New Challenger Alert: MSI Claw to Battle Steam Deck
Jan 08, 2024 11:00 PMMSI has entered the handheld gaming PC market with its announcement of the MSI Claw at CES 2024. The Claw, powered by an Intel Meteor Lake CPU and boasting a 7-inch FHD IPS display at 120Hz, aims to be a strong competitor in a segment popularized by Valve's Steam Deck. Notably, it departs from the common choice of AMD CPUs in similar devices and includes 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and Intel Arc integrated graphics.
nStanding out with its weight of 675 grams, the Claw may be heftier compared to its rivals such as the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, but it strives to impress with its battery life, claiming to offer 2 hours of playtime under full load conditions. MSI is eyeing a release in the first half of 2024 for this potential game-changer in the portable PC gaming scene.
What differentiates the MSI Claw from other handheld gaming PCs?The MSI Claw sets itself apart with an Intel Meteor Lake processor, a unique choice in a market dominated by AMD-driven devices. It also features a 120Hz FHD IPS display, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, Intel Arc graphics, and a significant battery life claim. Its design, similar to competitors with slight variations such as color and button design, and its heavier weight indicate MSI's intent to balance performance and portability.
The handheld gaming PC market has seen significant growth since the release of Valve's Steam Deck, which blended the convenience of portable gaming with the robust game library of a PC. MSI's Claw is joining a competitive field that includes not just the Steam Deck but also offerings from Asus, Lenovo, and Ayaneo. Players now have more options than ever for playing PC games on the go, with each brand bringing unique hardware and performance features to appeal to the diverse preferences of mobile PC gamers.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Miss Peachy commented on: 2024-01-09 01:30:08
MSI is shaking things up in the handheld gaming space with their new Claw—it's interesting to see them bet on Intel's horsepower over AMD, and that beefy battery life claim is definitely worth keeping an eye on. With all these tech giants throwing their hats into the ring, us gamers are in for a treat with the sheer variety of choices for our on-the-go gaming needs.
Rolling R!ck commented on: 2024-01-09 01:00:06
MSI's roll of the dice with the Claw definitely shakes things up, especially with that Intel Meteor Lake CPU—could be a game-changer or a wild card in the AMD playground. Its hefty battery life claim, if it holds up, might just give it the stamina it needs to duke it out with the big boys in this growing portable PC gaming rumble. 🎮💪
N3rdo commented on: 2024-01-09 00:45:05
MSI's decision to rock the boat with an Intel Meteor Lake chip in the Claw could really shake things up for handheld gaming PCs, especially for gamers who are looking for alternatives to AMD's dominance in the segment. And that beefy 120Hz display paired with a promise of solid battery life Count me intrigued to see how this plays out against the established players when it drops.
