Two new contenders enter the handheld gaming PC arena, with MSI and Acer unveiling powerful 8-inch devices ahead of Computex 2026.
MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus
MSI announced the Claw 8 EX AI Plus handheld gaming PC. The device includes an Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, an 8-inch touchscreen display with a 1920x1200 resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate, up to 32GB dual-channel LPDDR5x memory, and a single NVMe M.2 SSD slot. It features hall effect sticks and triggers and a new linear motor for haptics. The chassis has been redesigned with updated grips. The device is available in a "Void Purple" color.
Pricing, battery life, and a release date have not been announced. The previous model, the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus, launched at a price of $1,000.
Acer Predator Atlas 8
Acer announced the Predator Atlas 8 handheld gaming PC at Computex 2026. The device is expected to launch in October 2026 in North America, Australia, and the EMEA region. Pricing has not been revealed.
Key Specifications:
- Display: 8-inch FHD+ (1920×1200) touchscreen, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, VRR support, 500 nits peak brightness, 100% sRGB color gamut, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus with DXC coating.
- Processor: Intel Arc G-Series, up to Intel Arc G3 Extreme.
- Graphics: Intel Arc Xe3 with Intel XeSS 3 AI upscaling.
- Memory: Up to 24GB LPDDR5X 7467 MT/s.
- Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, UHS-II microSD card reader.
- Battery: Up to 80Wh (60Wh option available on select models).
- Cooling: Dual-fan Predator AeroBlade system with Vortex Flow airflow and 89-blade metal fans.
- Audio: Dual 2W speakers, DTS:X Ultra, dual microphones with Acer PurifiedVoice.
- Controls: Hall-effect analog triggers, full-size analog sticks, rear macro buttons, adjustable trigger modes, dedicated PredatorSense button.
- Connectivity: Dual Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm audio jack.
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home.
A two-month Xbox Game Pass Premium subscription is included with purchase.
Market Context
A writer from Windows Central commented on the announcements, noting that the new entries increase competition in the handheld gaming PC market.