The MSI Claw: A Redeco of the ROG Ally That’s Worse in Every Way
In the world of Transformers toys, there’s a concept known as "redecos". This is when the manufacturer takes the mold for one figure but uses a different color plastic or paint and calls it a new figure. As I was testing the MSI Claw, a gaming handheld from a PC manufacturer, all I could think of was that it felt like a redeco of the Asus ROG Ally.
That’s not great because I rated the Ally quite poorly (though Asus’ new ROG Ally X fared a bit better). So we’re left with what feels like a reskin of a poor product, but other factors make the Claw even worse. Our review unit took some time to arrive at our doorstep, yet in June—mere months after the launch of the Claw—MSI announced two new successors, expected to arrive this fall. Bizarrely, despite the poor reception at launch and the rush of sequels coming soon, the Claw remains for sale. So here’s a PSA: Don’t buy it.
Outdated Hardware
Where the MSI Claw differs from the original ROG Ally is minimal. It uses an Intel processor instead of AMD on the Ally, has a 53-watt-hour battery instead of 40 Wh, and the power button with a built-in fingerprint sensor is on the left instead of the right. Yes, there are a couple of other minor hardware differences, but the similarities are so much more prominent. The button layout is nearly identical, right down to the two rear, customizable paddles. It has the same 7-inch 1,080p, 120-Hz screen, the same 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory, and the same 512 GB solid-state drive.
[Insert image of the MSI Claw and ROG Ally side-by-side.]
You can get a slightly upgraded model with a 1-terabyte SSD and an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (which is the model I tested), but with the recent release of the ROG Ally X, you probably shouldn’t. The Claw’s replacement, the MSI Claw 8 AI+, has better specs and it’s not far off.
Frankly, I could end the review here. Hardware iterations might move fast, but it’s rare to see a company announce a product’s successor three months after the original drops. There’s no good reason to buy the MSI Claw rather than wait until the follow-up. But we should still talk about how this one performs as a baseline. And, well, the bar is already set pretty low.
Square One
At this point, when I open up a new Windows-based gaming handheld, I know to expect a lengthy period of wrestling with the interface to get even basic things working. I don’t like grading on a curve—the kind of user interface issues that get a pass on devices like this would be inexcusable on, say, the Nintendo Switch or even the Steam Deck—but even with my expectations adjusted, I was constantly frustrated.
[Insert image of the MSI Claw.]
For example, right out of the box, the software interface felt like it was stuck in 2018. The dashboard, or home screen, is cluttered and unintuitive and lacks the kind of polish you see on more current systems. It felt like a mishmash of poorly integrated ideas, with inefficient UI elements that made even simple tasks, like launching a game, a clunky experience.
The Claw also struggles with basic compatibility. While it technically supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, and Steam, the actual implementation leaves much to be desired. For example, Xbox Cloud Gaming runs at a noticeably lower resolution and frame rate on the Claw compared to the ROG Ally or other more polished handhelds. The same is true for PlayStation Remote Play, making the experience feel clunky and laggy.
The touchscreen on the Claw, while functional, also feels somewhat dated. It’s a bit laggy and unresponsive, which can make navigating menus and selecting elements a tedious experience. For a device marketed as a gaming handheld, it’s a serious misstep.
Performance Blunders
The core issue with the Claw is not just the hardware, but its performance. While the Intel i7-1360P processor found in the Claw is a capable CPU, its implementation is flawed. It often struggles to provide a smooth gaming experience, especially with more demanding titles.
During my testing, I encountered frequent frame drops and stuttering in games like God of War, Elden Ring, and Horizon Zero Dawn, even with the graphics settings dialed down. This is particularly frustrating when you consider the Claw’s 120Hz screen, which is meant to deliver a buttery smooth experience.
The battery life is also a major concern. It’s rated at 53 watt-hours, which is a bit larger than the ROG Ally, but even with that, you’ll struggle to get more than three hours of gaming at a stretch with demanding titles. This is a far cry from the Steam Deck’s more impressive battery life and highlights how the Claw’s performance doesn’t match its specs.
A Lost Cause?
The MSI Claw is a prime example of the hardware-centric approach, which focuses on specs without factoring in fundamental user experience and performance. In the highly competitive gaming handheld market, this is a recipe for disaster.
The Claw’s clunky software, poor compatibility, and lackluster performance make it a far cry from the ROG Ally, let alone a worthy competitor to the Steam Deck or other more well-rounded contenders. It leaves you with a feeling that MSI rushed the product to market and sacrificed polish and optimization for quick wins.
The Claw’s successors, the MSI Claw 8 AI+, promise to address some of these shortcomings with better hardware and presumably more streamlined software. However, the device’s disappointing debut makes you wonder if this rehashed approach will ever truly catch up to the frontrunners.
The bottom line is simple: If you’re looking for a new gaming handheld, avoid the MSI Claw at all costs. Wait for the next iteration, or explore the numerous other compelling options available. You’ll save yourself time, frustration, and potentially, a lot of money.
