The gaming industry is changing quickly, and handheld gaming PCs are a major trend. Gamers seeking portability and speed love these computers. With more portable gaming options, the MSI Claw and Steam Deck OLED stand out as serious contenders for serious gamers. This article breaks down these devices and compares them systematically so gamers can make smart choices based on their preferences and gaming needs.
First up is the MSI Claw, a portable game PC with stylish design and powerful hardware. With its fast processor, cutting-edge graphics card, and bright screen, the MSI Claw promises an immersive gaming experience on the go. Its ergonomic design and well-placed controls make long gaming sessions comfortable. Gamers who want to show off their gear can customise the RGB lighting.
Steam makes the Steam Deck OLED, which is the opposite. A stunning OLED screen enhances images and colours on this portable game PC. Players can choose from a huge library of games on the Steam Deck OLED because it is powered by Steam. It also has a console-like control layout. This should help gamers switch from larger platforms.
MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED: Price & Value
When it comes to handheld game systems, the big problem that needs to be addressed is the huge price difference between The Claw and its strong rival, the Steam Deck OLED. When compared to the Steam Deck OLED, which starts at $399, The Claw’s starting price of $1,299 makes it substantially more expensive for potential buyers. For people on a tight budget, the Steam Deck OLED’s starting price of $399 may be appealing. However, The Claw markets itself as the premium choice for gamers who want the best performance and the majority of software options.
People who spend a lot of money on The Claw aren’t just gamers; they’re also people who want a cutting-edge, all-in-one handheld gadget that combines power, versatility, and unwavering quality. Without a doubt, The Claw is more than just a handheld game device. It’s a statement of excellence that recognises that great hardware and a large software ecosystem come at a higher price. For people who are ready to spend the money, The Claw is the pinnacle of gaming innovation, providing an experience that goes beyond what is possible with regular handheld consoles.
MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED: Comparison Table
A spectacular duel between two formidable competitors is currently taking place in the world of portable gaming. These competitors are the elegant and powerful MSI Claw and the Steam Deck OLED, which is currently the championship. Both are competing for the title of the ideal gaming experience that you can have when you are on the move, but only one of them can emerge victorious.
| Feature | MSI Claw | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Alder Lake-P + Arc Alchemist | AMD Zen 3 + RDNA 2 |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD | Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Display | 7″ IPS LCD (1920×1080, 120Hz) | 7.4″ OLED (1280×800, 90Hz) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | SteamOS 3.3 |
| Check Price | Check Price |
MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED: Hardware and Specs
With Intel’s most recent Alder Lake-P central processing unit (CPU) and Arc Alchemist graphics processing unit (GPU), the Claw promises to deliver strong performance for AAA games and seamless high-refresh-rate gaming. The Steam Deck OLED, on the other hand, is powered by the tried-and-true combination of AMD Zen 3 and RDNA 2, which ensures constant performance that is optimised for Steam’s curated collection. For lightning-fast loading times, both come with a generous 16 gigabytes of LPDDR5 RAM and blazing-fast solid-state drives (SSDs).
MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED: Software and OS
Claw and Steam Deck OLED are portable gaming options. These approaches target different audiences with different capabilities and limits and are distinct from each other. PC gamers are familiar with Windows 11, so The Claw takes advantage of that. Customers can seamlessly access the full PC gaming library without being limited to Steam titles. Inclusivity includes emulators and games not available on Steam, making the platform versatile for gamers who want a wide range of gaming experiences.
However, the Steam Deck OLED uses Linux-based SteamOS 3.3. Steam has shown its commitment to creating a gaming ecosystem with this decision. SteamOS supports Proton, enabling support for many Windows games. SteamOS is optimised for Steam’s curated library. For gamers who prefer a simple, focused experience, the result is a console-like gaming experience.
MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED: Design and Ergonomics
It is clear that both of these devices have been methodically developed to accommodate a variety of gaming experiences and tastes, which demonstrates the importance that has been placed on the comfort of the user. Those individuals who place a high priority on gaming while on the move without sacrificing comfort are the target audience for the Claw, which features a sleek and small 7-inch IPS LCD. A pleasant grip is provided for extended gaming periods because to its form size, which not only assures portability but also makes it accessible.
The Deck, on the other hand, employs a more substantial OLED display that is 7.4 inches in size. This results in an immersive visual experience that is capable of captivating users with vivid colours and dramatic contrasts. This particular design option is perfect for gamers who place a high priority on visual immersion and a field of view that is more spacious. The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology not only improves the overall display quality but also adds to the visual attractiveness of the gadget.
MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED: Portability and Battery Life
The Claw’s portability shines through with its compact size and lightweight design, making it the ideal companion for gamers who are constantly on the move. Through its convenient form factor, you are able to conveniently toss it into your luggage, guaranteeing that gaming is always within reach, regardless of whether you are commuting, travelling, or simply going to a friend’s place.
From the opposite side of the spectrum, the Deck manages to achieve a balance between mobility and intense gameplay thanks to its streamlined design and larger screen. Not only does the improved visual experience, when combined with the efficiency of its AMD chipset, provide a more expansive gaming perspective, but it also has the ability to lengthen the amount of time that the battery can operate. It is because of this that you will be able to play your favourite games for extended periods of time without having to worry about running out of power, which is especially beneficial during those lengthy gaming sessions.
MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED: Performance and Benchmarks
When it comes to gaming laptops, raw performance is frequently the most important factor, and the Claw demonstrates its superiority by utilising an outstanding combination of top-tier Intel processors and cutting-edge Arc graphics. There are a number of benchmark tests that demonstrate that the Claw consistently outperforms its competitors, including the Deck. The tremendous power that is packed into the Claw translates into processing speeds that are unrivalled, displaying graphics with incredible clarity, and carrying out tasks with an efficiency that is unmatched.
When it comes to this performance showdown, however, the Deck is not to be taken lightly. With settings that have been rigorously optimised and a commendable level of compatibility with Proton, the Deck demonstrates that it is a formidable competitor. The Deck may not be able to match the Claw’s sheer brutal force, but it makes up for it with its capacity to fine-tune performance and ensure that gameplay is consistent throughout a wide range of games.
MSI Claw: Pros
- Superior hardware
- Windows 11 versatility
- 120Hz display
MSI Claw: Cons
- High price tag
- Windows 11 bloatware
Steam Deck OLED: Pros
- Affordable price
- optimized for Steam library
- longer battery life.
Steam Deck OLED: Cons
- Weaker hardware
- No high refresh rate.
Which is better?
In the end, the decision between the MSI Claw and the Steam Deck OLED comes down to the priorities that you have for yourself. If Windows compatibility, robust setups, and customisation are more important to you than anything else, the MSI Claw is probably the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a handheld device that is not only inexpensive but also efficient and has a strong emphasis on the Steam gaming ecosystem, the Steam Deck OLED is the one that stands out as the most suitable option. When making this option, you should take into consideration your preferences in gaming, the limits of your budget, and the exact characteristics that are most important to you.
FAQs
The MSI Claw does, in fact, offer storage upgrades by way of additional NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs). When it comes to storage expansion, the Steam Deck OLED does, in fact, support microSD cards.
Indeed, the MSI Claw comes equipped with USB ports that allow users to attach external accessories. To answer your question, the Steam Deck OLED does, in fact, offer connectivity for external peripherals via USB-C and Bluetooth.
