Last year, the prospect of investing ,000 in a new PC gaming handheld seemed daunting, yet by the end of 2026, that price point may very well be perceived as a bargain. Meanwhile, Call of Duty has reiterated its commitment to minimizing frivolous cosmetic skins, while fans of The Witcher 4 may need to temper their expectations regarding expansive content updates. This is the essence of Kotaku‘s Checkpoint roundup for May 29, where we remain grounded and focused on the future.
Meet the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus, portable PC gaming’s latest big boy
With a name that commands attention, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus emerges as the latest contender in the handheld gaming arena, boasting impressive specifications and a robust design. What sets this device apart is its pioneering use of Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme processor, a development that has sparked excitement within the gaming community. The entry of Intel into the handheld gaming chip market is anticipated to foster healthy competition with AMD, potentially enhancing performance and efficiency, albeit without drastically lowering prices.
Cold like glacier, shines in chilling blue, the Claw 8 AI+ A2VM in new Glacier Blue colorway is the one to get in terms of coolness, smooth gameplay and a long battery life. More: https://t.co/UZc3bPRfcw pic.twitter.com/EVQ5djlFLA — MSI Gaming (@msigaming) May 29, 2026
Details about the MSI Claw remain sparse, but we do know it will feature 32GB of dual-channel LPDDR5x memory and an eight-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. The design has been reimagined for improved ergonomics, and it will be available in a striking Void Purple color, alongside the eye-catching Glacier Blue.
As we approach Computex 2026 next week, more information—including potential pricing—will likely surface. Current models are priced around ,200, and a sub-,500 price tag for this new release would certainly be welcomed.
007 First Light sold 1.5 million copies in its first 24 hours
This impressive sales figure is a boon for any AAA game developer, particularly for IO Interactive, which is striving to deliver high-quality gaming experiences without exorbitant budgets. Analysts note that the console version is also seeing unexpected success on PC platforms.
New DLC is still coming to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Following the introduction of the Techmarine class earlier this year, fans can look forward to additional content for the squad-based sci-fi shooter. Developers have confirmed that a new class is slated for release in the first half of 2027, although specifics remain under wraps. They have assured the community that this highly requested class will come with its own unique Champion Skin upon launch.
A tech CEO manages to do a commencement address and not get booed
In a notable address to the 2026 graduating class at MIT, AMD’s Dr. Lisa Su emphasized the role of humanity in shaping the future of technology. “Now let me be clear: Technology itself does not decide what the future looks like. People do,” she stated, underscoring the importance of human judgment in navigating complex challenges. Comedian Conan O’Brien also delivered a well-received commencement speech this week.
The House of the Dragon Season 3 trailer is full of, well, dragons
Fans of the series can expect an exciting new season filled with the mythical creatures that have captivated audiences.
Call of Duty promises more grounded skins, again
Infinity Ward has reiterated its dedication to authenticity in Modern Warfare 4, stating that every element, including cosmetics, will align with the game’s narrative. “We’re committed to keeping it grounded and transparent, and we want to hear from you on what you’d like to see in our game,” they announced on X. This echoes previous commitments made by Treyarch regarding Black Ops 7, which still saw the introduction of unexpected character skins.
Grand Theft Auto devs reveal a newly formed union
The Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), a branch of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), has emerged to advocate for the rights of game developers. Their announcement included a video detailing their ongoing struggle for justice following the termination of 31 staff members, which the studio attributes to misconduct, while employees assert it was an effort to undermine unionization.
Don’t expect any big Witcher 4 expansions
Despite the ongoing updates for The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red’s joint CEO Michał Nowakowski has tempered expectations for expansive content in the upcoming Witcher 4. During a recent earnings call, he noted the ambitious plans to release three Witcher titles within a six-year timeframe, suggesting that adding expansions to the new trilogy would be challenging.
