Photo by With a keen eye on the evolving landscape of portable gaming, Lily Thompson delves into the imminent clash between MSI Claw and Steam Deck OLED.
The portable gaming arena is about to get more competitive with the U.S. release of the MSI Claw, a device that could potentially rival the acclaimed Steam Deck OLED. As gamers eagerly anticipate its arrival, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the MSI Claw can dethrone Valve’s reigning champion in the realm of handheld gaming PCs.
A New Contender Emerges
A sleek and powerful addition to the portable gaming world
The MSI Claw, powered by Windows 11 and boasting Intel Meteor Lake chips, is set to launch in the U.S. on March 8. With three configurations on offer, the device aims to cater to a wide range of gamers. The anticipation surrounding its release is palpable, with many wondering if it can replicate or surpass the success of the Steam Deck OLED.
The pricing for the MSI Claw starts at $699 for the model with an Intel Core Ultra 5 135H CPU, while the higher-end versions equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor are priced at $749 and $799 for the 512GB and 1TB storage options, respectively. This places the MSI Claw in a slightly higher price bracket compared to the Steam Deck OLED, which starts at $549.
A Battle of Specs and Performance
The MSI Claw’s 7-inch 1080p LCD display, with a refresh rate of 120Hz, is one of its standout features. This surpasses the Steam Deck OLED’s 90Hz refresh rate and offers gamers a smoother and more visually stunning gaming experience. The device’s use of Intel’s XeSS technology for image upsampling is another highlight, promising enhanced frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity.
“Games look stunning on its sharp 1080p display,” remarked Tony Polanco in his hands-on review of the MSI Claw.
Despite the impressive specs, the MSI Claw faces stiff competition from the Lenovo Legion Go, another formidable contender in the portable gaming space. With a 144Hz refresh rate and a higher screen resolution, the Legion Go currently holds the title of the best Windows handheld, according to some reviews.
The Verdict Is Still Out
Comparing the titans of portable gaming
While the MSI Claw certainly has the potential to shake up the portable gaming market, it remains to be seen whether it can truly outshine the Steam Deck OLED. The latter has already established a strong foothold among PC gamers, thanks to its balance of performance, price, and portability.
As the MSI Claw makes its debut in the U.S., gamers will soon have the opportunity to weigh in on this battle of the handhelds. Whether they choose to align with Team Deck or Team Claw, or perhaps even both, the arrival of the MSI Claw undeniably adds an exciting new dimension to the world of portable gaming.
In the end, the choice between the MSI Claw and the Steam Deck OLED may come down to personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of each gamer. As we await the final verdict from the gaming community, one thing is clear: the portable gaming landscape is richer and more diverse than ever before.
