The moveable gaming PC market exploded in 2023, and 2024 seems to be no totally different.
After a yr that introduced us the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Steam Deck OLED, MSI is able to enter the fray with the Claw. On paper and in observe, it is similar to its rivals. It is bought sufficient juice to run fashionable AAA video games, the same management scheme to one thing just like the Steam Deck, and a pleasant show to make video games actually pop. It’s going to launch within the first half of 2024, beginning at $699.
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MSI introduced the Claw to CES 2024 and I bought to (briefly) put my arms on it. As a lot as I like the Steam Deck, its use of SteamOS is an issue for individuals who have video games in different on-line libraries. MSI went a unique route, and if the corporate can work out a few kinks, this may very well be a viable different for many who do not wish to be locked into Steam.
MSI Claw: Specs
Two peas in a pod.
Credit score: Kim Gedeon/Mashable
Earlier than I get to my expertise with the Claw, it is price taking a while to put out what’s underneath the hood of this handheld unhealthy boy:
There are a few factors price digging into right here. First is the show, which one-ups the Steam Deck with 1080p decision (versus Steam Deck’s 800p) and a 120Hz refresh fee, beating the 90Hz fee on Valve’s handheld. Its Intel Meteor Lake processor is newer and theoretically extra highly effective than what’s within the Steam Deck, which is operating on {hardware} that is virtually two years previous at this level.
Just like the ROG Ally and Legion Go, the Claw runs on Home windows 11, versus Valve’s alternative to make use of the customized Linux-based SteamOS. This implies the Claw is ready to natively and simply run video games from non-Steam libraries like Xbox Recreation Go, Epic Video games Retailer, and extra. A Steam Deck can technically do this too, however it’s a must to have some technical know-how and endurance to drag it off.
Therein lies the very best potential facet of the Claw. The gadget can run in common Home windows 11 desktop mode if you’d like it to, however MSI constructed a easy and clear customized UI that brings all of your totally different libraries collectively underneath one roof. It marries the simplicity of SteamOS with the performance of Home windows 11. To be clear, MSI is not a pioneer on this regard; the Legion Go, for instance, had its personal hub software program with related performance, however the cluttered, ugly UI was sufficient of an obstacle to cease me from utilizing it fully.
The Claw’s menu, however, is self-explanatory and appears worthwhile. I did have some troubles with finicky menu choice in sure spots, however MSI assured me the UI continues to be a piece in progress. Specifically, making an attempt to power give up a sport on the system stage took extra effort than I’d’ve favored.
Final however not least, we introduced a Steam Deck with us to the occasion and located that the 2 units are almost equivalent in weight. The spec sheet backs this up; MSI Claw is available in at 1.48 kilos and Steam Deck at 1.41 kilos.
MSI Claw hands-on
The followers appear to do their job.
Credit score: Kim Gedeon/Mashable
As for a way the gadget truly performs, my time with it was ever-so-brief however nonetheless illuminating sufficient.
Like its rivals, the Claw has two analog sticks, a D-pad, 4 shoulder buttons, and 4 face buttons. There are additionally two customizable macro buttons on the again. Not like the Steam Deck, nonetheless, there aren’t any touchpads to emulate mouse controls. There’s a contact display, however some folks may desire a touchpad. I do not actually care about that, however it’s price declaring.
I wasn’t capable of get sufficient time with the Claw to do detailed efficiency evaluation, and MSI did not have an onscreen body fee counter for me to make use of just like the Steam Deck does (although I used to be assured that is within the works). Judging by the attention take a look at, Murderer’s Creed Mirage ran at a reasonably steady 30FPS on low settings and seemed wonderful on the show. Sonic Superstars was even higher, operating at or near 60FPS with out a lot in the best way of noticeable drops.
These are current AAA releases (although possibly Superstars does not qualify, even when it’s a good wanting sport), so seeing the Claw run them admirably was encouraging. MSI talked a giant sport about its proprietary cooling system that’s supposed to maintain the gadget from operating scorching, and certain sufficient, I did not discover any uncomfortable heat in my time with it. A demo unit that had been operating Mirage constantly for no less than 20 minutes was a little bit heat, however nicely inside acceptable parameters.
As for battery life, MSI says it has been capable of run Forza Horizon 5 for 2 straight hours on a single cost. That does not sound like lots, however by the requirements of moveable gaming PCs, that is fairly dang good. Sadly, we’ll have to attend till we have now a evaluate unit later this yr to check that ourselves.
In all, MSI Claw may very well be one other worthy entrant within the immediately crowded moveable PC panorama. Apart from possibly its newer processor, there is not something concerning the {hardware} that screams must-have in comparison with a Steam Deck OLED simply but. But it surely’s nice that there are such a lot of choices proper now, and none of them are abjectly unhealthy.