Introducing the MSI Claw: A New Player in the Gaming Handheld Market
The gaming handheld market is about to get even more competitive with the arrival of the MSI Claw. Known for its hardware-focused brand, MSI is now entering the gaming handheld scene with its latest offering. The MSI Claw stands out from its competitors by being the first to feature an Intel chip, while other devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG have been powered by AMD Ryzen chips. This introduction of Intel chips brings an alternative option for gamers looking for top-notch performance in a portable PC.
MSI Claw: The First Gaming Handheld with an Intel Chip
One of the standout features of the MSI Claw is its use of the Meteor Lake Intel Core Ultra chip. This is a significant departure from the market standard of using AMD solutions in gaming handhelds. The Meteor Lake Intel Core Ultra chip comes in varying configurations, with the top-tier model being the Core Ultra 7 155H. This chip features 6 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 2 Low Power e-Cores, with a maximum turbo clock of 4.8 GHz and 24 MB of total cache. While MSI has not provided further details on other available chip options, it is safe to assume that they will offer a range of configurations to suit different users’ needs.
Explore the Features and Specifications of the MSI Claw Gaming Handheld
In addition to the Intel chip, the MSI Claw also boasts other impressive specifications. It utilizes the new Intel Arc Graphics, specifically the 155H GPU, which has a clock speed of 2.25 GHz and supports modern rendering features such as ray tracing and native XeSS support. The device is equipped with 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory and an M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with a capacity of up to 1 TB. It also includes a microSD card slot for easy memory expansion.
The MSI Claw features a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display offers a 120 Hz VRR IPS LCD with touch support, 100% sRGB coverage, and up to 500 nits of peak brightness. In terms of connectivity, the device offers USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. It comes with built-in 2x2W stereo speakers and an audio jack for audio output. The device is powered by a 53Wh battery, which MSI claims is currently the largest in its class. While it may only provide two hours of battery life while gaming, it’s worth noting that the device is designed to handle heavy and demanding games. The MSI Claw comes with a 65W charger included in the box.
MSI Claw Pricing and Availability: What to Expect
The MSI Claw will be available in three different variants, with pricing starting at $699. The specifics of each variant have not yet been disclosed by MSI. However, the high-end variant will come equipped with the 155H chip and offer 1 TB of internal storage. This top-tier model will retail for $799. The MSI Claw is expected to go on sale in the first half of the year, although an exact release date is yet to be announced.
The Growing Trend of Gaming Handhelds: A Look at the MSI Claw and its Competitors
The launch of the Steam Deck by Steam marked the beginning of a new trend in the gaming industry – portable gaming PCs. Since then, more and more companies have entered the market with their own offerings. With the introduction of the MSI Claw, the competition in the gaming handheld market has become even more intense. Consumers now have a wide range of options to choose from, each offering unique features and specifications.
As the gaming handheld market continues to grow, it’s clear that this trend is here to stay. The MSI Claw, with its Intel chip, provides a compelling alternative for gamers who prefer Intel’s processors. With its powerful specifications and Windows 11 operating system, the MSI Claw is poised to be a strong contender in the portable gaming PC market. As more and more players enter the scene, it will be interesting to see how the market evolves and which devices come out on top.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The introduction of the MSI Claw, a gaming handheld with an Intel chip, brings an alternative option for gamers looking for top-notch performance in a portable PC. With its powerful specifications and Windows 11 operating system, the MSI Claw is poised to be a strong contender in the portable gaming PC market.
Short analyst view: The arrival of the MSI Claw with its Intel chip will intensify competition in the gaming handheld market. With its powerful specifications, it has the potential to become a top choice for gamers who prefer Intel processors. The market will continue to evolve as more players enter the scene.
