The gaming technology market has seen the rise of handheld PC gaming devices, notably since the introduction of the Steam Deck. MSI, a leading gaming hardware manufacturer, has joined the competition by announcing their new handheld device—the Claw—during CES 2024. Embodying a bold name, The Claw signals MSI's ambition to carve out a significant space for itself among portable gaming PCs.
The Claw differentiates itself from Valve's Steam Deck in several ways. One of the most distinctive features is its operating system: The Claw will run on Windows 11, unlike the Steam Deck's custom Linux-based SteamOS. This widens the potential for compatibility with a vaster range of PC games and applications right out of the box.
But what truly sets The Claw apart is its choice of processor—the device is equipped with a 14th-gen Intel Core Ultra chip, specifically the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. This marks a significant shift from the AMD APUs that have become the standard in this category of gaming devices. MSI is confident that this chip, usually seen in high-end gaming laptops, is more than adequate for rendering a smooth and impressive gaming experience even in the most demanding AAA titles. Additionally, The Claw's integrated Arc graphics take on the task of powering the visual performance.
Another area where The Claw is looking to outpace the competition is the battery capacity. Boasting a 53Whr battery, it surpasses even the Steam Deck OLED's 50Whr upgrade. MSI suggests that users can expect around 2 hours of gaming under heavy load conditions, which is comparable to, if not slightly better than the performance seen on the Steam Deck OLED. This additional capacity might prove extremely useful, especially given that The Claw features a higher-resolution, 1920x1080 IPS display, which also supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. While this screen may be less power-efficient, the extra battery capacity is designed to accommodate it.
Pricing and availability details have not been disclosed, which keeps potential buyers in suspense. Enthusiasts are hoping for affordability that aligns with the ROG Ally's revised price point. The justifiable cost will not only look at The Claw's specifications but also take into account the performance capabilities of the Intel Arc graphics and how they compare to the current market references.
Furthermore, it is worth contemplating the energy requirements of the chosen processor. The Core Ultra 7 155H has a base TDP of 28W, which is higher than the lower wattage consumption that AMD's APU can maintain during gameplay. Whether MSI has managed to implement specific efficiency-improving measures for this chip remains to be seen.
Aside from The Claw, MSI's announcement at CES 2024 included a lineup of new gaming laptops powered by Intel Core and Core Ultra processors. These laptops, which are updates to MSI's existing series, feature 14th-gen Intel CPUs combined with Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs. Although the names may not be as memorable as The Claw, the Titan 18 HX, Raider 18HX, Vector HX 16 and 17, Crosshair HX 16 and 17, and the Pulse 16 and 17 models all promise remarkable performance for mainstream and hardcore gamers alike.
In summary, MSI's The Claw is the latest entrant in the budding handheld gaming PC market, carrying the promise of Intel-powered performance and a battery that can keep up. With the upcoming release, MSI is challenging the status quo and aiming to grab the attention of gamers who are constantly on the lookout for powerful and portable gaming options. The anticipation for the performance reviews and hands-on feedback grows as the gaming community awaits the opportunity to put The Claw's capabilities to the test.
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