MSI Claw vs Steam Deck: Can Intel’s New Handheld Gaming PC Compete?

MSI Claw vs Steam Deck: Can Intel’s New Handheld Gaming PC Compete?

Handheld gaming PCs are the future of portable gaming, and MSI has entered the competition with the MSI Claw, directly rivaling the Steam Deck. But can the MSI Claw truly challenge Valve’s established handheld? Let's dive into a detailed MSI Claw vs Steam Deck specs comparison, performance benchmarks, user feedback, and more.

MSI Claw vs Steam Deck Specs Comparison

To understand the battle between these two handheld gaming powerhouses, let’s compare their core specifications:

MSI Claw Intel Core Ultra 7 Performance Review

The MSI Claw Intel Core Ultra 7 performance review reveals a shift from AMD to Intel for gaming handhelds. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, the Claw aims to deliver smoother gameplay with Intel Arc Graphics. However, early benchmarks suggest optimization issues, making it struggle against the Steam Deck’s RDNA 2 GPU.

MSI Claw Battery Life vs Steam Deck OLED

Battery life is a critical factor in portable gaming. In MSI Claw battery life vs Steam Deck OLED tests:

• The Steam Deck OLED lasts 6-8 hours in moderate use.

• The MSI Claw struggles at 4-5 hours, primarily due to Intel’s higher power consumption.

MSI Claw Windows 11 vs SteamOS Gaming Experience

The MSI Claw Windows 11 vs SteamOS gaming experience differs drastically:

• Windows 11 provides more compatibility but lacks a seamless UI for handhelds.

• SteamOS is optimized for gaming with Proton support but limits Windows-based titles.

Can MSI Claw Run AAA Games at 60fps?

One of the most important questions: Can MSI Claw run AAA games at 60fps?

• Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring: 40-50fps on medium settings.

• Hogwarts Legacy, Starfield: 30-40fps, struggles on higher settings.

Unlike the Steam Deck, which uses AMD's optimized architecture, the MSI Claw's Intel Arc Graphics still require better driver support.

MSI Claw Price and Availability 2024

The MSI Claw price and availability 2024 information:

• MSI Claw Ultra 7 (512GB) - $699

• MSI Claw Ultra 7 (1TB) - $799

• Steam Deck OLED (512GB) - $549

The Steam Deck remains more affordable, giving it a competitive edge.

MSI Claw vs ASUS ROG Ally Benchmarks

How does the MSI Claw compare against the ASUS ROG Ally? In the MSI Claw vs ASUS ROG Ally benchmarks:

• ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) outperforms the Claw in most games.

• MSI Claw has better build quality but lacks software optimization.

MSI Claw Pre-Order Deals and Bundles

For those interested in pre-ordering, MSI Claw pre-order deals and bundles include:

• MSI Claw + Carry Case - $749

• MSI Claw + Game Pass Subscription - $799

However, limited stock availability is reported.

MSI Claw User Reviews and Complaints

Early MSI Claw user reviews and complaints highlight:

• Positive: Solid build, Windows flexibility.

• Negative: Poor optimization, weaker battery life than expected.

Valve’s Steam Deck remains the preferred choice due to better software integration.

Best Handheld Gaming PC 2024: MSI Claw or Steam Deck?

Ultimately, when deciding the best handheld gaming PC 2024: MSI Claw or Steam Deck, the Steam Deck OLED currently leads due to:

• Better software optimization (SteamOS vs Windows 11)

• Longer battery life

• More affordable pricing

The MSI Claw has potential but requires driver updates and software refinements to be a true competitor.

Conclusion

The MSI Claw introduces Intel’s entry into handheld gaming, but it struggles against Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally due to software inefficiencies. While it offers Windows flexibility, it needs improvements in game optimization and battery performance. If MSI can refine its software, it could become a serious contender in the handheld gaming market.