As I was testing the MSI Claw gaming handheld, I couldn’t help but feel like it was a rehashed version of the Asus ROG Ally, which I already rated poorly in the past. The similarities between the two devices are striking, with only a few minor hardware differences setting them apart.
Despite the lackluster reception of the Claw at launch and the imminent release of two new successors by MSI, the device remains on the market. This raises concerns about the outdated hardware and lack of significant improvements over its predecessor. The Claw may offer a slightly upgraded model with a larger SSD and a more powerful processor, but with the release of the ROG Ally X and the upcoming MSI Claw 8 AI+, it’s difficult to justify purchasing the Claw.
In terms of performance, the Claw falls short of expectations. Windows-based gaming handhelds often require users to navigate through a complex interface to get basic functions working, and the Claw is no exception. The user experience is frustrating, and even with adjusted expectations, the device fails to impress.
Given the fast pace of hardware iterations in the gaming industry, it’s rare to see a company announce a successor to a product just three months after its initial release. This rapid succession of devices makes it clear that waiting for the next generation of gaming handhelds may be a more prudent decision than investing in the current model.
Overall, the MSI Claw gaming handheld fails to deliver a compelling user experience or significant hardware improvements over its predecessor. With new and improved models on the horizon, consumers are advised to avoid purchasing the Claw and wait for the release of MSI’s upcoming devices for a better gaming experience.
