The Claw: A Gaming Disaster in Disguise
The gaming world was abuzz with excitement when MSI announced the release of their latest handheld gaming PC, the MSI Claw. However, what seemed like a promising addition to the gaming market quickly turned into a nightmare for both gamers and reviewers alike.
The Early Warnings
The alarm bells started ringing when MSI decided to put the Claw on sale before sending units out to reviewers. This move raised suspicions and set the stage for what was to come.
The Phawx’s Review
One of the first reviews to surface was from The Phawx, who bluntly stated that the Claw is “impossible to recommend.” The review highlighted major issues with the Intel chipset, particularly its performance in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Dawn at low graphics presets. The comparison with other handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally only made matters worse for the Claw.
Power Consumption Problems
A significant point of contention was the Claw’s power consumption. The Phawx pointed out that the handheld draws close to 7.5 watts when idle, leading to poor battery life compared to its competitors. The reviewer emphasized that the Claw simply “wastes power for no reason.”
Retro Game Corps’ Take
Retro Game Corps also chimed in with a review that echoed The Phawx’s sentiments. The Meteor Lake processor in the Claw was likened to outdated AMD chipsets, painting a grim picture for MSI’s latest offering.
The Verdict
Despite initial optimism surrounding the Claw’s release, it’s evident from early reviews that the device falls short in several key areas. From driver issues to high power consumption, the Claw lags behind its competitors in the handheld gaming market.
Looking Ahead
While there is potential for software improvements in the future, the Claw’s pricing remains a major hurdle. With a price tag higher than its more capable rivals, MSI will need to make significant strides to bring the Claw up to par.
In conclusion, the MSI Claw may have entered the gaming arena with high hopes, but it’s clear that the device has a long way to go before it can truly compete with the best in the market.
Stay Tuned
As we eagerly await the arrival of an MSI Claw for testing, we’ll be keeping a close eye on any developments and will provide a comprehensive review once we get our hands on the device.
