MSI Claw finally has a US release date, and it’s set to have its own Steam Deck dock
Mar. 4, 2024The Claw is set to arrive with a cradle this week
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If you’ve been waiting to find out when the MSI Claw release date will be, you’re in luck, as Newegg’s pre-order page claims it’ll be available from March 8. Better still, the site also provides a glimpse at some planned accessories, including its very own Steam Deck dock and a carry case.
We’ve known for a while that the MSI Claw would enter thebest gaming handheldrace at some point in March, but thanks toNewegg, we now have a date to circle on our calendars. While not all versions of the portable PC will release on the same day, andUK pre-orderpages suggest it’ll arrive a few weeks’ later, the retailer has listed March 8 as an ETA for the$749 512GB Intel Ultra 7version. The$799 1TB modeland lower spec$699 Ultra 5 editionare apparently due to arrive the following week on March 15, but are labelled instead as a ‘release date’.
Slightly confusing, and I’m not entirely sure why there would be a delay with specific models. Nevertheless, MSI Claw handhelds should in theory start landing on players’ doorsteps after Friday, meaning it won’t be long till we know how it’ll fare against the mightySteam Deck OLEDandAsus ROG Ally.
MSI Claw (512GB, Intel Ultra 7)|$749.99 at NeweggThis version of the Claw comes is armed with an Intel Ultra 7 processor, 16GB RAM, and an 120Hz screen, meaning it’s got the best chip available in the line-up. That said, it features a smaller 512GB SSD than the most expensive model, so it might not suit those of you with bigger Steam backlogs.
Buy it if:
✅ You want to balance price and specs✅ You plan on using a microSD card✅ You need best portable performance
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’ve got a big Steam library❌ You don’t need highest spec processor
Other models:Intel Ultra 7 1TB - $799Intel Ultra 5 512GB - $699
As I already spoiled, the pre order page also reveals a few accessories, including a docking station. Yes, I know referring to it as if it’s one of thebest Steam Deck docksis just like calling every vacuum a Hoover, but there’s nothing stopping it from becoming a go to for players withValve’s portable, the Claw, or even handhelds like the ROG Ally,Lenovo Legion GOandAyaneo 2S.
That said, the MSI Claw docking station itself doesn’t appear to be available yet, and the small promo image avoids revealing specs like ports and whether it’ll actually hold the handheld. It’s not quite the same, but it almost looks like the Jsaux RGB Steam Deck dockat Amazon, which features a cradle that pops out at the front. One thing we do know is that its USB cable will be detachable, something it and the aforementioned Jsaux model have in common.
Other depicted accessories include a branded carry case, lanyard, tempered glass screen protector, and a little metal claw keychain that looks like it could do some damage. Sadly, the page firmly states that the add-ons will be sold separately, but hey, at least there are plenty of bits available for the upcoming device.
We’ll be sure to update you when we finally get ourclawson MSI’s handheld PC. In the meanwhile, if you fancy some retro gaming shenanigans, swing by ourAyn Odin 2 reviewfor an android powerhouse with emulation prowess.
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I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
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