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The PC gaming handheld market continues to increase, with the most recent handheld coming from MSI, a widely known and trusted identify within the PC market. Sporting a extra highly effective set of specs and Home windows 11, the MSI Claw is a stable handheld PC, however is extra energy sufficient to unseat the Steam Deck from its place as probably the greatest handheld gaming PCs? Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know.
Design and specs
When put side-by-side, the Steam Deck and the MSI Claw share a number of similarities. Each characteristic massive 7-inch shows within the middle of their our bodies (with a 7.4-inch show within the Steam Deck OLED). Additionally they each characteristic the identical two-sided controller system, although they give the impression of being a bit completely different because the Steam Deck’s joysticks and buttons are located in another way. The Steam Deck can also be the one of the 2 to supply the touchpads on the controllers, making it straightforward to simulate mouse actions with only a swipe of your finger.
From there, although, issues begin to deviate somewhat. The MSI Claw, as an example, has far more pointed corners, whereas the Steam Deck stays rounded on the edges. Relying on what type you like, one could also be extra comfy than the opposite. I personally desire the extra rounded look of the Steam Deck, and it has by no means felt uncomfortable to carry, even once I’ve performed for hours at a time. These pointy corners on the Claw, although, could dig into your palms a bit for those who maintain onto the console tightly.
As for specs, I’ve already talked about that the MSI Claw options extra spectacular specs, taking notes from the ASUS ROG Ally. Regardless of these improved specs, the Steam Deck presents simpler gaming entry because of its extra streamlined Linux-based SteamOS system. Right here’s a whole take a look at the specs for every handheld.
MSI Claw specs:
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Intel-based Extremely Core processor
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CPU: Intel core CU7 155H-Intel Arc, Intel core CU5 135H-Intel Arc
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GPU: Intel Arc Graphics
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RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
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DISPLAY: 7-inch, 1920 x 1080 LED show with 120Hz refresh price
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SD CARD SLOT: Sure
Steam Deck specs:
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AMD APU (upgraded 6nm APU within the Steam Deck OLED)
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CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (as much as 448 GFlops FP32)
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GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (as much as 1.6 TFlops FP32)
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RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
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DISPLAY: 7.4-inch, 1280 x 800 HDR OLED show, with 90 Hz refresh price and 1,000 nits peak HDR brightness (Steam Deck OLED); 7-inch 1280 x 800 LCD show with 60Hz refresh price)
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SD CARD SLOT: Sure
As you’ll be able to see, each units characteristic some key variations, with essentially the most notable being the upper refresh price on the MSI Claw, in addition to the far more highly effective Intel processor. The Steam Deck’s included AMD APU is already getting old, and it doesn’t provide as a lot energy, nevertheless it does include some perks, which we are going to focus on shortly. Not a lot on the unique LCD Steam Deck is completely different than the upgraded Steam Deck OLED (the show is the most important improve), however you’ll be able to see the full checklist of Steam Deck OLED upgrades if you need a extra in-depth look.
Simply taking a look at issues from a technical and {hardware} perspective, there’s nearly no cause to decide on to Steam Deck over the MSI Claw. However, as everyone knows, what’s written down on paper shouldn’t be at all times the total story.
Ease of gaming
To really get essentially the most out of your handheld gaming PC, you’re going to need one thing that’s straightforward to work with and you could simply navigate. In that respect, the MSI Claw and the Steam Deck couldn’t be anymore completely different. Certain, for those who determine to do any form of modding or emulating, you’re going to want to get extra conversant in Linux. However, for those who simply care about putting in Steam video games and enjoying them, the Steam Deck presents the simplest pick-up-and-play choices.
That’s as a result of SteamOS is constructed from the bottom as much as make it as straightforward as attainable to leap in and begin gaming. And it does that actually properly. Then again, the MSI Claw, as a result of it makes use of Home windows as an alternative of SteamOS, requires you to bumble your method by the clunkiness of Microsoft’s prized working system. It isn’t essentially essentially the most troublesome factor to do, nevertheless it does require extra clicks and actions to get video games downloaded and to launch them.
These additional steps do include a bonus, although: As a result of the Claw works off Home windows, it’s appropriate with much more video games, like these exterior of the Steam market. This implies video games like Fortnite, Genshin Affect, and another sport that hasn’t launched on Steam are a lot simpler to obtain and play on the MSI Claw. You’ll be able to nonetheless play them on the Deck, however it would require much more work to get it taken care of.
Additionally, the Steam Deck has a ton of efficiency profiles freely obtainable on the internet that will help you optimize your video games for the Deck, and lots of are even beginning to launch with “Steam Deck” setting choices that aid you get essentially the most efficiency with out dropping an excessive amount of visible high quality. Not all video games are fairly to that time but, however it’s a leg-up that the Deck has over the Claw. Nonetheless, the extra highly effective CPU and GPU discovered within the Claw will completely present higher efficiency and visuals in most video games. In the end, it’s about selecting which working system you like to work out of. Should you simply need the quickest and smoothest choice that allows you to soar into video games as rapidly as attainable, the Steam Deck is the clear winner, although.
Worth
In the case of worth, the Steam Deck and the MSI Claw aren’t all that completely different. The Steam Deck OLED retails for $549 for a 512GB storage choice, however there may be additionally a 1TB storage choice you could choose up for $649 for those who really feel you want the additional area. The MSI Claw, then again, begins at $699.99 for a mannequin with an Intel Core CU5 135H and 512GB of storage however goes as much as $799.99 for one of the best mannequin, which options an Intel Core CU7 155H with 1TB of storage. There’s additionally a center choice with the CU7 that solely has 512GB of storage for $749.99.
Each the Steam Deck and the MSI Claw provide stable PC gaming experiences, and each include expandable reminiscence by way of SD playing cards that may aid you carry extra video games round. In order for you essentially the most highly effective of the 2 and don’t thoughts paying somewhat extra, the MSI Claw is a surefire wager that can repay in the long term. However, for those who simply need the easiest-to-use gaming PC handheld available on the market, the Steam Deck stays my clear advice.
