MSI CLAW gaming Handhelds is undoubtedly one of the most awaited gaming Handhelds of the moment. Although most retail stores in many European countries have already placed a launch banner ranging from March 20 to April, the MSI page in Germany has already displayed the device on its official page for direct order (at an uncompetitive price).
The device, of course, comes with hardware that contains varying technical specifications, but what is noticeable in all of them is its official price - {as presented on the MSI website} -, which is clearly and explicitly higher than competing devices.
For example, the MSI CLAW A1M: Core Ultra 155H, 16GB, 1TB SSD version comes at a price of $800, while the smaller version (512GB SSD) with the same other components is available at a price of $750. As for the version with a Core Ultra 5 132H processor and a 512GB storage unit, it is sold for $700.
MSI CLAW is the first gaming Handhelds with Intel Ultra processors and ARC mobile graphics processors, in a configuration similar to AMD {accelerated processors}. However, it does not provide the same levels of performance as those found inside the ASUS ROG Ally, or Lenovo Legion Go devices that come with the RDNA 3 and RDNA 2 architectures. Not even at prices that compete with the Steam Deck, which provides close levels of performance.
However, MSI devices provide good technical specifications, such as a 7-inch screen, with a display resolution of 1080p, a refresh rate of 120Hrtz, a 53Wh battery, and support for fourth-generation M.2 PCIe 4.0 storage units. It also comes with support for Wi-Fi and ultra-fast Thunderbolt connections.
((But it seems: it has a powerful cooling system of its own design. Does it provide great performance as well?))
So with these high prices, and strong competition from gaming Handhelds from other companies, the question remains: How can MSI CLAW devices compete in this burning market?
