MSI Makes an Entrance into a New Realm with ‘Claw’ Handheld Console Announcement at CES 2024.
Renowned for its unique hardware offerings catering to gamers, MSI has ventured into a new domain. The company took center stage at CES 2024 to unveil its handheld console, ‘Claw,’ positioned as a rival to the Steam Deck.MSI Claw will function as a handheld console equipped with impressive features. Running on Windows 11, the console draws power from Intel’s latest-generation processor, the ‘Core Ultra 7 155H.’ Paired with 16 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of PCIe M.2 storage, this console is specially designed to deliver high-performance gameplay for AAA titles.
According to MSI’s announcement, the Claw is equipped with a 53Wh battery, which they claim to be the ‘largest capacity’ in the industry, enabling up to 2 hours of uninterrupted gameplay for AAA titles. However, a large battery alone isn’t sufficient. To ensure an impressive gaming experience, the handheld console required a robust cooling system, and MSI has utilized almost the entire rear case for cooling purposes.
With dimensions of 294 mm width, 117 mm height, and 21.2 mm thickness, the handheld console weighs 675 grams. Additionally, it features a 7-inch display with 1080p resolution, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a brightness value of 500 nits. The console also includes Thunderbolt 4, a microSD slot, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, seemingly covering all essential needs.
One standout feature of the MSI Claw is its ability to surpass games developed solely for PCs. The console’s ‘App Player’ software enables the execution of Android games on this handheld device. MSI has not disclosed the specific markets where the Claw will be available. However, information regarding its pricing is available. As per the announcement, the entry-level MSI Claw will be purchasable for $699, while the top-tier version with enhanced features will cost $799. The release of this console is scheduled for the first half of 2024
