Why MSI Claw Is a Threat to Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Legion Go?

MSI Claw has snatched the spotlight being the first handheld gaming device with Intel’s Core Ultra processors. As the developers are claiming, its longevity is way better than any other popular device available in the market. Well, one can expect that by looking at its 53Wh battery and 7-inch 120Hz LCD screen! But, is that enough? Is it really the toughest competitor till now Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go have faced? To know that, we need to dive in much deeper!

Speciality of MSI Claw in Comparison to Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Legion Go

• Processor and Graphics:
  • Equipped with a new Intel processor supporting Intel’s XeSS upscaling technology.
  • Claimed to play “AAA titles effortlessly.”
• Battery and Cooling:
  • Features a 53Wh battery, claimed to be the largest in its class.
  • Offers two hours of battery life under full load.
  • Cooling system with air vents claimed to be 50 percent larger than competitors.
• Design and Comfort:
  • Optimized for comfort during long gaming sessions.
  • Weighs 675g, slightly heavier than the original Steam Deck.
  • Dimensions: 294mm wide, 117mm tall, 21.2mm thick.
  • Equipped with tactile buttons and Hall effect triggers for durability.
  • Hall effect joysticks to prevent potential drift issues.
• Display:
  • Seven-inch 120Hz IPS display with a resolution of 1080p.
  • Typical brightness of 500 nits.
  • Similar to the Asus ROG Ally screen.
  • Expected to feature a variable refresh rate.

• Memory and Storage:
  • 16GB of RAM.
  • Up to 1TB of PCIe M.2 storage, included in the $799 model.
• Connectivity and Ports:
  • MicroSD slot for additional storage capacity.
  • Thunderbolt 4 port.
  • 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Power button with a built-in fingerprint sensor.
• Additional Features:
  • Macro buttons for recording various functions.
  • RGB illumination around thumbsticks, similar to Asus’ ROG Ally.

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• Operating System and Software:
  • Runs Windows 11.
  • Includes MSI’s MSI Center M software for game shortcuts.
  • Capable of running Android games via its App Player.
  • Emulators for Android games have been successfully run on similar Windows-based handhelds.
• Considerations:
  • Acknowledges the tradeoffs in the handheld gaming PC form factor.
  • The balance between power, battery life, portability, specs, and price is yet to be determined by user experience.
• Comparison with Other Devices:
  • Screen resolution falls between Valve’s 800p Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go’s 1600p display.
  • Lacks the OLED display found in the more recent Steam Deck revision.

According to the source, these are the top features one can get in the MSI Claw compared to other devices!

(The story is in progress…see you soon!)