Compare MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM vs Retroid Pocket 5
In this technical comparison between the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM and the Retroid Pocket 5, 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 1920 x 1080 (1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio) for the Pocket 5.
Choosing between these two Portable Gaming Devices models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $899 - $1,099 USD and $199 - $219 USD.
| Specifications |
MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM |
Retroid Pocket 5 |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | January 2025 | September 2024 |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics 140V (8 Xe2-Cores) | Adreno 650 (587 MHz) |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (Memory on Package) | 8GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 4) | 128GB UFS 3.1 |
| Expandable Storage | 1x MicroSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 / UHS-II) | MicroSD/TF card slot |
| OS / Platform | Windows 11 Home (Copilot+ PC certified) | Android 13 (Dual boot support for Linux-based OS like Rocknix/Batocera) |
| Game Store / Ecosystem | MSI Center M; supports all major Windows launchers (Steam, Xbox, Epic, etc.) | Google Play Store, Retroid Launcher |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 8-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Resolution | FHD+ (1920 x 1200) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Max FPS | - | 60 FPS |
| Panel type | IPS-Level (100% sRGB, 500 nits) | AMOLED (approx. 500 nits brightness, 401 PPI) |
| Touch support | Yes (10-point multi-touch) | Yes (multi-touch) |
| Adaptive Sync / VRR | Yes (Variable Refresh Rate) | - |
| Audio | ||
| Speaker format | 2x 2W Stereo Speakers | Dual front-facing stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes (Combo jack) | Yes |
| Mic | Built-in Array Microphone | Integrated microphone |
| Supported codecs | Hi-Res Audio, DTS Sound Effect | - |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) — Note: This is an upgrade over the single port on the 7-inch version. | USB Type-C (Data, Charging, and OTG support) |
| Display Output | Supported via Thunderbolt 4 | 1080p60 via USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) |
| Wi-Fi | Intel Wi-Fi 7 (BE201) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.4 | 5.1 |
| Ethernet | Supported via Docking Station | - |
| Controls / Inputs | ||
| Built-in Controls | Hall Effect sticks and triggers, RGB ABXY, D-pad, Bumpers. | 3D Hall-effect analog sticks (clickable L3/R3), Analog L2/R2 triggers, D-pad, ABXY buttons |
| Controller Features | 6-Axis IMU (Gyro), HD Haptics, 2x Rear Macro buttons (M1/M2). --- Fingerprint Sensor: Yes (integrated into the Power button). | Customizable RGB lighting on sticks, Integrated vibration motor, Six-axis Gyroscope |
| External Controller Support | - | Supported via Bluetooth or USB-C |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward Compatibility | - | Emulates systems including PS2, GameCube, Wii, 3DS, PSP, and Dreamcast |
| Accessory Compatibility | - | Compatible with official Retroid Dock and third-party USB-C hubs |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 299 x 126 x 24 mm | 199.2 x 78.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Weight | 795 g (approx. 1.75 lbs) | 280g |
| Color options | Black / Sandstorm (Limited Edition) | Black, White, GC (Purple), 16-Bit (Gray) |
| Materials | - | Textured ABS plastic frame with an all-glass front panel |
| Cooling | Cooler Boost HyperFlow (Redesigned for the 8-inch chassis) | Active cooling (Internal fan + heatsink) |
| Battery & Power | ||
| Battery Capacity | 80 Whr (Massive upgrade from the 7-inch model) | 5000 mAh |
| Battery Life | Approx. 4+ hours of AAA gaming; up to 28 hours video playback. | Approx. 4–6 hours (varies by system emulation load) |
| Charging | 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 (Supports up to 100W PD input via dock) | 27W Fast Charging |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Handheld, 65W or 100W Power Adapter (varies by bundle), Quick Start Guide. | Retroid Pocket 5 Console, USB Type-C charging cable, User manual |
| Price | $899 - $1,099 USD | $199 - $219 USD |
| Full Details | Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM - Full Specifications | Pocket 5 - Full Specifications |