MSI's much-anticipated gaming handheld, the MSI Claw, has officially hit the shelves, offering gamers an enticing alternative to the Steam Deck. The base model of this Intel Core Ultra-powered device is now available for purchase directly from MSI's website at a competitive price point of $699.

 

While the base model is currently on sale, two higher-spec variants are scheduled for release on March 12th. Here's a breakdown of the three available models:

  • $699: Core Ultra 5 with 512GB SSD
  • $749: Core Ultra 7 with 512GB SSD
  • $799: Core Ultra 7 with 1TB SSD

 

For those eager to get their hands on the MSI Claw, preorders are also open on Newegg, with shipments expected to begin on March 15th. As an added incentive, Newegg preorders come bundled with exclusive perks, including a Skull and Bones standard edition game code and a complimentary one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass. Additionally, Best Buy is offering the MSI Claw for purchase, with shipping slated to commence by April 4th.

 

MSI first unveiled the Claw at CES 2024 in January, entering the burgeoning portable PC market alongside competitors like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. Setting itself apart as the maiden device to feature Intel's Core Ultra processors, the MSI Claw runs on Windows and boasts a seven-inch, 1080p LCD display with a variable refresh rate (VRR) ranging from 48Hz to 120Hz.

 

 

Under the hood, the Claw houses an Intel Arc graphics chip with eight Xe-cores, ensuring robust gaming performance. The device is equipped with a 53Wh battery, offering approximately two hours of battery life, along with Hall effect triggers and joysticks to mitigate stick drift issues. Notable features include a power button integrated with a fingerprint sensor, a microSD slot for expandable storage, and a Thunderbolt 4 port for enhanced connectivity options.

 

With its impressive specifications and feature set, the MSI Claw aims to carve out its niche in the portable gaming landscape, providing gamers with a versatile and powerful handheld gaming experience.