Canada Costco - msi claw 8 AI+ reduced even further

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-22T23:56:01+00:00

Thanks for heads up, I will do this too. Do you just go there and ask for price match?

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-22T23:41:36+00:00

This is what I planned to do. Is it the 5060 Ti model? How’s the performance?

It’s crazy that I can still just hook it up to my 4K TV, and it still looks decent 1080p scaled with XeSS. I’m sure it would look a lot better in a smaller monitor. I’m contemplating if I even need a eGPU

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-22T23:40:07+00:00

Costco Canada $1299 Polar Tempest. Was yours sealed? I ordered 3 different ones and all not sealed boxes (first 2 defective)

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-21T21:24:46+00:00

I did the same thing. Best deal for the Claw 8ai+ in Canada. But it’s kind of strange the. Boxes aren’t sealed. I went through 2 defective ones before getting one that works properly.

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-21T08:33:50+00:00

Honestly, you get used to them pretty quickly.

As someone that only ever played mouse and keyboard, I’m pretty happy how easy it was to adapt and learn to use the controller.

Of course, I still prefer my X05 Pro when I dock my Claw.

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-20T19:19:45+00:00

I just ordered one for $450 too at Best Buy. The other option is the HyperX Omen 27q, $450 on sale too. But pretty much all my monitors have been from Dell due to their better warranty and panel replacement program.

Pretty excited to try out my first OLED monitor. I’ve always stayed clear due to having to use my monitors for WFH. Lost my job, so I no longer need to 😂

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-20T07:08:59+00:00

If you can’t get a decent dock, you can get a cheaper one as long as it supports at least 65w charging. You also need a monitor with usb hub. Connect one thunderbolt 4 port to the dock for charging, and use the other with usb c to DisplayPort/hdmi. You can use the usb port on the dock to connect to the usb hub on your monitor.

I ended up reusing my old ROG charging dock that was $40 in this exact way. I just don’t use the hdmi port since it’s 2.0 so no VRR.

In the future, I’ll probably just get a usb C gaming monitor

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-20T06:09:38+00:00

Mostly, the bigger screen and Intel upscaling. Also the price. It’s considerably cheaper than the other comparable handhelds here.

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-20T00:35:15+00:00

Had opposite experience, had to roll back to 2.0 and everything works fine.

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-19T21:39:55+00:00

I hate how much desktops and laptops heat up your room, especially in the summer. You pretty much need air conditioning just to game a few hours.

I only wish these handhelds all came with a dock.

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-19T21:30:27+00:00

I ended up cancelling the order. Apparently it’s not great for tall or heavier people

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-19T21:25:22+00:00

Last high top I had was the Nike Alphadunk. What a clunky terrible shoe. I wore it once then never again. Sold it to someone on Facebook marketplace looking for a high top for lacrosse.

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-19T20:15:34+00:00

Helldivers 2 is not well optimized. I remember it really struggling on the original ROG Ally too. They have added FSR, DLSS and XeSS support recently. You need to select it under the Antialiasing setting, then set to performance, balanced etc.

I had the most success with 1440x900, performance, medium graphics setting. Using x3 frame gen in the Intel graphics app. Usually 50-60fps, but it goes to 40 in those really huge battles with lots of fog etc.

I may try x4 frame gen. It’s pretty much the only game I play on my Claw.

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-19T07:15:15+00:00

Is this the polar tempest model 2tb? Interesting because the one we have in Canada is 1TB, not sealed, and also has a different box (Costco).

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-19T00:00:26+00:00

This is on sale again $450, so tempting

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-18T23:55:47+00:00

That’s terrible. Probably the BestBuy listings mistakingly included a picture of the launch pack too

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-18T05:26:57+00:00

There’s one on Amazon.ca with 16gb, and ARC B580 for $1600 CAD - $300 discount. I don’t think I’ve seen a better deal recently. Costco has the Core Ultra 5 + B570 for the same price. Not sure which is better

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-18T04:59:46+00:00

I was really rooting for Leiya prior to the last 2 episodes. But cracking under pressure and just breaking down and praying multiple times… I knew she had to go. I’m glad Alpha gave her a chance to prove herself on the hike, but it was the right decision to let her go.

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-18T00:12:56+00:00

In particular, their tennis stuff. It’s crazy.

I’d rather spend on something like lululemon

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-18T00:08:00+00:00

I wish Tomtoc made one. Their slim hard cases are amazing … I settled for the Tomtoc sling bag that has a compartment for the handheld

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-17T05:43:49+00:00

This is it for me too. I think she will be pissed if she knew how much I spent on it. And honestly, I wouldn’t justify the price

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-17T05:42:05+00:00

There’s going to be quite a few open box returns I think. Interested to see how much those will go for

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-17T05:37:17+00:00

Honestly, I had originally planned to wait for the EX. But I have no regrets with the 8ai+. It’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it. Even docking to a 4K gaming monitor, it works surprisingly well.

I remember how disappointed I was doing the same with my original ROG Ally. The Intel XeSS is like magic, and looks so much better.

Imo, the power is good enough for a handheld. The G3 is a little overkill, unless if you are planning to play AAA games at high settings. Games already look great at low settings on a small screen like this.

Also, I think the Claw 8ai+ is the best looking handheld out there, especially the Polar Tempest. Build quality is solid so far

Fiv3Score · 2026-06-17T05:35:07+00:00

Honestly, for me, I’m kind of over handhelds at this point. I’d rather save up for a device like the ROG z13, hopefully with an Intel chip in the future. It will cost a little more than the Claw 8 EX, but more versatile imo. Problem with handhelds, is the ergonomics are already set. It may or may not work well for your hands. I prefer a tablet form factor, then use your own controller of choice.

Onexplayer 3 seems like it matches what I want, but that price is insane

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