Compare MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM vs Nintendo Switch 2
In this technical comparison between the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM and the Nintendo Switch 2, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of FHD+ (1920 x 1200) for the Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM versus 1080p (Handheld) / Up to 4K (Docked via DLSS) for the Switch 2.
Choosing between these two Portable Gaming Devices models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $899 - $1,099 USD and $449.99 USD (Standard) / $499.99 USD (Mario Kart World Bundle).
| Specifications |
MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM |
Nintendo Switch 2 |
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| Launch | ||
| Version | January 2025 | June 2025 |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake) | Custom Nvidia T239 (Octa-core ARM Cortex-A78C) |
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics 140V (8 Xe2-Cores) | Nvidia Ampere-based (1,536 CUDA Cores) with Ray Tracing & DLSS 3.1 support |
| GPU Power | - | ~1.7 TFLOPS (Handheld) / ~3.1 TFLOPS (Docked) |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (Memory on Package) | 12GB LPDDR5X (128-bit) |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 4) | 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Expandable Storage | 1x MicroSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 / UHS-II) | MicroSD Express (up to 2TB); Standard MicroSD compatible for media only |
| OS / Platform | Windows 11 Home (Copilot+ PC certified) | Nintendo Switch System Software (Updated with GameChat & Screen Share) |
| Game Store / Ecosystem | MSI Center M; supports all major Windows launchers (Steam, Xbox, Epic, etc.) | - |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 8-inch | 7.9-inch |
| Resolution | FHD+ (1920 x 1200) | 1080p (Handheld) / Up to 4K (Docked via DLSS) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Max FPS | - | 120 FPS |
| Panel type | IPS-Level (100% sRGB, 500 nits) | LCD with HDR10 Support |
| Touch support | Yes (10-point multi-touch) | 10-point Multi-touch |
| Adaptive Sync / VRR | Yes (Variable Refresh Rate) | Yes |
| Audio | ||
| Speaker format | 2x 2W Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers with 3D Audio support |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes (Combo jack) | Yes |
| Mic | Built-in Array Microphone | Built-in Microphone (Monaural) with Noise Cancellation |
| Supported codecs | Hi-Res Audio, DTS Sound Effect | Linear PCM 5.1ch (Docked) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) — Note: This is an upgrade over the single port on the 7-inch version. | 2x USB-C ports (one on top for accessories, one on bottom for charging/dock) |
| Display Output | Supported via Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI 2.1 (via Dock) supporting 4K 60fps |
| Wi-Fi | Intel Wi-Fi 7 (BE201) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ethernet | Supported via Docking Station | Built-in LAN port on the new Dock |
| Controls / Inputs | ||
| Built-in Controls | Hall Effect sticks and triggers, RGB ABXY, D-pad, Bumpers. | Detachable Joy-Con 2 (Magnetic attachment) |
| Controller Features | 6-Axis IMU (Gyro), HD Haptics, 2x Rear Macro buttons (M1/M2). --- Fingerprint Sensor: Yes (integrated into the Power button). | HD Rumble 2, 6-Axis Gyro, "Mouse Mode" functionality for Joy-Cons |
| External Controller Support | - | Switch 2 Pro Controller; backward compatible with most original Pro Controllers |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward Compatibility | - | Supports a specific subset of original Switch digital and physical titles |
| Accessory Compatibility | - | New magnetic Joy-Cons (not compatible with old rails); USB-C accessories supported |
| Docking Support | - | Includes a new 4K-capable Dock with an integrated cooling fan |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 299 x 126 x 24 mm | 272 x 116 x 14 mm (with Joy-Cons) |
| Weight | 795 g (approx. 1.75 lbs) | ~535 g (Approx. 1.18 lbs) |
| Color options | Black / Sandstorm (Limited Edition) | Standard Neon Blue/Red, Grey |
| Cooling | Cooler Boost HyperFlow (Redesigned for the 8-inch chassis) | Active fan-based cooling in both handheld and dock |
| Battery & Power | ||
| Battery Capacity | 80 Whr (Massive upgrade from the 7-inch model) | 5,220 mAh |
| Battery Life | Approx. 4+ hours of AAA gaming; up to 28 hours video playback. | Approx. 2 – 6.5 hours (varies heavily by game and DLSS usage) |
| Charging | 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 (Supports up to 100W PD input via dock) | USB-C PD (Approx. 3 hours for full charge in sleep mode) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Handheld, 65W or 100W Power Adapter (varies by bundle), Quick Start Guide. | Console, 2x Joy-Con 2, Switch 2 Dock, HDMI Cable, AC Adapter |
| Price | $899 - $1,099 USD | $449.99 USD (Standard) / $499.99 USD (Mario Kart World Bundle) |
| Full Details | Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM - Full Specifications | Switch 2 - Full Specifications |