(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Despite the RAM crisis driving up electronics prices, I’m still excited about the next generation of gaming handhelds. That’s especially true now, as Computex 2026 has seen the announcement of three machines. I’m sure these systems will be expensive, especially as the Steam Deck OLED now costs over $200 more than its original price. Still, I’m pretty stoked about what’s coming.The headline systems are the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and the Acer Predator Atlas 8, both powered by the new Intel Arc G3 mobile chip. The ROG Xbox Ally X20 is only a superficial upgrade, but a nice one regardless. While each system offers something different, there’s one that’s piqued my interest more than the others.And which one is that? It’s the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+. Here’s why.Smooth performance
(Image credit: Future)The original MSI Claw 7 was the first modern gaming handheld to feature an Intel CPU rather than an AMD chip, so it’s good to see the latest iteration pack the new Intel Arc G3 processor.This silicon is tailor-made for gaming, with fewer CPU cores but the same Arc B390 integrated GPU with 12 XeS cores. In short, it’s a serious gaming powerhouse.Swipe to scroll horizontallyGameSettingsFrames per secondHogwarts Legacy1200p Medium w/ray tracing - XeSS 3 balanced with MFG 4x160 FPSBattlefield 61080p High - XeSS 3 performance no MFG65 FPSF1 251200p High w/ ray tracing - XeSS 3 auto with MFG 4x180 FPSWe tested three games, and the results were impressive, to say the least. The frame boosting XeSS 3 is the key to fluid gameplay, as you can see above.I’m eager to test demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 to see how they run with XeSS on and off. Based on what we saw at Computex, I don’t expect to be disappointed.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Lovely design
