer site in the UK, and only a small number of users in the US have managed to get their hands on it, certainly suggests issues with availability.

The Claw 8 AI+ utilizes Intel's Lunar Lake Ultra 7 258V processor, for improved gaming performance over the previous Claw A1M model, thanks to the Intel Arc 140V integrated GPU. Based on multiple previews including my colleague John Loeffler's hands-on coverage, MSI's latest model looks set to outperform the Asus ROG Ally X and potentially even the currently-in-prototyping Legion Go 2 (powered by AMD's new Z2 Extreme APU).

While we're still awaiting official Nintendo Switch 2 specifications, the rumored internal specs are underwhelming, to say the least: it's supposedly set to use the Cortex-A78AE processor (reportedly using Nvidia's DLSS upscaling tech), and only 8GB of RAM. That doesn't stack up well against the AMD Z1 Extreme, with 16GB of RAM used in the original ROG Ally.

Will limited availability and price impact the MSI Claw 8 AI+'s success?

While we're only a month into 2025, we'll be seeing handheld gaming PC additions from both MSI and Lenovo with the Claw 8 AI+ and the upcoming Legion Go S, which we also demoed at CES. Considering the pricing of the Claw 8 ($899 / £899 / around AU$1,400), combined the limited availability, it may lose out to other handhelds that are already available, despite appearing to be the stronger performer on paper.

When it comes to handheld gaming PCs, affordability is what matters most. I'm sure the Core Ultra 7 258V will prove to be incredible for the Claw 8 AI+, alongside the hefty 80Whr battery, but its rather steep pricing could end up being a dealbreaker (especially if this limited availability continues).

I've stated it before with handheld PCs – just look at the likes of Acer's Nitro Blaze 11, with pricing of $1,099 (around £1000 / AU$1,740) that could well be its downfall. The same could apply here, even if it's slightly cheaper than Acer’s monster handheld. At those prices, if you don't already own a desktop gaming PC, it makes little sense to opt for a handheld. However, I'm hoping its Claw 7 AI+ counterpart could be a compromise, using the same processor but with a 54.5WH battery and 7-inch screen instead, at $799 / around £700 / around AU$1,245.

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While MSI is typically known for its gaming gear, that hasn’t stopped them from venturing into the productivity space in the form of the VenturePro (yes, the pun was intended). Premiered at CES 2025, the MSI VenturePro 16 AI is proof that MSI is just as good at making productivity laptops as they are gaming laptops.

Equipped with a powerful CPU as well as graphics card, a component which is typically missing from productivity laptops, this laptop provides you with exceptional performance for both professional and creative endeavors.

You also get to take advantage of MSI’s brand new battery boost feature, which can provide you with up to 4 to 5 hours of extra battery life. This is excellent for those who are always on the go and need their laptop to keep performing.

Price and availability

While we don’t have a confirmed price or release date for this line of laptops yet, it’s likely that they’ll cost a pretty penny for the top end specifications which include Nvidia’s 40 series GPUs.

Other productivity laptops rarely feature dedicated GPUs, meaning having one included will likely come at a premium cost. Be prepared to shell out for this extra chunk of power baked in.

Design

Upon first looking at the MSI VenturePro 16 AI, nothing about it particularly stands out design wise. It’s a very simple looking laptop with a silver chassis. While it doesn’t particularly stand out, it remains sleek and attractive.

The MSI VenturePro 16 AI weighs 4.19 lbs (1.9kg) and is 22mm in thickness. While this isn’t the bulkiest of laptops, it’s not slimline by any means. If you’re planning to use it on the go often, or you need to get it between multiple locations like home and work, this laptop may not be the best option. Of course, it wont break your back, but there are definitely lighter options out there.

In terms of ports you get one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one RJ45 and one Kensington Lock. Everything you need and more.

Opening the VenturePro 16 AI, you’ll find a 16 inch, 2K display. It has a 120hz refresh rate and is an OLED panel making for some truly stunning visuals. Regardless of if you use this notebook for content creation, creativity purposes or just watching movies and videos, you’ll have an extremely pleasant experience thanks to this OLED screen.

Specs and Performance

You’re able to take advantage of the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H paired with up to an Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card, allowing you to get top end performance, particularly in creative applications which you wouldn’t be able to get from alternatives that lack dedicated GPUs.

Of course, for the "AI" in VenturePro 16 AI, you can also take advantage of CoPilot+ which provides you with assistance in a range of daily tasks, allowing you to save heaps of time and boost your productivity.

The 55Wh battery isn’t the largest of batteries available in productivity laptops. The amount of usage you get from your notebook will be down to what specifications you have. MSI have yet to release true figures and my hands-on session didn’t allow me to spend long enough with the laptop to track the battery usage.

The MSI VenturePro 16 AI is also equipped with a superior cooling design allowing them to deliver higher and more stable performance without getting too hot or noisy. Perfect for a device you’re using on the go or in busy environments.

However, if the battery isn’t enough for you, you can also enable the battery boost feature which gives you an extra 4 to 5 hours of battery life according to MSI. While it’s not clear how this feature works for the moment, it’s a great option for professionals who are on the go and simply don’t have the time to charge their laptops very frequently.

Early Verdict

Overall the MSI VenturePro 16 AI is a fantastic laptop with great specifications, but it’s hard to judge whether or not its worth picking up without a price point.

Due to the graphics card in this machine, I’d expect this laptop to be on the pricey side. It has a simple design but some outstanding features like battery boost and a stunning screen.