Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 19: Gaming hardware manufacturer MSI has announced that its latest handheld gaming device, the Claw 8 EX AI+, will be priced at USD 1,799 (around Rs 1.7 lakh) in the United States, highlighting the growing impact of rising component costs driven by the artificial intelligence boom.
The handheld, unveiled at Computex 2026 earlier this month, is powered by Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme processor and comes equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, a 1TB SSD, and Windows 11. The device is aimed at enthusiasts seeking high-end portable gaming performance.
According to MSI, the sharp increase in prices of memory, storage, and graphics components over the past year has significantly affected the cost of gaming hardware worldwide. The company said prices of key components have more than tripled due to strong demand from the AI industry.
Speaking to gaming publication FRVR, MSI Product Marketing Lead Andy Chu said the company had explored every possible avenue to reduce costs, including strengthening partnerships with suppliers and negotiating better deals.
“We have tried every approach to get memory and storage at a lower cost. Unfortunately, the situation is what you see today. It will be a tough year for us and for gamers,” Chu said.
He described 2026 as a particularly challenging year for both Intel and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), adding that the Claw 8 EX AI+ is designed for a niche market of consumers who prioritise top-tier performance over affordability.
MSI also pointed to recent price increases in competing handheld gaming devices. Valve recently raised the prices of its Steam Deck OLED models, citing higher memory and storage costs. The Steam Deck OLED 512GB model now retails at USD 789, while the 1TB variant is priced at USD 949.
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ offers a substantial hardware upgrade, featuring Intel Arc B390 graphics, an 8-inch Full HD+ touchscreen display with a variable refresh rate of 48Hz to 120Hz, peak brightness of 500 nits, and an 80Whr battery. The device also supports Xbox mode, offering users a console-like gaming interface.
Industry observers say the surge in AI-related demand for semiconductor components is likely to continue influencing gaming hardware prices, making premium devices increasingly expensive for consumers.