MSI Claw review: an embarrassment
MSI Claw Fails Gamers: Worth the Price?
The MSI Claw, a 7-inch Intel Core Ultra handheld gaming PC, has been reviewed as a significant disappointment. Priced at $750, it underperforms compared to cheaper alternatives like the $549 Steam Deck OLED, struggling with basic game performance and providing a less satisfactory user experience. Despite a few minor improvements over competitors, the Claw is criticized for its lack of performance, particularly in gaming where it fails to run smoothly even with basic titles. The device also faces criticism for its operating system and physical design, making it a less appealing choice in the competitive handheld gaming market.
How does the MSI Claw perform compared to its competitors in various aspects?
The MSI Claw, a 7-inch Intel Core Ultra handheld gaming PC, has faced scrutiny for its performance compared to competitors345. Here is a breakdown of how it fares in various aspects:
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Performance: The MSI Claw has been noted to underperform compared to alternatives like the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED. It struggles with basic game performance, leading to a less satisfactory user experience, especially in gaming where it fails to run smoothly even with basic titles45.
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Hardware: The Claw features the new Intel Core Ultra processor, offering potential for efficient performance345. However, despite this advanced hardware, the actual performance has not met expectations, raising concerns about its optimization and capability to deliver smooth gameplay.
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Operating System: Criticisms have been directed towards the operating system of the MSI Claw, impacting user experience and overall functionality34. Issues with software optimization may contribute to the device's underwhelming performance compared to its competitors4.
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Design: While the MSI Claw boasts ergonomic grips, offset joysticks, and large buttons, its physical design has not been sufficient to offset its performance shortcomings235. The design, while sleek, has not translated into a superior gaming experience as expected3.
In summary, the MSI Claw's performance in comparison to its competitors, such as the ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED, has been lackluster, particularly in terms of gaming performance and overall user experience245. Despite its promising hardware and design elements, the device falls short in delivering the expected level of performance and satisfaction, making it a less favorable choice in the competitive handheld gaming market.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the MSI Claw compared to other handheld gaming devices?
The MSI Claw, a handheld gaming device powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor, presents both advantages and disadvantages compared to other handheld gaming devices on the market146.
Advantages of the MSI Claw:
- Intel Processor: The MSI Claw stands out by utilizing an Intel Core Ultra processor, offering potential for enhanced performance and efficiency compared to devices using AMD processors156.
- 16GB RAM and 512GB Storage: Both models of the Claw come with 16GB of RAM and storage starting at 512GB, providing ample memory and storage space for gaming and multitasking needs145.
- Ergonomic Design: With features like ergonomic grips, offset joysticks, and large buttons, the Claw offers a comfortable and user-friendly design for extended gaming sessions156.
- Portability: Being a handheld device, the MSI Claw offers portability, allowing gamers to enjoy AAA PC games on the go, whether at home, outdoors, or while traveling456.
Disadvantages of the MSI Claw:
- Performance Issues: The Claw has been criticized for underperforming compared to competitors, struggling with basic game performance and failing to run smoothly even with less demanding titles14.
- Operating System Concerns: Criticisms have been raised regarding the operating system of the MSI Claw, impacting user experience and overall functionality, potentially hindering its gaming performance156.
- Price: Priced at $750, the MSI Claw is comparatively more expensive than some of its competitors, such as the Steam Deck OLED priced at $549, raising concerns about its value proposition146.
- Driver Updates Needed: The Claw has been highlighted as needing driver updates and performance improvements to address issues with gameplay smoothness and overall user satisfaction145.
In conclusion, while the MSI Claw offers unique features like an Intel processor, ample memory, and a portable design, it falls short in terms of performance, operating system optimization, and pricing compared to other handheld gaming devices in the market145. Addressing these shortcomings through software updates and price adjustments could enhance the Claw's competitiveness in the handheld gaming market156.