It seems the MSI Claw gaming handheld is releasing this week — I’m curious to see if its performance is better than early benchmarks suggest
A gaming handheld with an Intel Core Ultra processor.
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We’ve had no shortage of thebest gaming handheldsto choose from over the course of the last year, but even so, we can expect to see a few more launch this year. The closest gaming handheld release will be the MSI Claw, which apparently launches this week. Since January, we’ve known that theMSI Clawwith its Intel Core Ultra processor would be releasing sometime in either March or April, but now thanks to aNewegglisting, it seems the exact launch date ETA for the MSI Claw version with an Intel Core Ultra 7 and 512GB (which has an MSRP of $749.00) will be thisFriday, March 8, 2024 in the United States.
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Meanwhile, the ETA for the other two versions of the MSI Claw (Core Ultra / 1TB SSD at $799.00 and Core Ultra 5 / 512 SSD at $699.00) are listed with a March 15, 2024 ETA on Newegg. Additionally, from the Newegg UK pre-order page, it seems that the MSI Claw will release a few weeks later in the United Kingdom.
What’s more, we know that a few official MSI Claw gaming accessories are on the way. As listed on the MSI Claw webpage, MSI will be releasing a travel case, tempered glass screen protector, docking station with a USB-C cable, lanyard, and keychain for this gaming handheld. The docking station in particular looks very compact and I’m curious to see if it simply connects to the MSI Claw or if it also doubles as a stand.
So the question becomes, with all of the gaming handhelds currently available is MSI Claw going to be a strong contender on the market? After all, since the release of the incredibly popularSteam Deckwhich really kicked PC gaming handhelds off a couple of years ago, we’ve since gotten Windows gaming handhelds likeROG AllyandLegion Go. So what exactly does the MSI Claw offer that makes it stand apart? The answer centers around the CPU.
TheIntel Core Ultraline of processors (a.k.a Meteor Lake) that the MSI Claw utilizes is the biggest CPU shift in the last 40 years. These chips are said to have markedly improved system efficiency and could theoretically make the MSI Claw the best performing gaming handheld device. Of course a few weeks ago,early benchmark tests between the ROG Ally and MSI Clawdidn’t look so favorable for the MSI Claw. However, it very well could be that additional updates and patches to the system could allow the gaming handheld to operate better when it officially launches.I’ll be doing our MSI Claw review once the device comes in, so check back to see what this system is capable of. Since I frequently play on my ROG Ally, I’ll be able to update ourMSI Claw vs ROG Ally comparisonwith new information as well.
The MSI Claw is the latest Windows gaming handheld to come to the market. It will be the first one to feature the new Intel Core Ultra processors. There are three configurations of the MSI Claw to choose from that vary when it comes to their CPUs, SSD storage capacities, and prices. So you can choose the version that best suits your needs.
For those of you in the UK who are interested in getting your hands on the MSI Claw, preorders are already open for either the 512GB/Intel Core Ultra 5 version or the 1TB/Intel Core Ultra 7 version.
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Self-professed gaming geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central’s editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn’t checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She’s written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her@rrspearon X (formerly Twitter).
