The wait is finally over. Well, almost. After debuting at CES 2024, you can finally give MSI your hard-earned cash for its first handheld gaming device. The MSI Claw is now available for preorder from the likes of Best Buy, Newegg, or from MSI directly.
MSI Claw: Specs Overview
There are three different configurations to choose from, with the base model being powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5-135H. We’ve got the entire spec sheet below, but besides the storage and processor, everything else is the same across the board.
Taking a step up from the base model, you can get the Claw with Intel’s Core Ultra 7-155H, complete with a 512GB SSD. Lastly, the only change in the “top of the line” version is that it features a 1TB SSD.
Some of the other specs include 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, Intel Arc Graphics, a microSD card slot, and a single USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 port. Besides being one of the first handhelds to launch with Intel’s latest chips, the Claw is an intriguing contender to the Lenovo Legion Go, ASUS ROG Ally, and of course, the Steam Deck OLED.
MSI Claw Specs
The star of the show, when it comes to the Claw, is the 7-inch IPS display, sporting a 1920 x 1080 (FHD) resolution. While MSI went so far as to use a panel that includes a 120Hz refresh rate, the Claw lacks the VRR capabilities that help make the ROG Ally so compelling.
There’s a lot to like about what the Claw could potentially bring to the market. However, if you are hoping for a battery beast, you’re going to be disappointed. Equipped with a 53Wh battery, MSI claims the Claw will last just two hours under maximum load. Chances are that you’ll get closer to 3 or 4 hours unless you’re that dedicated to AAA titles.
MSI Claw: Design and Price
MSI Claw Promotional Image
As for the design, we wouldn’t blame you if you thought this just looked like a “Special Edition” ROG Ally. I’ve had the same thought myself. It’s not until you look at the grip that you really start to notice a difference (at least from the pictures). MSI seems to have borrowed a few ideas from the Steam Deck and Legion Go, aiming to make the Claw comfortable.
But only time will tell.
The bigger sticking point is probably going to be an obvious one, and that’s the price. The entry-level model with the Core Ultra 5 and 512GB SSD comes in at $699. Upgrade to the Core Ultra 7 with the same amount of storage, and you’re looking at $749. Lastly, the “maxed” out version with its 1TB of storage sets you back $799.
It’s actually a bit refreshing to see increments of $50 between models. But there’s still a question of whether Intel’s venture into this market can match up with what we already have.
Okay, okay. Onto the fun stuff.
MSI Claw: How to Order
MSI Claw Newegg Listing
If you want to preorder the MSI Claw, you have a few different options. Arguably the most intriguing option is to go through Newegg, as you’ll get Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones for free, along with a seven-day trial of Ubisoft+ and a 30-day trial of Xbox Game Pass. Not to mention that Newegg is showing a release date of 3/15, so just a week from now.
That combination far exceeds what you’ll find with Best Buy, besides the potential convenience factor. With Best Buy, you’ll get nothing but the Claw itself. And on top of that, it seems this is a staggered release as Best Buy shows April 4 as the release date.
Newegg:
Best Buy:
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