MSI has ventured into the handheld gaming market with its new device, the MSI Claw. The MSI Claw release date was on March 8, 2024 for the base model and March 15, 2024 for the entire series. The Claw is designed to compete with other portable gaming systems like the Steam Deck, the Claw strives to offer powerful performance in a compact package. Its price starts at $699, making it one of the more expensive options in the market, with the higher-end model costing $799.99.
Performance-wise, the MSI Claw can handle popular games like Doom Eternal at 30 to 40 frames per second at 1080p resolution with medium settings. Though the device doesn’t crash often, some may find the lack of a touch panel disappointing. The device measures 0.8 by 11.5 by 4.6 inches, providing a solid, if slightly wider, feel in hand.
Those considering the MSI Claw will want to weigh the high cost against its features and performance. Some reviews have criticized it for being “underwhelming,” while others see potential in its design and capabilities. Ultimately, potential buyers should consider if the Claw’s advantages align with their gaming needs and preferences.
Performance
Despite packing Intel’s latest Core Ultra CPUs, the Claw struggles in real-world gaming. Benchmarks show that it often falls behind competitors using AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme, especially in titles optimized for AMD hardware. Battery life is also disappointing, with many users reporting under 2 hours of gaming at higher settings (source: Gamers Nexus, Notebookcheck).
Design & Build
The Claw does have some strong points. Its ergonomics are praised for being more comfortable than the ROG Ally, with a solid grip and decent button layout. The 7-inch 120Hz IPS display is sharp and fluid, though brightness is only average. Build quality feels premium, and the speakers are surprisingly good (source: Digital Trends).
Software & User Experience
Unfortunately, MSI’s software layer is buggy and unintuitive. Updates have improved stability somewhat, but users still report crashes, driver issues, and inconsistent performance scaling. Competing handhelds running Windows with better optimization simply provide a smoother experience (source: Laptop Mag).
Value & Competition
At launch, the MSI Claw was priced higher than the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, despite offering worse gaming performance. This makes it hard to recommend unless MSI makes significant software improvements and cuts the price.
Ratings Table
| Category | Rating (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | Intel chip underperforms vs AMD rivals; poor optimization. |
| Battery Life | 2 | Often <2 hours under gaming load. |
| Design & Ergonomics | 4 | Comfortable grip, good button layout, premium build. |
| Display | 4 | 7-inch, 120Hz IPS is smooth and sharp, though not very bright. |
| Software/UX | 2 | Buggy, unintuitive, frequent driver issues. |
| Value for Money | 2 | Overpriced compared to Steam Deck & ROG Ally. |
Overall Score: 2.7 / 5
Verdict
The MSI Claw shows potential with its ergonomic design, quality display, and solid build, but it falls short where it matters most: gaming performance and software stability. Unless MSI delivers major firmware updates and a price drop, the Claw remains a mediocre first attempt in a competitive handheld market.
👉 If you want raw performance and better value, the Steam Deck OLED or ROG Ally are still safer bets.
MSI Claw: A Deep Dive into Design and Performance
Design and Features: A Gamer’s Dream (Or Nightmare?)
The MSI Claw is a sleek handheld gaming PC that turns heads. Its ergonomic design fits snugly in your hands, and the 7-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive. The built-in controls are well-placed and comfortable, but some users might find them a bit small.
But there are some design quirks. The fan noise can be loud during intense gaming sessions, and the battery life leaves much to be desired. You won’t be able to play for hours on end without plugging it in.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
Powered by an Intel Core processor and Intel Arc Graphics, the Claw aims to deliver a solid gaming experience. It handles some games well, especially older or less demanding titles. You can expect smooth gameplay and decent visuals in many cases.
However, the Claw struggles with more demanding games. Frame rates can drop, and you might have to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable experience. The device can also get quite warm during extended play sessions.
Here’s a quick look at how the Claw performs in different games:
| Game | Settings | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Medium, 720p | 30 |
| Doom Eternal | Medium, 1080p | 35 |
| Fortnite | Low, 720p | 45 |
| Valorant | Low, 720p | 60 |
The Verdict: A Promising Handheld with Room for Improvement
The MSI Claw is a stylish and innovative handheld gaming PC with some noteworthy features. Its design is comfortable, and it can handle a variety of games. However, its performance limitations and battery life issues hold it back from being a truly great device.
If you’re looking for a handheld PC for casual gaming or older titles, the Claw might be worth considering. But if you’re a hardcore gamer who wants to play the latest AAA titles, you might want to explore other options.
In the end, the MSI Claw is a device with potential. With some refinements and optimizations, it could become a real contender in the handheld gaming market.
MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED vs ASUS ROG Ally
| Feature / Device | MSI Claw | Steam Deck OLED | ASUS ROG Ally |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU/GPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake) | AMD APU (Zen 2 + RDNA 2) | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4 + RDNA 3) |
| Performance | ⭐⭐ (2/5) – struggles in AAA titles, poor optimization | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – solid but aging hardware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – best raw performance |
| Display | 7″ 120Hz IPS, ~500 nits | 7.4″ 90Hz OLED, ~1000 nits | 7″ 120Hz IPS, ~500 nits |
| Battery Life | ⭐⭐ (2/5) – ~1.5–2 hrs gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – OLED efficiency, up to 3–4 hrs | ⭐⭐ (2/5) – similar to Claw, ~2 hrs |
| Ergonomics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – comfortable grip, premium feel | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – bulkier but sturdy | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – lighter, but less comfortable long-term |
| Software/UX | ⭐⭐ (2/5) – buggy MSI Center, driver issues | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – SteamOS is smooth & optimized | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Windows 11 works but not handheld-friendly |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐ (2/5) – overpriced vs rivals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – best price/performance | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – good, but pricier than Steam Deck |
| Overall Score | 2.7 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | 3.5 / 5 |
Quick Takeaways
- MSI Claw → Best ergonomics and solid display, but weakest performance and poor value. Needs big updates.
- Steam Deck OLED → Best all-rounder: great display, strong efficiency, excellent software, and competitive pricing.
- ASUS ROG Ally → Best for raw performance and high-refresh gaming, but suffers from battery life and Windows quirks.
👉 If you want value + smooth experience, go Steam Deck OLED.
👉 If you want power + Windows flexibility, go ROG Ally.
👉 If you want comfort in hand, the Claw is nice — but not worth the trade-offs yet.
Key Takeaways
- MSI Claw starts at $699 and goes up to $799.99
- The device handles games like Doom Eternal at 30-40 fps
- Lacks a touch panel, which may be a drawback for some users
The MSI Claw is MSI’s first attempt at entering the handheld gaming PC space, aiming to compete with the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. While it comes with promising hardware—particularly Intel’s Core Ultra processor and a 120Hz display—its execution has been widely criticized for poor optimization, software issues, and underwhelming gaming performance compared to rivals.
Overview and Specifications of the MSI Claw
The MSI Claw is a gaming handheld with a 7-inch display, powered by Intel Core Ultra CPUs. It boasts strong performance, ergonomic design, and variable refresh rates for smooth gameplay.
Design and Ergonomics
The MSI Claw has a sleek design, measuring 0.8 by 11.5 by 4.6 inches. It is easy to hold, featuring textured grips that reduce slipping during intense gaming sessions. The bumpers and triggers feel responsive, giving precise control in games. Although slightly wide, the layout ensures comfort during long use. The build materials feel durable, which adds to its longevity. This design considers portability and ease of handling to suit gamers on the move.
Display and Visuals
The device sports a 7-inch 1080p display. This high-definition screen presents sharp and clear visuals, crucial for an immersive gaming experience. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth transitions and reducing lag. The incorporation of a variable refresh rate helps in maintaining fluidity in graphics-intensive games. Light weight and compact size make it easy to carry.
Performance and Hardware
MSI Claw comes with different CPU options, including Intel Core Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 CPUs, which offer strong performance. The device pairs its CPU with 16GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and game loading. It provides storage options of 512GB and 1TB, enough for a sizable game library. Game performance is smooth, enabling games like Doom Eternal to run efficiently at high frame rates and resolutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MSI Claw offers several features and specifications that might interest gaming enthusiasts. Below are answers to some common questions about this handheld device.
How does the MSI Claw’s performance compare to the ROG Ally in gaming benchmarks?
The MSI Claw and the ROG Ally both use similar hardware, which results in comparable gaming performance. For many popular games, the benchmarks show negligible difference in frame rates and loading times. Both devices handle games well, though specific titles may perform slightly better on one device over the other.
What is the typical battery lifespan of the MSI Claw during continuous use?
The MSI Claw has a battery life of around 4-5 hours during heavy gaming sessions. This may vary based on game intensity and settings. For lighter use, such as streaming or less demanding games, the battery can last up to 8 hours.
How compatible is the MSI Claw with PS5 gaming requirements?
The MSI Claw does not natively support PS5 games as it is a Windows-based handheld. However, games available on both platforms and those supported through cloud gaming services can be played on the MSI Claw. Players would need to check each game’s compatibility on a case-by-case basis.
Between the MSI Claw and the Lenovo Legion Go, which offers superior gaming experience?
Both the MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go provide solid gaming experiences. The MSI Claw has a slightly better display and ergonomic controls, while the Lenovo Legion Go offers longer battery life and potentially better cooling. Preference may depend on individual user needs and gaming preferences.
Is there support for Steam games on the MSI Claw, and how well do they perform?
Yes, the MSI Claw supports Steam games. It can handle most Steam games smoothly, especially those optimized for lower-end systems. For AAA titles, players might need to adjust settings to achieve optimal performance.
Does the MSI Claw feature a touchscreen, and how does it affect gaming interactions?
The MSI Claw does not include a touchscreen, which might disappoint users who prefer touch-based controls. It relies entirely on analog sticks and buttons. The absence of a touchscreen means certain games designed with touch interactions may not provide the best experience.
