MSI is working on a PC handheld called Claw, and it’s shaping up to be worthy competition to the Steam Deck.
Hardware developer MSI is getting ready to release a handheld device similar to Valve’s Steam Deck. After initial leaks, the MSI Claw has now been officially revealed. And it looks pretty impressive.
MSI Claw: Potential Steam Deck Killer Revealed And It Looks Impressive
The Claw is set to arrive in the first half of 2024, with different models being available for prices between $699 to $799. The device will feature a Meteor Lake processor by Intel. Other handhelds, including the Steam Deck, are using AMD-powered processors and chips, or specific hardware that's based on it.
It will be interesting to see if MSI’s Intel solution, which supports Intel's XeSS upscaling technology, can work just as well, if not better than, what the competition has to offer. MSI claims that the Claw can play AAA titles without problem and thanks to the 53Wh battery, even more demanding titles should be playable for around two hours before the device needs to be charged again.
According to The Verge, the cheapest model will include an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor and 512 GB storage, with the most expensive version of the Claw apparently featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 chip and 1 TB of PCIe M.2 storage. It looks like every model will have different capabilities, but the full range and details haven't been revealed yet.
Other parts of the specs sound pretty impressive. The Claw will include 16 GB of RAM and a 7 inch (ca. 18 cm), 120Hz LCD display with a resolution of 1080p and support for variable refresh rates (VRR). While the resolution is higher than Steam Deck's 800p, and VRR is a nice addition, going back to an LCD screen after experiencing the amazing OLED display on the latest Steam Deck could feel like a bit of a downgrade.
What's noticeable is, that this thing looks (and apparently feels) very similar to the Asus ROG Ally, especially in the design and placement of the sticks and face buttons (which look hideous here, btw). However, the device is also shaping up to be an absolute chonker and weighs 675 grams, which is heavier than the original Steam Deck and the ROG Ally. According to hands-on reports, the device still felt pretty good to use, with Jacob Roach of Digital Trends calling it "far from uncomfortable".
Do you think the MSI CLAW can be a serious competitor to the Steam Deck? Let us know in the comments!