MSI Claw is the debut handheld gaming console from the brand to compete with the likes of Steam Deck and ROG Ally. Notably, the Claw is the world’s first Windows handheld gaming console powered by the Intel Core Ultra processors and features Intel XeSS technology. The Windows handheld gaming console market is currently dominated by AMD-powered devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck.
The new launch comes with a two-hour battery life, Cooler Boost Hyperflow thermal technology, a 7-inch 120Hz display, and more. Let’s take a look at the MSI Claw price and specifications.
MSI Claw Price, Availability
MSI has announced that the Claw will be available for purchase sometime in February or March. The latest handheld video game console will be offered in three Intel Core Ultra configurations with prices starting at $699 (~Rs 58,000) and going up to $799 (~Rs 68,500). The MSI Claw will be available in a single black colour option with RGB buttons. There’s no word on whether the MSI Claw will be launched in India or not.
MSI Claw Specifications
The MSI Claw has a design similar to the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. It features RGB ABXY buttons and RGB left and right analog sticks with a hall effect. Other physical buttons include a D-pad, left and right bumpers, a View button, a Menu button, an MSI Center M button, an OSD Key, and two Assignable grip buttons. Apart from these, there is one mic-in/headphone-out audio jack, a USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 port with PD charging, and a microSD card reader.
The MSI Claw features Cooler Boost HyperFlox thermal management technology comprising of intraflow thermal design that redirects part of the airflow to cool the internals. This keeps the device cooler for longer sustainable performance and improved battery life. The MSI Claw is powered by a 53Whr, 6-cell battery that MSI claims to last 50% longer compared to the market average.
MSI Claw features up to Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 1), in a market dominated by AMD-powered handheld consoles. Backing the processor is an Intel Arc GPU, 16GB LPDDR5-6400 RAM, and up to 1TB of PCIe M.2 storage.
The device boots the Windows 11 Home operating system out of the box with MSI Center M skin on top with shortcuts to games and game library. MSI claims that the Claw can run Android games through its App Player.
It has a 7-inch IPS LCD panel with FHD resolution. The screen offers a refresh rate of 120Hz variable refresh rate and a typical brightness of 500 nits. MSI has also equipped the Claw with a fingerprint scanner for security, which is embedded in the power button.
