If you’re into gaming, especially portable gaming devices, you’ve probably come across a lot of chatter about the MSI Claw 155H. This handheld gaming console is packed with power, sporting a 16-core Intel processor and an array of features that make it stand out. But is it worth the hype? In this in-depth review, I’ll share my personal experience with the MSI Claw, the pros, the cons, and most importantly—how it performs in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and Helldivers 2.
First Impressions and Design
One of the first things that struck me about the MSI Claw is its design. I’m a fan of a sleek and well-thought-out aesthetic, and the Claw delivers on that front. It’s more ergonomic than some of its competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go, and in my opinion, it even looks better. The buttons are spaced out well, and it has a solid feel in the hands, which is a big deal for a handheld console that you’ll be holding for long periods of time.
What really stands out, though, is the RGB lighting around the main buttons. It may seem like a small thing, but it’s actually pretty useful for anyone new to gaming or not familiar with button layouts on different systems. The light-up buttons are a fun addition, especially if you’re coming from a different console like PlayStation where the button layout is different. It’s also a feature that adds a cool factor, setting the Claw apart from devices like the Steam Deck, which can feel a bit bland in comparison.
Performance: How Does It Hold Up?
Now, let’s talk about the real meat of this device—performance. The MSI Claw is touted as a powerhouse with its 16-core Intel processor and the ability to push higher TDP (thermal design power) settings than its competitors. But how does it actually perform when you’re trying to run demanding games?
Cyberpunk 2077 on the MSI Claw
Let’s start with Cyberpunk 2077, one of the most resource-hungry games out there. Running the game at Full HD with medium settings, I was getting around 35-40 FPS. Honestly, for a handheld console running a game this demanding, that’s pretty impressive. I also tried it on lower settings to see how it would perform, and I managed to get a solid 45 FPS. Sure, it’s not like running it on a high-end gaming PC, but for a device you can take anywhere, that’s pretty solid.
To compare, I tested Cyberpunk 2077 on the Asus ROG Ally with similar settings, and the Claw actually edged it out by a few FPS in most scenarios. This was surprising because the Asus ROG Ally has been hyped up as the king of handheld gaming, but the Claw proved itself to be a worthy competitor.
Hogwarts Legacy Performance
Another test I put the Claw through was Hogwarts Legacy, a game known for its beautiful open-world environments and complex graphics. On the Claw’s “extreme performance” mode, the game ran at around 30-35 FPS, which is totally playable. On lower settings, it easily hit 45 FPS.
What’s notable here is the Claw’s ability to manage its TDP efficiently. When running in this performance mode, it can push up to 35 watts, which is higher than what most competitors can handle. This extra power really comes into play when running AAA titles like Hogwarts Legacy. The only downside is that running at these higher settings will drain your battery faster, but more on that later.
The Competitors: Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go
A lot of comparisons have been made between the MSI Claw and other handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. So, how does the Claw stack up?
- Steam Deck: While the Steam Deck has a more budget-friendly price tag, it lags behind in raw performance. The Steam Deck maxes out at 15 watts TDP, whereas the Claw can go up to 35 watts, giving it the edge in FPS and smoother gameplay in most AAA games.
- Asus ROG Ally: The ROG Ally comes close, but in head-to-head comparisons, the Claw often outperforms it, especially when both are set to run at their highest performance modes. Plus, the Claw stays cooler and quieter, which is a big win for longer gaming sessions.
- Lenovo Legion Go: This device comes close in design and ergonomics, but it’s not quite as powerful as the Claw, especially in games that require higher TDP settings. The Lenovo struggles to keep up in more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.
Battery Life and Heat Management
Battery life is always a concern when it comes to portable gaming consoles, and the MSI Claw doesn’t exactly break new ground here. On extreme performance mode, where it’s pushing the full 35 watts, you’re looking at about an hour to an hour and a half of playtime on more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Hogwarts Legacy. If you’re gaming in a more conservative mode like “super battery,” you can squeeze out around two hours.
But what impressed me most was how cool and quiet the Claw stayed, even when running high-end games. Compared to other handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally or Steam Deck, the Claw is definitely the coolest, both in terms of temperature and noise levels. In Hogwarts Legacy, the fans were barely audible, even though the game was running at around 30 watts of power.
Software and User Experience
One of the biggest perks of the MSI Claw is its use of Windows. This gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to what you can do on the device—whether it’s gaming, browsing the web, or even productivity tasks. The Claw also comes with the MSI Center M software, which allows you to adjust your TDP settings, monitor performance, and even customize the RGB lighting on the buttons.
That said, the interface could be a little more user-friendly. It’s functional, but it lacks the polish you’d expect from a device that’s positioned as a premium product. This is one area where the Asus ROG Ally has a slight edge, as its interface feels more intuitive and polished.
Audio and Visuals
The sound quality on the MSI Claw is top-notch. In fact, I’d say it’s even better than what you get on the Asus ROG Ally. The speakers are loud and clear, with a surprising amount of bass, which really enhances the gaming experience. Whether it was the explosions in Cyberpunk 2077 or the subtle ambient sounds in Hogwarts Legacy, the audio was crisp and immersive.
Visually, the Claw’s Full HD screen does a fantastic job. Colors are vibrant, and the refresh rate holds up well in fast-paced games. It’s not the best screen I’ve seen on a portable device, but it’s certainly good enough to compete with the best out there.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 16-core Intel processor for high performance | Short battery life on extreme performance mode |
| Supports up to 35 watts TDP, outperforming competitors | More expensive than other handhelds |
| Cooler and quieter than competitors | Battery drains quickly under heavy loads |
| Great sound quality with strong bass | Windows interface could be more user-friendly |
| RGB button lighting adds a nice touch | The included software lacks polish |
The Verdict
So, is the MSI Claw 155H worth it? After spending a solid 70 days with this device and putting it through the ringer, I’d say yes. While it is slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, the extra $$$ gets you better performance, superior cooling, quieter operation, and a better overall design. It’s a solid choice for gamers who want the best handheld Windows gaming experience without compromising on power.
For anyone serious about portable gaming, the MSI Claw is a device that delivers. Whether you’re playing demanding AAA titles or emulating older consoles like the PlayStation 3, the Claw holds up incredibly well. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a contender for one of the best handheld gaming consoles on the market right now.
