You can buy an Xbox Series X, PS5, and Switch 2 for less than the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ — It feels to me like the handheld PC gaming era is over

windowscentral.com Jun 18, 2026

You can buy an Xbox Series X, PS5, and Switch 2 for less than the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ — It feels to me like the handheld PC gaming era is over

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 18, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

MSI unveiled its new gaming handheld, the Claw 8 EX AI+, at Computex, featuring Intel's Arc G-series chips and an 8-inch touch display with 1920x1200 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The device boasts impressive performance, rivaling that of gaming laptops with discrete GPUs. However, its $1,799 price tag has sparked controversy, as it is comparable to the cost of an Xbox Series X, a PlayStation 5, and a Nintendo Switch 2 combined. The massive price increase is attributed to rising RAM and storage costs due to AI data centers.

💡 Why It Matters

· The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a prime example of the gaming industry's struggle to adapt to the current economic climate, where rising component costs are making high-end products increasingly unaffordable.
· The device's price is a stark reminder that even cutting-edge technology comes with a hefty price tag, and consumers may need to reevaluate their gaming priorities.

Capsules Gaming

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iPhone users can now join the ‘Pokemon Champions’ fray

The Pokémon Company has launched "Pokémon Champions" on iPhone, iPad, and Android, expanding its competitive battle game beyond the Nintendo Switch. The free-to-play title focuses on Pokémon battles, allowing players to compete in ranked, casual, and private matches using familiar mechanics. Players can connect Pokémon Home to bring eligible Pokémon from existing collections into the game, and engage in cross-platform battles with mobile devices and Nintendo Switch consoles.

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playstationlifestyle.net · Jun 18

PS5 Getting Fan Favorite PS3 Action Games, But There’s a Catch

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💡 The lack of remastering may disappoint fans who were hoping for improved graphics and gameplay. However, the fact that Activision is bundling potential DLC content into the PS5 listings may indicate a shift towards more streamlined and convenient content distribution.

purexbox.com · Jun 18

State Of Decay 3 Gets 72 Minutes Of Raw Gameplay Footage In…

Undead Labs has released 72 minutes of raw gameplay footage from the early alpha version of State of Decay 3, showcasing elements such as exploration, scavenging, vehicle gameplay, and resource management. The footage is not intended to represent the final quality of the game, as many systems and features are still being actively worked on by the development team. The video provides a glimpse into the game's current state, with early feedback from viewers being generally positive but also constructive.

💡 The early alpha footage of State of Decay 3 offers a rare look at the game's development process, highlighting the significant work still to be done before its 2027 release. By sharing this raw footage, Undead Labs is encouraging player feedback, which could help shape the final product and potentially set a new standard for transparency in game development.

windowscentral.com · Jun 18

Grand Theft Auto VI pre-order date is finally, officially revealed for Xbox…

Rockstar Games has confirmed that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI will begin on June 25, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The highly anticipated game features a massive open-world map, detailed graphics, and a crime drama storyline set in the Floridian-inspired state of Leonida and the return of Vice City. The game is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, and will be available for pre-order at digital storefronts and select retailers.

💡 The pre-order date for Grand Theft Auto VI marks a significant milestone for gamers eagerly awaiting the release of Rockstar's biggest GTA installment yet. With its ambitious scope and detailed graphics, GTA VI is poised to set a new standard for open-world gaming, and its pre-order success will likely have a lasting impact on the gaming industry's holiday season sales.

appleinsider.com · Jun 18

Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit 4 is a big improvement for modern game…

Apple has released the fourth version of its Game Porting Toolkit (GPTK), a tool designed to help developers port Windows games to macOS. The new version, GPTK 4, utilizes AI-based technology to speed up the porting process and supports Metal 4, a version of the API exclusive to Apple Silicon. This allows for faster speeds and features like neural rendering and MetalFX Frame Interpolation, resulting in improved rendering of modern games.

💡 The success of GPTK 4 could lead to a surge in the availability of Windows games on macOS, potentially increasing the platform's appeal to gamers. By leveraging AI-based technology and Metal 4, Apple is providing developers with a more efficient and effective way to bring games to its platforms, which could ultimately benefit both developers and gamers.

neowin.net · Jun 18

Nvidia GeForce NOW gains support for seven more games as discounts continue

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💡 The discounts and expanding game library on GeForce NOW could attract more subscribers, potentially shifting the balance of power in the cloud gaming market. By offering a more comprehensive gaming experience, Nvidia may be able to differentiate its service from competitors like Game Pass and EA Play.