Next-gen MSI Claw handhelds confirmed in the works

MSI is making waves with the Claw, their first handheld gaming PC, debuting in the second half of the current year. Competing with devices like the Steam Deck, MSI reveals that this is just the beginning and that future versions are already planned as part of the product pipeline. According to MSI's System Product Managing Director Clifford Chun, the lifecycle of the Claw is expected to be two to three years, owing to the increasing demands of modern game titles. MSI aims to upgrade their handhelds in similar fashion to their gaming laptops, which see regular updates for new GPUs and CPUs. While Chun suggests that a refresh of the Claw will largely depend on tech advancements, MSI may also consider other updates like improved displays, a move reminiscent of Valve's Steam Deck OLED. Detailed information on MSI's plans will come to light as a detailed interview is set to be released later in the week, following CES reveals.

Model refreshes for the MSI Claw are anticipated roughly every two to three years, as per MSI's product lifecycle strategy aligned with the evolving demands of new game releases.

The MSI Claw enters a market that has recently been invigorated by the success of the Steam Deck, Valve's handheld gaming device. As handheld gaming PCs become more popular, long-standing PC hardware companies like MSI are recognizing the demand for portable gaming that doesn't compromise on performance. MSI's experience in creating high-quality gaming laptops is expected to inform their approach to developing and refreshing the Claw. With MSI's announcement, competition in the handheld gaming sector is set to intensify, potentially leading to rapid advancements in technology and better experiences for consumers.