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Since the debut of the original Steam Deck, which established an entirely new sector for both PC and console gamers, the top handheld gaming consoles have shown no signs of slowing down.
From the Asus ROG Ally to the ROG Ally X, from the Lenovo Legion Go to the MSI Claw, there are now numerous alternatives to consider regarding design, display size, and more. Sadly, experiencing one of these handheld gaming PCs can be more challenging than simply visiting a friend’s residence to play on their Nintendo Switch OLED.
You’re acquiring significantly more power internally — and investing more in the process — but even at your nearby Best Buy or other major electronics outlets, you may not have the opportunity to test your new handheld firsthand. This is one reason I appreciate events like CES at the start of the year or Computex in Taiwan during the summer.
Taking the opportunity to attend these events in person allows me to engage directly with the newest gadgets, whether they are laptops, monitors, desktops, gaming handhelds, or, my personal favorite, the best mini PCs. Just like professionally, when selecting a new device for myself, I relish diving into research. Indeed, at times that can be even more enjoyable than when I finally possess the device in question.
In my encounters with handheld gaming PCs, most of my experience has revolved around the original Steam Deck. A friend lent it to me after acquiring the Steam Deck OLED. I do appreciate how Windows-based handhelds come in various shapes and sizes, so I’ve been hunting for one for quite a duration. After receiving just a glimpse of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, I finally had the opportunity to try it out at CES 2025 this week, and let me tell you, it looks even more impressive in actuality.
Just out of reach
The original MSI Claw was unveiled in March of last year, and merely three months later, its successor was introduced. Nevertheless, as illustrated in the image above, taken back in June when the Tom’s Guide computing team visited Taiwan for Computex, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ was virtually ready at that point, at least in terms of design.
Upon taking a closer look, however, you’ll notice glare on the left and right sides of the photo — something we continually strive to prevent — which arose from the fact that MSI’s new console was secured within a glass case at that moment. You see, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ was on display at Computex, even though it was quite far from its release, as part of the Intel’s Lunar Lake chip launch.
During that period, we desired nothing more than to get our hands on MSI’s successor to the original Claw. Partly because we were fascinated by the company’s larger handheld gaming PC but even more due to its uniquely designed exterior.
Well, this week, when I visited the MSI booth at CES, the Claw 8 AI+ was not behind glass, and I was able to enjoy playing with it to my heart’s desire. Its new larger 8-inch, 120 Hz display appears even more exquisite up close, and the addition of a Lunar Lake chip along with the upgrade from 16GB to 32GB of RAM made using it feel remarkably snappier.
This week, I visited the MSI booth at CES, where the Claw 8 AI+ was not behind glass, and I had the pleasure of playing with it extensively.
Regrettably, I have small hands, and it felt a tad too large for me. It was at that moment I took a step to my right and experimented with the new MSI Claw 7 AI+ handheld. This one felt much more comfortable in my grasp, and specification-wise, both devices are quite similar, save for a few notable differences. The Claw 8 AI+ boasts a larger display, a bigger battery, and more storage compared to the Claw 7 AI+. Similarly, it is equipped with the latest wireless technology featuring Wi-Fi 7, while MSI’s smaller handheld uses Wi-Fi 6E, which grants access to the swifter 6GHz band but does forgo several of Wi-Fi 7’s novel functionalities.
I could manage with a smaller display, reduced storage, and perhaps even diminished battery life, as I would likely keep such a pricey device at home for the most part. However, I would miss out on my favorite aspect of the Claw 8 AI+: its bi-color design. Subjective, I realize, but since you’re engaging with your handheld every time you utilize it, I know I’d lament not having a more vibrant device. Alternatively, to illustrate this point for those indifferent to colors like I am, envision purchasing a Steam Deck LCD and regretting that you didn’t opt for the OLED version.
Lost in a sea of black and white
Indeed, when the ROG Ally launched, its availability in white was quite significant compared to the original Steam Deck’s black. Reflecting back on Computex briefly, I had the opportunity to test the Zotac Zone there, which arrives in dark grey. Even so, the new Zone set to release this year has transitioned to white, while the ROG Ally X has shifted from white to black.
To ensure I cover all perspectives here, the initial Legion Go is available in a dark gray/black variant, while the new Legion Go S is set to come in white for the Windows version and in black with a touch of purple (Lenovo refers to this shade as Nebula Violet) for the SteamOS version. I played with the latter Legion Go S at CES earlier today, but in the dimmer section of Lenovo’s demo area, it appeared more black than purple. It might very well present a different appearance with improved lighting or outdoors in the sunlight. That’s a positive step forward, but I believe we can advance even further concerning colors and customization.
Thinking beyond the Claw
Apart from enhanced graphics, extended battery performance, and clearer displays, what I am truly eager to see in portable gaming PCs is increased customization, and if you assumed that meant colors, you are correct.
Just as many top-tier PC gaming controllers or even a few of the finest mobile controllers do, I would adore a portable gaming PC featuring magnetic faceplates that allow color changes seamlessly. One of my favorite features of the Nintendo Switch (which undoubtedly inspired the Steam Deck or at least influenced its development) was the simplicity of adding vibrant colors to your console by just snapping on a different pair of Joy-Cons.
The Legion Go possesses detachable controllers, but Lenovo did not replicate Nintendo’s approach. There’s another major corporation out there that I wish portable gaming PC manufacturers would take inspiration from, and that is Microsoft. Just think if there were a version of Xbox Design Lab available for personalizing your new portable device. That would be amazing.
As for myself, I remain unconvinced about Windows-driven handheld gaming PCs due to Windows 11 not being inherently designed for this genre of devices. However, with the forthcoming Windows 12, Microsoft has the chance to take a different route, but only time will reveal the outcome of that situation.
Regarding the MSI Claw 8 AI+, I genuinely admire its design, yet it feels a bit oversized for my preference and I wish the Claw 7 AI+ featured that same dual-tone aesthetic. My quest for a prospective handheld gaming PC persists, but if MSI ever borrowed a concept from Lenovo and created a Claw equipped with SteamOS (paired with a vibrant design), I would undeniably be intrigued.
More from Tom’s Guide
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