The MSI Claw is an upcoming handheld gaming PC by Micro-Star International. MSI Claw will directly compete with Nintendo Switch, ROG Ally, and Steam Deck. The Claw was announced in 2023 and is expected to be released sometime in 2024.
The MSI Claw took over the market by storm as it is the first handheld gaming PC to feature an Intel Meteor Lake processor. In recent news, MSI unveiled the price of their Claw series, starting at $699. MSI posted detailed information about it on its website.
The price of MSI Claw series varies in three configurations:
(Image Credits: MSI)
The Specifications of the MSI Claw A1M
The Claw series will be the first handheld gaming PC to use Intel instead of AMD. They will also be featuring Intel Arc graphics. It will come with a 7-inch 120Hz LCD with a built-in keyboard and mouse. Additionally, it has 16GB of RAM with 512GB to 1TB PCle Gen 4 storage.
The performance is positive, according to reviewers who had early access to the MSI Claw. The handheld PC gives a decent performance with comfortable ergonomics.
However, many reviewers wish that the battery life was a little longer. The MSI Claw uses a 6-cell 53 Battery (Whr), which will run for 2 hours with intense gaming. MSI also claims their battery will last 50% longer than the market average.
According to GIZMOCHINA, the handheld gaming PC has an AI engine like MSI laptops. With the help of the AI engine, the game mode can be changed to higher performance for a higher frame rate. Simultaneously, the frame rate will be lowered if you watch videos to conserve battery.
Moreover, the MSI Claw comes with WI-FI 7, which offers peak speeds of 5.8 Gbps on 5 and 6GHz connections. You can enjoy low 2ms latency without any jitters across various links.
48-120Hz VRR Screen
According to The Verge, MSI confirmed that the MSI Claw series will be the second handheld to have a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Previously, Asus ROG Ally was the only one to offer a VRR screen. The variable refresh rate allows gamers to enjoy a smooth display feature.
For example, a game running between 48 to 60fps looks way smoother on Asus ROG Ally than Legion Go. This is entirely possible because of the VRR screen. The Verge confirms that MSI triple confirmed that it will have the same feature in the Claw series. Gamers can switch between 48Hz, 60Hz, and 120Hz on their MSI Claw.
Performance of MSI Claw
MSI Claw is an interesting handheld gaming PC as it has the unique ability to run both Windows and Android games. MSI app player will allow you to stream Android games from your PC to the Claw. Moreover, the Claw will come with pre-installed MSI Center M for game library management and performance optimization.
Overall, MSI Claw is promising an outstanding performance in the new trend for handheld gaming PCs. Its Intel Core Ultra CPU and Arc graphics raise gamers’ expectations.
(Image Credits: MSI)
Conclusion
It is worth keeping an eye on the MSI Claw series. It can be an excellent option for gamers interested in getting a robust, reliable handheld gaming PC. The MSI Claw can be a game-changer in the handheld gaming market.
However, it is still too early to say how successful it will be. The Claw is facing intense competition from Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch, especially when Asus and Nintendo are already planning to roll out their second generation of handheld gaming consoles.
Can’t wait for the Claw? Check out the Steam Deck on Amazon, where it’s currently on Sale (with a discount).
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