The MSI Claw has faced its fair share of criticism since it entered the handheld gaming scene. At its launch, this portable PC was heavily criticized for its lackluster performance, short battery life, and an exorbitant MSRP of $750. I have been thoroughly testing this Steam Deck rival for several weeks. Now that the initial disappointment has settled, it seems like the perfect time to discuss how it stacks up in the lead-up to Black Friday.

Unraveling the MSI Claw's Gaming Potential

Performance Woes and Price Dilemma

The MSI Claw initially came under fire for its subpar performance. Its Intel Core Ultra 7-155H chipset simply couldn't keep up with the mighty AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme in modern games. For instance, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p, it managed an average of 34fps, which is quite disappointing compared to Asus' handheld that achieved 41fps benchmarks. This performance gap was a major setback for the Claw.Moreover, the $750 price tag at launch seemed unjustified given its performance limitations. Although it has now dropped to $471.18, it still leaves a lot to be desired. While Amazon's current discount is a step in the right direction, it doesn't completely erase the concerns about its value for money.

Design and Build Quality

The Claw's design is somewhat reminiscent of the Asus ROG Ally X. It arrived on the scene first but doesn't boast the same battery life. However, sometimes sticking to a proven design can be a wise choice. In this case, the MSI Claw feels more solid and comfortable in the hand compared to the chunky Lenovo Legion Go. Its build quality gives it a certain level of durability that is reassuring.MSI Center, the handheld management app, also holds its own. While it may not be on par with LegionSpace or early versions of Armoury Crate, it gets the job done with relatively clear labels and minimal bugs. It's a step in the right direction for MSI in terms of providing a functional management tool.

Audio and Visual Performance

When it comes to audio and visual aspects, the Claw impresses just as much as the ROG Ally. Both seem to be using the same 120Hz display, and although the Zotac Zone with its AMOLED screen has spoiled our eyes, the Claw makes up for it with a set of punchy virtual surround speakers. These speakers do a great job of masking the fan noise, providing an immersive audio experience.In conclusion, the MSI Claw is a handheld gaming device with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. While it has its performance issues and price concerns, it also offers some decent features and a solid build. If you can get it at a more affordable price, it could be a worthy contender in the handheld gaming market. Keep an eye out for Black Friday deals to see if it can become a price-friendly hero.Looking for more discounts? Check out Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals for more handheld offers. Alternatively, head over to Black Friday TV deals and Black Friday monitor deals for screen savings.