This week, MSI, a hardware developer, has been teasing a new gaming handheld. However, it appears that the device’s specifications have already leaked, before its scheduled reveal at CES 2024. These leaks refer to the MSI gaming handheld in question as the “MSI Claw”. The MSI Claw’s look and specifications, along with a comparison to the Steam Deck and other portable choices, have been leaked. Keep on reading to find more details.
MSI Claw Leaks
The MSI handheld, code-named MSI Claw, resembles the Asus ROG Ally in appearance and lacks a trackpad, unlike Valve’s Steam Deck. Additionally, according to leaked specs, the MSI handheld will include 32GB of RAM, which is twice as much as the RAM found in the ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Steam Deck. In addition, the MSI handheld will function on Windows 11 64-bit, in contrast to the Linux-based Steam Deck, and will be powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor.
MSI Claw Specs
The reported specs of MSI Claw include:
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 155H
- GPU: 8-core Arc Alchemist Xe
- Base clock: 3.8Ghz
- Core configuration: 6 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores & 2 LP cores
- RAM: Up to 32GB
VideoCardz suggests the Claw will utilize the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, offering a refreshing change from existing handhelds using familiar chipsets like Z1 and Z1 extreme (same as the 7840U). Other handhelds in the pipeline are also adopting similar chipsets like Core Ultra or Ryzen 8000, making the Claw’s approach noteworthy.
The MSI Claw is rumored to have 32GB of RAM, whereas the ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and Lenovo Legion Go all have 16GB. But, it is to be noted that the exact nature of the storage capacity is still unknown.
For enthusiasts invested in the handheld PC market are still debating which options are ideal for them, these detailed specifications hold significance. But the MSI Claw stands out from other devices mostly due to its doubled memory capacity.
MSI Claw First Look
It seems we’ve also had an early look at the MSI Claw itself in addition to the specifications. A portion of the image, which was first leaked online and posted by VideoCardz and Twitter user wxnod, was previously seen in the official MSI handheld teaser, which included the device’s layout along with some RGB effects surrounding the thumbstick.
It appears to be about the same size as the seven-inch screen on the ROG Ally based on the leaked photo.
The handheld looks to have buttons that are turquoise in color and an enhanced RGB ring surrounding the sticks. But unlike the Lenovo Legion Go, it doesn’t seem like there are any more gimmicks. This could indicate that, in contrast to more innovative handhelds like the Ayaneo Kun, the MSI Claw handheld is a little bit of a straight shot.
MSI Claw Price
The pricing is, of course, the most important part that has been left out of the specs. Well, the ROG Ally costs $599, while the Legion Go costs $699. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has the lowest entrance barrier at $399. So, the MSI Claw might have a similar price range, however, it’s unclear how much the MSI handheld will ultimately cost because these gadgets have been getting more pricey with each release.
We will not have to wait for long to find out more about that price, though, as the company will be discussing the new MSI handheld AKA MSI Claw at the CES 2024 tech expo, which starts on January 9.
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