MSI has officially thrown its hat into the ring with the announcement of the MSI Claw, a portable gaming PC poised to challenge the likes of the Steam Deck and other competitors. This handheld gaming device, powered by an Intel Meteor Lake CPU, comes with distinct features that set it apart in a market dominated by AMD-driven alternatives.
MSI Claw Features & Specs
The MSI Claw is equipped with an Intel Meteor Lake processor, a departure from the prevailing trend in the handheld gaming PC market, where AMD CPUs have been the norm. This decision adds an element of intrigue to the Claw’s profile, distinguishing it from competitors such as the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go.
Notably, the MSI Claw boasts a 7-inch FHD IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, mirroring the length of the Asus ROG Ally display. While its appearance shares similarities with the Asus ROG Ally, the Claw introduces a unique touch with blue A, B, X, and Y buttons. This distinct visual feature adds a layer of individuality to the device.
Under the hood, the MSI Claw packs 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and relies on Intel Arc integrated graphics. Weighing in at 675 grams, it sits on the heavier side compared to the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and both Steam Deck models. The storage configuration is versatile, reaching up to 1TB of SSD, supplemented by a MicroSD card slot for additional storage options.
One of the standout features promoted by MSI for the Claw is its battery performance. Fueled by a 53Whr battery, the Claw claims an impressive 2-hour battery life under full workload conditions. This emphasis on extended gaming sessions without compromising performance is a strategic move by MSI to carve a niche in this competitive landscape.
Release Date & Price
MSI aims to launch the Claw in the first half of 2024, marking its entry into the burgeoning market of handheld gaming PCs. As companies like Ayaneo have been pioneers in this space, the momentum escalated with Valve’s Steam Deck release almost two years ago. With a targeted release window, MSI is positioning the Claw as a significant player in the handheld gaming PC arena.
In terms of pricing, MSI has yet to disclose specific details. However, as the market dynamics dictate, the success of the Claw will hinge not only on its features and performance but also on competitive pricing. Potential buyers eagerly awaiting this newcomer to the handheld gaming scene will be watching for MSI’s pricing strategy, which will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the Claw’s reception.
