Asus ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs MSI Claw A8: Which next-gen gaming handheld must you purchase?

When it involves the very best handheld gaming consoles for 2025, you’re going to decide on between three: the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and the MSI Claw A8.

All three run AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset (Asus getting the AI-injected model), a bucket filled with RAM, a large battery and gaming ergonomics at their core. Out of all of the handhelds introduced this 12 months (there’s loads of them), these are the three atop the next-gen mountain, and that begs a query — which one must you purchase?

There are key variations that make this a very closely-fought bout between the three. The Legion Go 2 aces the others within the show division with an OLED display, whereas the MSI Claw packs an even bigger battery, and due to the ability pairing between Asus and Microsoft, the ROG Xbox Ally X may beat each when it comes to efficiency.

So let’s attempt to get an understanding of those three, have a look at all of the specs and leaks, take our hands-on time into context and enable you to decide the best one for you.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs MSI Claw A8: Specs

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs MSI Claw A8: Design and show

Out of all of the classes, that is most likely going to be the one which’s most divisive, as a result of every firm has a unique method to design and show.

Let’s begin with the ROG Xbox Ally X. It focuses on portability and ergonomics. It’s the smallest of the bunch, and that’s mirrored in a 7-inch LCD panel. But it’s additionally the thickest on account of improved ergonomics, with aspect grips that do have that cylindrical form of a conventional sport pad.

We’ve but to go absolutely hands-on with this technique ourselves (belief me, it’s coming quickly), however we just like the design, even when it is the smallest of the bunch.

If you need the very best display, that’s the place the Legion Go 2 is available in — alongside that option to make the controllers removable, which goes to be nice for native multiplayer or simply setting down that attractive 8.8-inch OLED show. However, with an even bigger display and extra mechanical elements to detach the controllers, it’s barely larger and loads heavier, at over 2 kilos.

Finally, there’s the center floor within the MSI Claw A8. Ergonomically, its extra sound than the earlier Claw with blockier controller grips to get your palms round. It’s only one.6 ounces heavier than the Xbox handheld and in return, you get an 8-inch show (LCD although, not OLED).

So actually, this can be a little bit of a three-way tie and comes all the way down to what you’re in search of. If you need the very best show and don’t thoughts the heft, the Legion Go 2 is your go-to. Want probably the most transportable? ROG Xbox Ally X is the one to decide on, and the MSI Claw sits properly in between for these in search of stability.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs MSI Claw A8: Performance and battery life

Just as a result of each these handhelds sport similar internals doesn’t imply there isn’t a transparent winner within the efficiency division.

All of them run a model of AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which in flip shares loads in frequent with the Z1 Extreme earlier than it (8 cores/16 threads). In testing the MSI Claw A8, I used to be capable of get some spectacular body charges of 60+ FPS throughout some key AAA titles like Spider-Man 2. Of course, this was only a fast take a look at and never a full lab benchmarking.

But the superpower is available in transferring as much as a Zen 5 structure that unlocks RDNA 3.5. This is what that improve does to the efficiency from leaked testing.

Of course, that is ignoring the elephant within the room — AI. The ROG Xbox Ally X packs a Ryzen AI X2 Extreme, which is basically the identical chip however with an NPU bolted on. What this does for sport efficiency, I’m unsure. But builders may accommodate this for smoother machine-learned body technology or constancy sooner or later.

As for battery, that is one space the place MSI and Microsoft may need an even bigger edge. The Claw A8 and ROG Xbox Ally each sport an 80Wh cell, whereas the Legion Go 2 has a 74Wh battery. That’s a small distinction, however given the larger energy draw of an even bigger display, that would imply a drop in stamina.

But there may be one key benefit that the ROG Xbox Ally X could have over these different two — the software program. Not simply within the UI of opening instantly into the Xbox expertise quite than to Windows 11, but in addition in effectivity too.

On this Xbox handheld, Microsoft will cease all of the background processes of Windows working, which have typically been the important thing cause behind unhealthy battery life on handhelds when in comparison with these rocking SteamOS.

How a lot of an impression this has, we’re unsure, however on the very least, I’m seeing efficiency enhancements in different hands-on assessments from my mates. So it is positively cause to be a bit optimistic!

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs MSI Claw A8: Outlook

And to date, that’s the place we stand with these — look out for complete hands-on opinions on these three quickly sufficient! But whichever method you go, you’re positive to get a powerhouse of a handheld.

Early vibes are pointing me in direction of the ROG Xbox Ally X when it comes to the tailored software program that ought to enhance effectivity and efficiency over the opposite two. That being stated, Microsoft has confirmed that this gaming handheld-centric model of Windows 11 is coming to different handhelds quickly, as has been leaked in a latest beta construct.

That means those that search the very best show will get the advantages of this within the Legion Go 2, or in order for you a barely larger display, the MSI Claw A8 could be a robust contender too.

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