Introduction
Lenovo and Asus better watch their backs as the MSI Claw handheld gaming PC has officially confirmed the pricing for its upcoming handheld gaming PC, the MSI Claw. This Intel-powered handheld PC will start out at a cool $700, though the more powerful chip will set you back more. As one of the most anticipated upcoming handheld gaming devices, the MSI Claw is set to make waves in the gaming community.
MSI has now released official US pricing for the handheld on its own webstore. I’m yet to spot any pricing on the official UK store.
MSI Claw Handheld Gaming PC Pricing
There are three MSI Claw models headed our way in the near future:
| Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Claw A1M-050US | 1TB SSD | Core Ultra 7 155H | $800 |
| Claw A1M-051US | 512GB SSD | Core Ultra 7 155H | $750 |
| Claw A1M-052US | 512GB SSD | Core Ultra 5 135H | $700 |
The cheapest model at $700 comes with the Core Ultra 5 135H, an Intel Meteor Lake processor with four P-cores, eight E-cores, and two low-power E-cores. With fewer P-cores than you might see on a gaming laptop today, and notably fewer than handhelds built around AMD’s competing Ryzen 7 7840U or Z1 Extreme, this might appear a less desirable pick than the two other options powered by Ultra 7 processors with six P-cores.
MSI Claw Specifications and Performance
- The MSI Claw features an Intel Meteor Lake processor, with the Core Ultra 5 135H model sporting four P-cores and eight E-cores, plus two low-power E-cores.
- Despite early reservations regarding the core count, the 135H has performed well in most games, suggesting that the MSI Claw could be a solid choice for a 1080p handheld PC.
- Each model comes with 8 Xe-cores within its GPU component, ensuring that graphical performance is not significantly compromised.
- The MSI Claw is also competing with AMD’s Ryzen 7 7840U and Z1 Extreme chips, which offer eight full-fat CPU cores for roughly the same price.
Competition and Market Comparison
The MSI Claw enters a competitive market, with established players like Lenovo and Asus offering their own handheld gaming PCs. The Claw’s pricing strategy places it in direct competition with these brands, particularly with Lenovo’s Legion Go, which has been available at a similar price point.
While the MSI Claw offers a unique set of features, it faces the challenge of distinguishing itself from the Legion Go, which boasts a top-end model with a 1TB drive and the Z1 Extreme chip. The ongoing sale for the Legion Go further intensifies the competition.
MSI’s handheld does bring some advantages to the table, such as Hall effect thumbsticks for enhanced durability and precision, and Wi-Fi 7 support for future-proofing connectivity options. Additionally, the Claw touts a 53Whr battery, which surpasses the battery offerings of both Asus and Lenovo in their mainstream handhelds.
Personal Impressions and Additional Features
Having had the opportunity to use the MSI Claw briefly at MSI’s CES booth, the device felt decent in hand but seemed to lack the finish of the Lenovo Legion Go, which was being reviewed at the same time. The overall impression left by the Claw was somewhat underwhelming.
However, the Claw does have some benefits worth mentioning. The inclusion of Hall effect thumbsticks is a significant plus, offering gamers enhanced durability and precision without the need for aftermarket modifications. Additionally, the support for Wi-Fi 7 could prove beneficial in the future, although it requires a compatible network to take full advantage of this feature.
Another notable feature of the MSI Claw is its 53Whr battery, which is larger than what is currently offered by both Asus and Lenovo in their mainstream handheld gaming PCs. This could translate to longer play sessions and less frequent charging, which is a considerable advantage for mobile gamers.
Conclusion
The MSI Claw stands as a new contender in the handheld gaming PC arena, entering the market with a competitive pricing strategy and a suite of features that could appeal to a broad range of gamers. With its various models, including the Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 processors, the Claw aims to cater to different performance needs and budgets.
While it may face stiff competition from the likes of Lenovo’s Legion Go and Asus’s offerings, the MSI Claw’s unique features such as Hall effect thumbsticks, Wi-Fi 7 support, and a larger battery capacity could help it carve out its own niche in the growing handheld gaming market.
As the landscape of portable gaming continues to evolve, the MSI Claw’s performance, price point, and additional features will be the determining factors in its success and its ability to capture the interest of gamers looking for a powerful and reliable handheld gaming experience.
