MSI has cleared up some miscommunication surrounding its MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ pre orders. Customers have been quick to snap up the new Intel Arc G3 Extreme handheld, quickly selling out on the official MSI store and partnered retailers. Anyone browsing the MSI site may have come across the Launch Pack bundle and have assumed this comes as standard – but this isn’t the case.

At least in the United States, MSI has confirmed that the Launch Pack offer for the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ – which includes the handheld itself, a travel case, keychain, extra grips, and a screen protector – will not be included as part of the $1,799 cost. We previously saw references to the Launch Pack at a popular Australian retailer, but this bundle doesn’t exist in the US.

MSI is not selling Claw 8 EX AI+ launch packs in the United States

Launch Pack contents are still listed on the Claw 8 EX AI+ overview at MSI’s website, but if you specifically visit the US store page, they’re nowhere to be found. YouTuber GameTechPlanet confirms that it was previously visible on the US store page – the ‘Buy Now’ button (visible here) confirms it was the actual store page rather than the generic overview.

US-based customers hoping to pick up the full Launch Pack for $1,799 at the MSI store have been left disappointed by what you may equate to false advertising. Reddit user u/mironor94 recently posted to the MSI Claw subreddit to share their interaction with MSI support, who confirmed that the Launch Pack Edition is not available in the region.

The customer expressed their disappointment, adding “I would’ve pre-ordered elsewhere for a cheaper price” if they had known the Launch Pack wasn’t included. Third-party retailers such as B&H and Best Buy were selling the new handheld for $1,699, though the latter has since been upped by $100 to match the official store. Both retailers’ pre-orders are currently sold out.

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Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.