LAS VEGAS—One of the coolest things we've seen at CES 2024 is the MSI Claw, the latest PC-based handheld gaming device announced at the show. With PC power inside, running on an Intel Core Ultra processor with the latest Intel Arc integrated graphics, it's the first Meteor Lake-powered model in the growing family of compact PC gaming devices. I enjoyed some hands-on time with the MSI Claw here, and while I didn't get a chance to have a full gaming session, or run any benchmark tests, I can tell you a bit about the hardware itself.
MSI Claws at the Competition
Like the Valve Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally, this is a compact handheld gaming system, with built-in grips and game controls that fit around a 7-inch screen made for gaming on the go. The Claw follows this basic design template in most respects, but MSI has learned from its competitors to bring some interesting and innovative touches to the fairly new category.
(Credit: MSI)The biggest, as mentioned above, is the inclusion of Intel Core Ultra processors, ranging from an Intel Core Ultra 5 135H CPU up to a Core Ultra 7 155H chip in the top configuration.
The device is fairly lightweight compared with its competitors, and features plenty of built-in cooling to avoid some of the overheating problems that have plagued the first wave of such devices. Aside from the handgrips, most of the handheld chassis is vented for ample airflow, which will hopefully let it stay cooler without a lot of noise from the Claw's dual cooling fans inside.
The 7-inch display pumps out full HD resolution with touch input and a game-friendly 120Hz refresh rate. That lower resolution and higher refresh rate makes it ideal for the older or less intense games that these handheld systems seem to be built for.
On the back, you'll find a pair of macro buttons that can be programmed for all sorts of custom controls, which is a huge boon for games that may be better played with a keyboard those that leverage complex key binds or command combinations.
Looking to Last (On a Charge)
Battery life was a priority for MSI's designers, and the Claw comes outfitted with a 53Wh battery that MSI claims can last two full hours under heavy load. Two hours of handheld PC game time is promising indeed, but we'll need to wait until we can properly test it to see how well MSI's promises hold up in the real world.
(Credit: MSI)The device is, at heart, a Windows 11 PC, but most of the time you'll use the included MSI Center M interface, which provides a simplified touch-friendly menu to browse games from your various game libraries. Based on the game store options I saw in the menu, it supports most of the popular options, including Steam and Xbox Game Pass along with publisher stores like Ubisoft, EA, and Epic.
On the device, you'll find a Thunderbolt 4 port, MicroSD card slot, and an audio combination headset jack. For secure logins, a fingerprint sensor is built into the power button.
And since the Claw works as a full PC, MSI will also sell a desktop stand that does double duty as a Thunderbolt hub, charging the handheld while also giving you a full-size HDMI port and a pair of USB connections. Because it can run on an external display, you can even set it up with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a full-fledged desktop experience. It can handle productivity and web browsing once made easier with a keyboard and mouse.
You'll find a handful of options for the MSI Claw when it launches, with a base model starting at just $699 with an Intel Core Ultra 5 135H CPU and 512GB of SSD storage. A more powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 model will also be available, selling for $749 with 512GB drive or $799 with a 1TB SSD. MSI hasn't announced a firm date for retail availability, but representatives I spoke with say it should land in the coming months. Keep it locked here for a fully tested review at around the same time.