Just over a month after its CES 2024 debut, the highly anticipated MSI Claw gaming handheld is finally arriving in Malaysia. This device, a competitor to the popular ROG Ally, boasts two unique features: it’s the first gaming handheld powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, and it comes from a major manufacturer entering the market.
MSI Claw released in Malaysia
The MSI Claw features a familiar ergonomic design, claimed by MSI to offer comfort and precision while fitting comfortably in your hands. The front houses a 7-inch IPS touchscreen display with a 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, full sRGB color gamut coverage, and a peak brightness of 500nits.
However, the true highlight lies under the hood. The MSI Claw packs the latest Intel Meteor Lake processors, unveiled in December 2023. You can choose between the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H or the more powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. The latter boasts six P-cores, eight E-cores, two additional low-power E-cores, and eight Intel Arc Xe cores. The Core Ultra 5 135H has slightly lower clock speeds and two fewer cores (one P-core and one GPU core). Both configurations come with 16GB of dual-channel LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. Cooling is handled by MSI’s Cooler Boost HyperFlow system with dual fans and dual heatpipes.
Similar to the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, the MSI Claw comes pre-installed with Windows 11 for maximum game compatibility. Additionally, MSI Center M software helps manage your game library and performance settings. The device boasts Hall effect triggers and joysticks for precise control and extended durability, along with standard ABXY, D-pad, and additional macro keys. Dual 2W speakers and a 53Wh battery round out the multimedia experience.
For connectivity, you get a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. The MSI Claw supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless connections. It comes in a single black colour option with the MSI logo on the back and weighs just 675g.
Comparison with ROG Ally
While the ROG Ally remains the cheaper option with its top model priced at RM3,299 (AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage), it also has a longer track record compared to the newcomer. However, the MSI Claw offers some advantages, including Hall effect joysticks and a larger battery.
Ultimately, the choice between the MSI Claw and the ROG Ally depends on your priorities and budget. If you value the latest Intel processors and extra features like Hall effect joysticks, the MSI Claw could be the more enticing option. However, if you prioritise affordability and a proven product, the ROG Ally remains a strong contender.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the MSI Claw will start on March 9th and run until March 21st. You can secure yours through the official MSI Shopee store or authorised retailers nationwide. Pre-ordering comes with a bonus accessory bundle worth RM499. The MSI Claw comes in two configurations:
- Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD – RM3,499
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD – RM3,999
Source: Lowyat.net
