Is The Msi Claw Worth It For Gamers Who Prefer Handheld Consoles

For years, handheld console users have enjoyed the simplicity of picking up and playing their favorite titles without the overhead of a full PC or console setup. Devices like the Nintendo Switch set a high bar for portability, battery life, and game optimization. But with the rise of Windows-based handhelds—especially Intel’s new Arc-powered MSI Claw—the landscape is shifting. Gamers now face a critical question: Is the MSI Claw truly worth it for those who already favor traditional handheld consoles?

The answer isn’t straightforward. The MSI Claw promises AAA gaming on the go, running modern titles at playable frame rates. Yet, it competes not just against devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, but also against the expectations set by dedicated handhelds built around efficiency and comfort. For someone who values seamless gameplay, long battery life, and intuitive controls, the MSI Claw must prove more than just powerful—it needs to deliver where it counts.

Performance vs. Portability: A Core Trade-Off

The MSI Claw runs on Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H processor paired with Intel Arc graphics, marking one of the first major consumer pushes into integrated discrete-class GPU performance in handheld form. This allows it to run games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Starfield at medium settings with DLSS-like Frame Generation support enabled. On paper, that’s impressive for a device under 700 grams.

However, this performance comes at a cost. Unlike the ARM-based efficiency of the Nintendo Switch or even AMD’s power-sipping RDNA architecture in the Steam Deck, Intel’s platform consumes significantly more power. As a result, battery life during intensive gaming sessions rarely exceeds 1.5 to 2 hours. In contrast, the Switch can last up to 9 hours on less demanding games, and the Steam Deck averages 2–4 hours depending on settings.

Tip: Use the MSI Claw docked or plugged in for sustained gaming; treat it as a hybrid device rather than a true all-day portable.

This distinction is crucial for gamers who prioritize mobility. If your ideal experience involves lounging on the couch, commuting, or playing outdoors without constant access to power, the MSI Claw may fall short. It excels when used near an outlet or connected to a portable battery pack—but that undermines the core appeal of a self-contained handheld.

Design and Ergonomics: Built for Gamers, But Not Perfectly

MSI designed the Claw with ergonomics in mind. Its contoured grips, slightly offset analog sticks, and textured triggers aim to mimic the feel of a high-end controller. At 690g, it's lighter than the Steam Deck OLED (698g) but heavier than the base Switch (398g). Over time, that extra weight becomes noticeable during extended play sessions, especially when held horizontally for over an hour.

The 7-inch 1080p touchscreen offers vibrant colors and sharp text, making it ideal for menu navigation and HUD-heavy games. However, unlike OLED panels found on premium handhelds, the LCD screen lacks deep blacks and per-pixel contrast. In dimly lit environments, this results in a slightly washed-out appearance compared to competitors.

One standout feature is the inclusion of Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, which use magnetic sensors instead of physical contacts. This means smoother input response and longer lifespan—important for players who demand precision in fast-paced shooters or racing titles. Additionally, the button layout closely follows Xbox standards, easing the transition for PC-centric gamers.

“Handheld PCs are evolving beyond niche status, but comfort and thermal design remain make-or-break factors.” — Linus Sebastian, Tech Reviewer & Founder of Linus Tech Tips

Game Library and Compatibility: Freedom With Caveats

One of the MSI Claw’s biggest advantages is its access to the full breadth of PC gaming. Through Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and cloud services like GeForce NOW, users aren’t limited to curated storefronts. You can install mods, tweak settings, and play unreleased betas—all freedoms unavailable on closed platforms like Nintendo’s ecosystem.

But broader access introduces complexity. Unlike the plug-and-play nature of Switch cartridges or pre-optimized Steam Deck titles, the MSI Claw requires manual configuration for optimal performance. Some games don’t scale well to handheld resolutions, while others lack proper controller mapping out of the box. Tools like Steam Input help, but there’s still a learning curve involved.

Additionally, storage is fixed at either 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD—non-expandable via microSD, unlike the Steam Deck. While 512GB sounds generous, modern AAA titles often exceed 100GB each. Without expandable storage, managing your library becomes a balancing act between installed games and cloud backups.

Comparison: Handheld Gaming Platforms at a Glance

Device	OS	Battery Life (Gaming)	Display	Weight	Expandable Storage
MSI Claw	Windows 11	1.5–2.5 hrs	7\" FHD LCD (1080p)	690g	No
Steam Deck (OLED)	SteamOS (Linux)	2–4 hrs	7.4\" OLED (1080p)	698g	Yes (microSD)
Nintendo Switch OLED	Proprietary	4.5–9 hrs	7\" OLED (720p)	398g	Yes (microSD)
ASUS ROG Ally	Windows 11	1–3 hrs	7\" FHD LCD (1080p)	608g	Yes (microSD)

Real-World Use Case: Commuter Gamer Seeks Balance

Consider Alex, a 30-year-old software developer who commutes two hours daily on public transit. He grew up with Game Boy and Switch, valuing quick boot times, long battery life, and pick-up-and-play convenience. When he heard about the MSI Claw’s ability to run modern RPGs, he was intrigued.

He bought the Claw hoping to play Diablo IV and Cyberpunk 2077 during his rides. Initially excited by the visual fidelity, he quickly ran into issues: the device overheated after 45 minutes, throttled performance, and drained completely before reaching work. Worse, many games required tweaking through Steam settings or third-party tools to map controls properly.

After three weeks, Alex resold the Claw and returned to his Switch and phone for transit gaming. He kept a budget laptop for home-based PC gaming instead. His takeaway? “The Claw is impressive tech, but it doesn’t fit my lifestyle. I want something that just works—not another project.”

This scenario reflects a growing divide: the MSI Claw appeals most to enthusiasts willing to tinker, not casual or convenience-driven players.

Optimizing the MSI Claw Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re committed to making the MSI Claw work within a handheld-first mindset, follow these steps to maximize usability:

1. Install Performance Profiles: Use MSI Center to create custom fan and power profiles. Lower TDP (e.g., 15W instead of 28W) for longer battery life in less demanding games.
2. Leverage Cloud Gaming: Stream AAA titles via Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW to reduce local hardware strain and extend battery life.
3. Use Auto-Suspend Features: Enable sleep mode on lid close so you can pause games instantly and resume later—even across locations.
4. Manage Storage Wisely: Prioritize smaller, frequently played indie titles locally; store larger games on external drives accessed at home.
5. Carry a Power Bank: Invest in a high-wattage PD-compatible portable charger (at least 65W) to recharge on the go.

Tip: Disable unnecessary background apps and switch to Dark Mode to reduce power draw and eye strain during evening play.

Who Should Buy the MSI Claw? A Checklist

The MSI Claw isn’t for everyone. Ask yourself the following before purchasing:

• ✅ Do you already own a gaming PC and want to extend your library to a portable format?
• ✅ Are you comfortable troubleshooting driver issues or optimizing game settings?
• ✅ Do you primarily game at home but appreciate the option to play elsewhere when needed?
• ✅ Can you accept 2 hours of battery life as the ceiling for AAA gaming?
• ✅ Do you value high-fidelity graphics over long play sessions?

If most answers are “yes,” the Claw could be a worthwhile addition. If you answered “no” to more than two, consider sticking with a Switch or exploring lower-power alternatives like the Ayaneo Slide or upcoming Steam Deck accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MSI Claw run all Steam games?

Technically, yes—since it runs full Windows 11. However, not all games are optimized for handheld controls or lower resolutions. Some may require manual controller mapping or performance tweaks to run smoothly.

Is the MSI Claw better than the Steam Deck?

It depends on priorities. The Claw offers stronger raw CPU performance and newer hardware, but the Steam Deck provides better battery life, superior software integration, expandable storage, and a more mature ecosystem. For pure portability and ease of use, the Steam Deck wins. For higher peak performance and Windows flexibility, the Claw has an edge.

Does the MSI Claw support external displays?

Yes. Using the USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, you can connect the Claw to monitors or TVs and play games docked, similar to a Switch. This makes it a versatile hybrid device for both mobile and desktop-style setups.

Final Verdict: Who Will Truly Benefit?

The MSI Claw is a technically impressive device that pushes the boundaries of what a handheld PC can do. Its combination of Intel’s latest silicon, Hall Effect controls, and Windows 11 compatibility makes it a compelling option for power users and early adopters. But for gamers whose primary preference lies with traditional handheld consoles—those who value simplicity, endurance, and seamless experiences—it falls short in key areas.

Battery life remains the Achilles’ heel. Without a breakthrough in power efficiency, Windows-based handhelds will continue to serve a niche audience rather than replace mainstream options. The Switch succeeds because it’s purpose-built: every decision supports longevity, accessibility, and user delight. The Claw, by comparison, feels like a repurposed mini-PC crammed into a gamepad shell.

That said, the future looks promising. As Intel refines its low-power architectures and OEMs improve thermal designs, we may see a convergence where handhelds offer both performance and practicality. Until then, the MSI Claw stands as a bold experiment—one best suited for tech-savvy gamers with specific needs, not the average handheld enthusiast.

💬 Have you tried the MSI Claw? Share your experience below. Whether you love it or returned it, your insights can help others decide if this ambitious handheld fits their gaming lifestyle.