For those eagerly awaiting the next major entry in the portable PC gaming market, the wait is nearly over. MSI has finally announced the release date for its highly anticipated Claw handheld gaming device. But the pricing and competitive landscape could spell trouble right out of the gate.
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MSI Claw Handheld Gaming PC Release Date Revealed
According to a listing on Newegg, the MSI Claw will launch in the US on March 8th, 2024 for its $749 base model. The $699 and $799 variants will follow a week later on March 15th. The systems will be powered by either Intel’s beefy Core Ultra 7 155H or Core Ultra 5 135H processors, with storage options up to 1TB.
Spec-wise, the Claw is shaping up to be an absolute powerhouse in the handheld arena, leveraging Intel’s newest mobile chips with dedicated Arc graphics. But all that horsepower comes at a premium price that could be its biggest hurdle.
At $699 for the “cheapest” model, the Claw is more expensive than both the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go out of the gate. And when you look at the similar industrial design language across these competitors, it begs the question – what’s so unique about MSI’s offering to justify that higher cost?
The late pre-order period isn’t doing the Claw any favors either. With barely a month until release, MSI has missed out on crucial marketing time to really sell consumers on why this portable PC is worth the premium over increasingly capable alternatives.
As impressive as the specs are, the Claw may struggle to find its footing in this crowded market if the value proposition doesn’t line up. It’s the most ambitious handheld yet hardware-wise, but that ambition comes with a luxury tax attached.
Of course, only time will tell if the premium pricing will dissuade buyers or if the performance appeals to a niche willing to pay top dollar for portable PC gaming. The Claw certainly has potential, but it’s entering an uphill battle against more affordable and recognizable competition. Here’s hoping MSI can pull it off and deliver an exceptional experience worthy of those high-end specs when it arrives in just a few weeks.
