Is The Msi Claw Worth It As A Portable Gaming Device Compared To Steam Deck

The rise of handheld gaming PCs has transformed how PC gamers experience their favorite titles outside the traditional desktop setup. Among the most talked-about devices are Valve’s Steam Deck and MSI’s new entry into the market—the MSI Claw. With both offering full Windows or Linux-based gaming in a portable form factor, consumers are left wondering: is the MSI Claw worth it as a portable gaming device compared to the Steam Deck? The answer depends on your priorities—performance, ecosystem, software flexibility, and long-term usability.

While the Steam Deck pioneered the modern handheld PC category, the MSI Claw arrives with newer hardware and a different philosophy: a Windows-based system that runs any game you own, not just those from the Steam library. But does raw power outweigh the refined experience Valve has spent years perfecting?

Hardware Showdown: Specs That Matter

At first glance, the MSI Claw appears to have a clear edge in processing power. It’s powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture, specifically the Core Ultra 5 135H or Core Ultra 7 155H processors, which integrate AI accelerators and efficient hybrid cores. These chips offer strong CPU performance and integrated Arc graphics capable of handling modern games at medium settings when paired with optimized drivers.

In contrast, the Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU based on Zen 2 CPU cores and RDNA 2 GPU architecture. While older in design, Valve worked closely with AMD to fine-tune this chip for handheld efficiency. The result is lower peak performance but exceptional battery life and thermal management.

Feature	MSI Claw (Core Ultra 5)	Steam Deck (OLED Model)
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 5 135H (12 cores, 14 threads)	Custom AMD APU (Zen 2, RDNA 2)
Graphics	Intel Arc Graphics (8 Xe-Cores)	RDNA 2, 8 CUs @ 1.6 GHz
RAM	16GB LPDDR5x (soldered)	16GB LPDDR5 (shared memory)
Storage	256GB/512GB NVMe SSD (expandable via M.2)	512GB/1TB NVMe SSD (replaceable)
Display	7-inch FHD+ (1080p), 120Hz IPS LCD	7.4-inch QHD+, 90Hz OLED
Battery	53Whr	50.6Whr
OS	Windows 11 Home	SteamOS 3.5 (Linux-based)
Weight	~620g	~640g

The Claw's 1080p 120Hz display offers smoother motion than the Steam Deck’s 90Hz panel, ideal for competitive shooters. However, the Steam Deck OLED counters with deeper blacks, better contrast, and richer colors due to its organic pixel technology. For media consumption and atmospheric games, OLED wins on visual quality despite the lower refresh rate.

Tip: If you plan to connect your handheld to external displays frequently, the MSI Claw’s support for Thunderbolt 4 and higher bandwidth gives it an edge over the Steam Deck’s micro HDMI.

Ecosystem & Software Experience

This is where the two devices diverge most significantly. The Steam Deck runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system optimized exclusively for Steam. Valve invested heavily in Proton—a compatibility layer that allows thousands of Windows-only games to run seamlessly on Linux. As of 2024, over 90% of top Steam games are playable on the Deck, many with minimal tweaking.

On the other hand, the MSI Claw runs full Windows 11, meaning every game available on PC works out of the box—no compatibility layers required. This includes subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, EA Play, Ubisoft Connect, and even mod managers like Vortex or Nexus Mods. You can install Chrome, Discord, OBS, or remote desktop tools without limitations.

However, running full Windows comes at a cost. Background processes, updates, and less aggressive power management reduce battery life. Where the Steam Deck averages 2–6 hours depending on the game, early reports suggest the MSI Claw manages 1.5–4 hours under similar loads. Additionally, Windows doesn’t natively optimize controls for handheld play; users must configure button mappings manually unless using third-party tools like Controller Companion.

“Valve didn’t just build hardware—they built an ecosystem. The Steam Deck succeeds because everything from sleep states to game launching is tuned for one purpose.” — Adrian Loya, Handheld Gaming Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

The Steam Deck’s Quick Access menu (launched by holding the right bumper) provides instant access to brightness, volume, performance mode, and suspend function. The MSI Claw lacks such a unified overlay, forcing users into standard Windows settings or MSI’s separate control app, which feels fragmented by comparison.

Portability, Build, and Real-World Usability

Both devices weigh roughly the same, but the feel in hand differs. The Steam Deck has slightly larger grips and more pronounced shoulder buttons, making it comfortable during extended sessions. Its matte finish resists fingerprints and provides a secure grip. The Claw opts for a sleeker, more minimalist design with flush triggers and a glossy back panel—stylish, but prone to smudges and slipping if not handled carefully.

Ergonomics matter when gaming for hours on a train or couch. The Steam Deck’s analog sticks are positioned farther apart, reducing thumb fatigue. The Claw places them closer together, which may suit smaller hands but can feel cramped during platformers or twin-stick shooters.

Thermals also play a role. The Claw uses dual fans and heat pipes to manage Intel’s higher TDP, resulting in audible fan noise under load—especially noticeable in quiet environments. The Steam Deck relies on a single centrifugal fan with adaptive curves, often staying silent during lighter workloads. In fanless mode, it still maintains acceptable temperatures thanks to conservative clock speeds.

Mini Case Study: Two Gamers, Two Needs

Consider Sarah, a casual gamer who enjoys indie titles like *Hades*, *Stardew Valley*, and story-driven adventures such as *Disco Elysium*. She values battery life, simplicity, and quick resume functionality. For her, the Steam Deck is ideal. She launches games directly from the home screen, suspends instantly, and gets four solid hours of gameplay per charge. No driver issues, no configuration needed.

Now meet James, a hardcore enthusiast who plays *Cyberpunk 2077* with mods, streams via Discord while gaming, and connects his handheld to a 4K TV weekly. He owns games across multiple storefronts and uses RTSS for frame limiting. For him, the MSI Claw’s full Windows access and Thunderbolt connectivity justify shorter battery life and louder fans. He appreciates being able to run Afterburner and stream simultaneously—something nearly impossible on SteamOS without complex workarounds.

Neither user is wrong. Their needs dictate the better tool.

Performance in Practice: Frame Rates vs. Playability

Raw benchmarks show the MSI Claw pulling ahead in CPU-heavy scenarios and games that scale well with higher resolutions. In *Elden Ring*, the Claw averages 45 FPS at 1080p medium settings, while the Steam Deck achieves 30 FPS at 854x480 scaled up via FSR. But perceived smoothness isn’t just about numbers.

Valve’s FSR implementation and aggressive input latency optimization make the Steam Deck feel snappier than its specs suggest. Auto-suspend/resume means you can pause a game mid-battle and pick up exactly where you left off 48 hours later. The Claw, running Windows, takes longer to boot and suspend—not all apps behave well in low-power states.

Additionally, driver stability on Intel Arc graphics remains a concern. While progress has been made, some games exhibit stuttering, poor scaling, or initialization failures. SteamOS benefits from curated, tested driver builds that rarely break between updates.

Checklist: Choosing Between MSI Claw and Steam Deck

• Choose the Steam Deck if:
  • You primarily play Steam games
  • Battery life is critical
  • You prefer plug-and-play simplicity
  • You enjoy tinkering within a stable Linux environment
  • You want the best handheld experience for indie and retro titles
• Choose the MSI Claw if:
  • You own games across Epic, GOG, Xbox, etc.
  • You need full Windows for streaming, overlays, or productivity
  • You plan to dock it regularly to a monitor or TV
  • You prioritize higher-resolution output and refresh rate
  • You’re comfortable troubleshooting drivers or optimizing settings

Long-Term Value and Future-Proofing

The Steam Deck launched at $399 (base model) and has steadily improved through iterative updates—LCD to OLED, increased storage, better batteries. Its resale value remains strong, and community support (like Decky Loader and enhanced plugins) continues growing.

The MSI Claw starts at $549, positioning it as a premium alternative. But at that price, it competes not only with the Steam Deck but also with more powerful devices like the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and Lenovo Legion Go. Unlike those, the Claw lacks removable batteries, hot-swappable storage, or modular components.

Future-proofing hinges on software support. Valve commits to updating SteamOS for years, ensuring new games remain compatible. Intel promises driver improvements for Arc graphics, but consumer adoption has been slow. Without broader industry buy-in, the Claw could become a high-performance niche device rather than a mainstream success.

FAQ

Can the MSI Claw run AAA games smoothly?

Yes, but with caveats. At native 1080p, expect 30–45 FPS in demanding titles like *Horizon Zero Dawn* or *Red Dead Redemption 2* when using medium-to-high settings. Performance improves significantly when lowering resolution to 720p or enabling FSR. However, thermals and battery drain increase under sustained load.

Does the Steam Deck support non-Steam games?

Absolutely. Through Steam’s “Add Game” feature, you can launch executables from Epic, GOG, or standalone installers. Many users run entire libraries outside Steam. Tools like Heroic Games Launcher (for Epic titles) and Lutris simplify integration. It requires minor setup but works reliably.

Which device is easier for beginners?

The Steam Deck is far more beginner-friendly. From unboxing to playing, the process takes minutes. Updates are seamless, controls auto-map, and performance modes adjust automatically. The MSI Claw demands more technical awareness—managing Windows updates, background apps, and driver settings—to get the most out of it.

Final Verdict: Is the MSI Claw Worth It?

The MSI Claw is a technically impressive device that brings modern Intel performance to the handheld space. It fills a real gap for users who want full Windows flexibility without sacrificing too much portability. For professionals who double as gamers, or enthusiasts invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, it offers compelling advantages.

But “worth it” depends on expectations. If you're looking for the most polished, reliable, and efficient portable gaming experience, the Steam Deck still leads the pack. It delivers outstanding value, superior battery life, and an unmatched quality-of-life design tailored specifically for gaming.

The MSI Claw isn’t a replacement—it’s an alternative. It caters to a different kind of user: one willing to trade some convenience for broader software freedom and cutting-edge specs. As Intel refines its Arc drivers and OEMs adopt Lunar Lake, future iterations could close the experience gap.

Right now, though, unless you have specific needs that only Windows can fulfill, the Steam Deck remains the smarter buy for most gamers.

🚀 Ready to choose your next handheld? Assess your game library, usage habits, and tolerance for tinkering. Whether you go with the proven Steam Deck or the ambitious MSI Claw, the golden age of portable PC gaming is here—play what you love, wherever you are.