The gaming industry is buzzing with the latest news from MSI, a well-known force in the realm of gaming gear, as it introduces a new portable gaming console poised to rival Valve's popular Steam Deck. The MSI Claw has been unveiled as part of the formidable lineup at CES 2024, capturing attention not just for its name but also for its promising features which stand out in the ever-growing portable PC gaming market.
One of the most significant highlights of the Claw is its powerhouse interior: it will be the first portable gaming device to adopt the 14th-gen Intel Core Ultra 7 155H APU, a processing unit commonly seen in high-end gaming laptops. The integration of this chip is a strategic move by MSI to focus on high-performance gaming; the APU is equipped with Intel's integrated Arc graphics, which MSI asserts can provide "smooth and immersive gameplay experiences" even in demanding AAA games.
A particularly striking aspect of the Claw is its battery. MSI has packed this handheld with an impressive 53Whr battery, which overshadows even the updated 50Whr battery found in the Steam Deck OLED version. MSI is optimistic, claiming a "2-hour battery life under full workload conditions" – a cautious statement that translates to performance in gaming sessions that are highly demanding on system resources. Games that challenge even the most robust systems, however, typically average a lifespan of just over two hours on devices such as the Deck OLED. Therefore, the Claw's additional battery capacity suggests it could have comparable, if not superior, longevity.
On the display front, MSI is not holding back. The Claw boasts a high-resolution 1920x1080 IPS screen that promises a crisp visual experience. But there's more – the 7-inch display also delivers a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, surpassing the 90Hz offered by the Steam Deck OLED, which is notable for gamers who prioritize smooth visual performance.
Though the MSI Claw has generated much excitement, there is a notable absence of information regarding its pricing and release date. Considering its specifications align closely with competitors like the Asus ROG Ally – whose high-end Ryzen Z1 Extreme model now goes for £599 – one might suppose that the Claw would be priced similarly. Nevertheless, much hinges on how Intel's Arc graphics perform in real-world gaming scenarios and whether they can justify a potential higher cost without undermining the device's larger battery. Moreover, it's not just battery size that matters, it is how well it's managed. With the Core Ultra 7 155H's base thermal design power (TDP) sitting at 28W, questions arise regarding whether the extra battery capacity is simply to offset higher power consumption or if MSI has engineered the chip to be more energy-efficient.
Beyond the Claw, MSI's CES 2024 showcase also included new Intel Core and Core Ultra-powered gaming laptops. While these update existing lines, such as the Titan 18 HX, Raider 18HX, Vector HX 16, Vector HX 17, Crosshair HX 16, Crosshair HX 17, Pulse 16, and Pulse 17, none seem to carry the same praiseworthy moniker. Equipped with the newest 14th-gen Intel processors and dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs, these machines are set to cater to a wide range of gamers seeking cutting-edge performance.
As the gaming community looks forward with anticipation to learn more about the Claw, including in-depth performance evaluations and consumer reviews, MSI appears poised to make a significant impact in the handheld gaming market. With its innovative use of Intel's technology and its commitment to extending gaming sessions through a beefy battery, the Claw could very well claw its way to the top of gamers' wish lists.
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