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Head-to-head · Best Handheld Gaming PCs

ASUS ROG Ally X vs MSI Claw 8

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

MSI Claw 8 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Handheld buyers who want the biggest screen and battery and can live with desktop Windows. — read the strengths below before deciding.

ASUS ROG Ally X
Ranked #5 in Best Handheld Gaming PCs
ASUS ROG Ally X
4 sources

The ROG Ally X is an incremental but meaningful update to ASUS's handheld PC, pairing the Ryzen Z1 Extreme with reworked grips. The Verge notes it still runs full Windows, with the mandatory updates and unwanted Microsoft offers that implies. Battery endurance remains the limit on long sessions.

Strengths
  • — Slightly more powerful than predecessor, pairing the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme with faster 24 GB LPDDR5X memory
  • — Refined build with comfortable hand grips and improved button layout
  • — Better battery life compared to original model, per Engadget
Watch-outs
  • — Battery life still insufficient for extended use
Check Price on AmazonFull review →
MSI Claw 8
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Handheld Gaming PCs
MSI Claw 8
2 sources$1,133as of Aug 20

The Claw 8 AI+ is MSI's second attempt and a much better one, built on Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V with Arc 140V graphics. HotHardware measured consistent gains over the first Claw and strong endurance from the 80Wh battery. The 8-inch 120Hz IPS panel is tied for the biggest screen in this group. There is no OLED option at this price.

Strengths
  • — Strong APU performance with Intel Core Ultra 7 258V and Arc 140V graphics
  • — Large, smooth 8-inch 120Hz display with VRR support
  • — Comfortable and ergonomic design with scalloped grips and balanced weight
Watch-outs
  • — No OLED panel despite the price
  • — Full Windows 11 brings desktop clutter and software rough edges to a handheld
  • — Gyro aim is poorly tuned out of the box and needs hand-built sensitivity profiles
$1,133 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

ASUS ROG Ally X

The ASUS ROG Ally X runs full Windows, which differentiates it from the SteamOS-based Valve Steam Deck OLED. It offers better battery life than its predecessor, with an 80Wh battery that matches the MSI Claw 8's 80WHr capacity.

MSI Claw 8

Bigger screen and more battery than the ROG Ally X, and at matched wattage roughly the same frame rates with better performance per watt. The Steam Deck OLED is cheaper, smaller and runs SteamOS rather than Windows 11, which for a lot of buyers settles the argument on its own. This is the option for people who want the large panel.

Specs side-by-side

SpecASUS ROG Ally XMSI Claw 8
ProcessorAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeIntel Core Ultra 7 258V
Display7 inch, 1920 x 1080 px8in IPS (19201200 / 120Hz)
Memory24 GB LPDDR5X-750032GB LPDDR5X-8533
Storage1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMeKioxia BG6 1TB
Battery80 Wh80WHr
Graphics12 RDNA 3 CUs, up to 2.7 GHzIntel Arc 140V
Refresh Rate120Hz120Hz
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