I tested MSI Claw 8 AI+ and compared it against Steam Deck — Here’s why one of these handhelds reigns supreme

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Over the past few weeks, I’ve been putting both the Steam Deck and the MSI Claw 8 AI+ through their paces to determine how they stack up against one another and to find the optimal scenarios for each device in the realm of gaming handhelds.

If you’re pondering over whether to purchase the latest MSI Claw 8 AI+ or the previous model, Steam Deck, I’m ready to assist you in making an informed decision.

Here, we’ll evaluate various aspects including handheld performance, game compatibility, battery duration, screen quality, control effectiveness, and beyond. So, let’s get started!

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Quick Read Option: I’ve added brief comparison parts across this article, allowing you to skim and read just the amount that suits your needs best.

MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Specs

Let’s kick things off by examining the specifications of both the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the Steam Deck side-by-side on this page. First up, we delve into their technical details.

After taking a look at the fundamental features side by side, let me delve into their nuances and shed light on how these variations may impact you as a prospective user, particularly if you’re considering a handheld device.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Price & value

Over the past several years, portable gaming devices have grown significantly in popularity as a means to experience computer games. Nowadays, I find myself playing most of my PC gaming hours on one of these handhelds instead of my gaming laptop.

For an enjoyable gaming experience on a handheld device, it’s crucial that it offers essential features and convenient add-ons. However, what might be even more vital is finding one that suits your financial plan.

From the specifications table we reviewed earlier, it’s clear that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is priced quite steeply at a whopping $899.99 on Best Buy. This places it among the highest-priced handheld devices available today.

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Additionally, there’s a model called the MSI Claw 7 AI+, quite comparable but featuring a 7-inch screen and a 512GB solid-state drive. You can find it priced at $799.99 in Best Buy stores.

Currently, you can find two versions of the Steam Deck: a more affordable LCD model with 256GB RAM that retails for $399.00 on Steam, or an OLED version boasting 512GB RAM priced at $549.00 on the same platform. The highest-end Steam Deck OLED features a 1TB SSD and has an MSRP of $649.00.

If you’re planning to play certain types of games on a portable device, a Steam Deck might be just right for you and it could save you quite a bit of money compared to other options.

The most expensive version of the Steam Deck, priced at $649, is still more budget-friendly compared to the MSI Claw 8 AI+. Thus, the $399 Steam Deck LCD model stands out as the more affordable choice in this comparison.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Performance

Although the Steam Deck, priced affordably, boasts a semi-custom AMD APU (accelerated processing unit) featuring 8 RDNA 2 graphics units, it’s been expertly fine-tuned to deliver exceptional performance with compatible games. However, it lacks the high-end internal components found in the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which is expected to be powered by Intel’s future Lunar Lake CPU.

Indeed, what you’re looking at is the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which sports a cutting-edge Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor that’s been enhanced for AI tasks, along with built-in Intel Arc 140V graphics.

In my MSI Claw 8 AI+ review, I mentioned that it’s one of the rare portable devices equipped with an AI-enhanced Intel processor, essentially transforming it into a portable AI computer.

Regarding game compatibility, the Steam Deck generally supports a broad spectrum of titles, encompassing both timeless classics and less complex visual games such as 2D platformers (like Ori and the Blind Forest) or pixel art games (such as Stardew Valley). However, it may experience difficulties with some of the most recent AAA releases.

For example, the latest Claw model supports running STALKER 2, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, but on a Steam Deck, these same games might not start properly, experience severe lagging, or even cause the Steam Deck to continuously crash, which is undeniably aggravating.

In fact, numerous game developers are fine-tuning their games to run smoothly on the Steam Deck, including visually intensive games such as Cyberpunk 2077.

It’s great to know that when a game is optimized for Steam Deck, it often performs exceptionally well on Valve’s portable device. This optimization ensures controller compatibility, large text for easy reading, and consistent frame rates (FPS).

By rephrasing the sentence, I aimed to make it more conversational and approachable while maintaining its original meaning.

For those who might be unaware, Steam game listings feature a section called “Steam Deck Compatibility.” This section helps determine whether a game performs well or even runs at all on Valve’s portable gaming device.

  • A green checkmark means a game works great and is “fully functional on Steam Deck.”
  • A yellow i means a game is playable but might have certain issues like small text.
  • A grey circle with a slash through it means a game is unsupported.
  • A grey question mark indicates that compatibility is unknown.

For Steam Deck users like myself, these symbols are incredibly useful. Yet, there’s always an element of chance involved when trying out a new game, hoping that it runs smoothly on the Deck.

So, what is game performance like on Steam Deck versus MSI Claw 8 AI+?

The FPS rates were attained on the ROG Ally and Ally X devices, without AFMF2 activated. Enabling AFMF2 on these Ally handhelds leads to a substantial increase in FPS.

In a test run for Cyberpunk 2077, the Steam Deck screen managed to render an average of 29.48 frames per second (FPS) when running on its default graphics settings. This performance is comparable to what was achieved by the ASUS ROG Ally and Ally X during their respective tests.

As a researcher, I found that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ outperformed in terms of smooth gameplay while running Cyberpunk 2077’s benchmark. It consistently achieved an average frame rate of approximately 59.27 FPS under the same graphics settings as the Steam Deck default.

The performance is noticeably smoother and surpasses the Steam Deck LCD by approximately doubling its frames per second (FPS) when viewed directly.

Absolutely, it’s possible to leverage a service such as NVIDIA GeForce NOW on Steam Deck to run graphically intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077 on a remote server. The game then streams back to your handheld device, allowing you to experience higher frame rates locally.

You’ll just want to make sure you have a good internet connection to take advantage of this.

The Performance Champion is not definitive. If you primarily enjoy less demanding games or classic titles, the Steam Deck would work well for you. But if your preference leans towards playing the latest AAA games on a handheld device, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ would be a more suitable choice for you.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Display

As an analyst, I find myself weighing the advantages and disadvantages when juxtaposing the 7-inch LCD/OLED touchscreens of the Steam Deck with the bigger 8-inch IPS touchscreen of the MSI Claw 8 AI+. The size difference between these two devices certainly presents some interesting tradeoffs.

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, let me share my personal perspective: The size disparity is striking, and it’s hard to ignore the captivating experience I get from playing on the expansive 8-inch MSI Claw screen compared to the more compact 7-inch Steam Deck displays.

Absolutely, a bigger screen could help individuals with visual difficulties better distinguish details due to increased visual information per unit area.

Color, contrast, resolution, and motion clarity

Moving on to another topic, OLED screens such as the one used in the Steam Deck OLED provide significant visual enhancements compared to IPS LCD displays. These include more vivid colors, TrueBlack for deeper blacks, and sharper details, among others.

If high-quality colors and images are important to you, then an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen could be an excellent option for your needs.

In the course of writing my MSI Claw 8 AI+ review, I performed a color gamut evaluation and a test for brightness and contrast directly on the device’s display, utilizing a colorimeter for accurate results.

During my tests, the Claw’s 8-inch screen exhibited approximately 99% coverage of sRGB and 77% of P3 colors. While these numbers don’t match up to an OLED’s color gamut performance, they are still quite impressive. The closer a screen gets to 100%, the better its color reproduction.

The Claw also produced a max brightness of 469 nits, which is pretty standard.

In Tom’s Guide’s Steam Deck OLED review on their sister site, they observed that the LCD version of Steam Deck had a coverage of 68% sRGB, 48% P3, and a maximum brightness of 169 nits. On the other hand, the OLED version offered a wider range with 143% sRGB, 101% P3, and a brighter maximum of 597 nits.

Based on this comparison, it’s clear that the Steam Deck LCD screen, although visually pleasing up close, has the least wide color range among the three. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ comes next, and as expected, the Steam Deck OLED boasts the widest color gamut.

However, color isn’t the only important factor for a gaming display.

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ boasts a significantly better 1920×1200 resolution and an outstanding 120Hz refresh rate compared to the Steam Deck’s 1280×800 resolution on LCD screens, or its OLED display with a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz.

Additionally, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ features Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, enhancing game motion clarity by synchronizing frame rates with the system’s output, thereby eliminating any screen tearing issues.

Instead, I prioritize displays that ensure a more seamless gaming experience over those with superior color depth and contrast.

The Steam Deck 7-inch OLED display boasts superior color and contrast, but the MSI Claw 8 AI+ with its 8-inch screen stands out for minimizing screen tearing and stuttering due to VRR support and a higher refresh rate. Additionally, it delivers a sharper resolution and maintains a decent color gamut, brightness, and contrast.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Controls and ports

By examining both the Steam Deck LCD/OLED and the MSI Claw 8 AI+, it’s evident that they have significant differences in controls, yet some distinctions run much deeper than just their physical appearance.

Initially, let me point out that both variants of the Steam Deck feature integrated joysticks. This design choice is to make room for the touchpads situated beneath them. Many users appreciate these touchpads due to their precision in navigating menus and games with a higher mouse control requirement.

This setup isn’t poor by any means, but I strongly lean towards the tactile experience of MSI’s offset joysticks. Moreover, Claw 8 AI+ boasts Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, which help eliminate drift problems and enhance precision. Therefore, you can trust them for a longer lifespan.

Regarding ports, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ boasts two Thunderbolt 4 connections, on the other hand, the Steam Deck is equipped with a single USB-C port.

This distinction is significant, not just due to Thunderbolt 4 being significantly faster than standard USB-C, but also because it allows you to connect an accessory to the MSI Claw while keeping the other port available for another device or simultaneous charging of a handheld gadget.

BEST GAMEPAD: The MSI Claw 8 AI+ features Hall Effect joysticks to prevent stick drift, and its offset joysticks provide a more comfortable feel compared to the Steam Deck’s inline ones. Additionally, it provides two Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of one USB-C port. If it included touchpads similar to the Steam Deck, it would excel even further in this aspect.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Software and games

One key distinction between these portable devices lies in their operating systems. The Steam Deck operates on a Linux-based system known as SteamOS, whereas the MSI Claw 8 AI+ functions with Windows 11, similar to a standard gaming laptop.

Both SteamOS and Windows 11 have unique abilities to provide flexibility in their respective styles.

SteamOS accesses your library of games from your Steam account.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found the Steam Deck to be incredibly console-like in its streamlined interface. It’s so intuitive that it makes launching games, shopping for new titles, and tweaking settings feel like child’s play.

The Steam Deck functions exclusively with Steam at first, but by entering its desktop mode, you can browse the internet, install additional applications, or use tools like Decky Loader to access other gaming platforms apart from Steam.

Simultaneously, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ operates on Windows 11, allowing it to perform tasks comparable to a standard Windows laptop. Immediately upon unboxing mine, I used it for browsing the web, downloading software, and accessing various gaming platforms like Battle.net, Epic Games, among others.

It’s undeniable that the vast majority of software in the digital realm operates more smoothly on Windows rather than Linux. Consequently, it’s much more straightforward to discover applications and games that are compatible with Windows 11 as opposed to SteamOS.

Windows 11’s user interface may seem unfamiliar and require some adjustment when using it on handheld devices, as it wasn’t specifically designed for such devices. This could lead to a strange navigation experience initially, and you might find yourself dealing with more troubleshooting and potentially disabling unnecessary software (bloatware) compared to the Steam Deck.

By the way, we can help you troubleshoot with our Windows guides.

Connecting your Windows 11 device to a docking station, such as the JSAUX 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station, enables you to attach a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, transforming your handheld into a regular PC setup for convenient use.

Besides using Steam Deck, you could accomplish this if you’re comfortable with Linux (and there’s a vast community of Linux enthusiasts who do). However, navigating the Linux desktop mode might be less intuitive for those not familiar with it. But remember, there’s always room to learn!

In a unique preference, I find the flexibility that Windows 11 provides on my portable devices suits me more than SteamOS. On the other hand, most individuals I’ve discussed this with tend to favor the straightforwardness of SteamOS on portable devices over Windows 11.

In the upcoming days, it’s expected that SteamOS will be made accessible for more handheld devices. When this happens, you’ll have the option to install it on your MSI Claw 8 AI+. Until then, there are alternatives like Bazzite that allow you to run SteamOS on your MSI Claw 8 AI+.

In another software aspect, the Claw device includes MSI Center M pre-installed. This software functions not only as a game launcher but also as a tool for making adjustments and offering additional features.

Unfortunately, I discovered that it offers fewer manual customization options for system settings compared to ROG Ally. To illustrate, at present, you can’t adjust VRAM manually on the Claw.

SOFTWARE & GAMES CHAMPION: While using Windows 11 on the MSI Claw 8 AI+ offers additional liberties, it also introduces a significant amount of unwanted extra features. On the other hand, the Steam Deck’s SteamOS is notably more straightforward and user-friendly for basic gaming needs.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Battery life

Among the batteries found in MSI’s handheld devices, the one with the greatest capacity is the one that comes with either the 40Whr LCD or 50Whr OLED Steam Deck battery, as well as the 80Whr Claw 8 AI+ battery. In simpler terms, when comparing these batteries, the largest capacity can be found in either the Steam Deck models or the Claw 8 AI+ model.

In simple terms, the duration your device’s battery lasts can vary based on the settings you choose for it and the demanding nature of the applications you use.

Graphically demanding games pull more power than simple 2D pixel graphics games.

To illustrate, with my MSI Claw 8 AI+ screen set at approximately 200 nits for typical office duties such as web browsing, using Gimp, participating in video conferences, and so forth, it managed to run up to 14 hours. However, when running Cyberpunk 2077, the battery life dropped significantly to around two hours and ten minutes.

For clarity, it’s important to note that this device can run Cyberpunk 2077 for an hour and a quarter longer than most Windows handhelds. This is quite noteworthy when compared to others. Yet, some gamers who enjoy extended gaming sessions might find the battery life somewhat insufficient.

When it comes to battery life, the Steam Deck LCD typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, while the Steam Deck OLED can run for about 7 to 10 hours, although this varies based on the type of game being played and the settings chosen.

When I’m planning for extended gaming, I typically keep my portable devices either charged or docked so I can have a more enjoyable experience.

In a Nutshell: BATTERY KING: I’ve found that the MSI Claw 8 AI+ outlasts both the Steam Deck LCD and Steam Deck OLED models, particularly when running more graphics-intensive games.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Grip ergonomics and comfort

A good number of acquaintances I have often feel a sensation of numbness or uncomfortable gripping, particularly devices that lack adequate grip surfaces.

As a researcher exploring portable gaming systems, I find myself grappling with the issue of comfort in both the Steam Deck and MSI Claw 8 AI+ devices. Although their internal components seem well-balanced, these devices remain somewhat large and lack the most comfortable ergonomic grips, which can make extended use challenging.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that these devices are relatively heavy compared to other handheld devices. The Steam Deck has a weight of approximately 1.47 pounds, while the Claw 8 AI+ is slightly heavier at about 1.75 pounds.

For comparison, the extremely popular (though gripless) Nintendo Switch only weighs 0.71 pounds.

Although it may seem insignificant, consider that you’ll be handling these items at an angle consistently. This positioning can cause stress on your hands and wrists due to the strain involved.

Therefore, numerous individuals opt for protective case accessories such as the one showcased in my Satisfye StylthGrip review for Steam Deck, due to this reason.

In my opinion, I find the Steam Deck more comfortable to hold because it has a handier case structure and is lighter.

Or, for a slightly different phrasing: To me, the Steam Deck seems easier to grip and lighter, which makes it more comfortable to use due to its design.

Additionally, I find a smoother preference for the flatter back surface of the Steam Deck compared to the textured, harder plastic back of the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

In summary, although both the Steam Deck and the MSI Claw 8 AI+ have their issues with comfort over extended use, I lean towards the Steam Deck due to its lighter weight and more graspable handles.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Community and tutorials

The Steam Deck marked the breakthrough of portable PC gaming devices into mainstream popularity, and its numerous high-quality features have fostered a large and dedicated user base.

Whether you’re seeking tutorials for your personal Steam Deck or just looking to connect with fellow enthusiasts, there are plenty of resources available to make the process easy and enjoyable.

First off, I suggest you check out our Steam Deck tutorials or consider becoming a member of the Steam Deck subreddit, boasting over 865,000 users at this moment.

Now, there is an MSI Claw following, but it’s significantly smaller than the Steam Deck community.

In essence, this implies that solving particular Claw issues could prove challenging due to a scarcity of available solutions, and the community discussing this system may be smaller. However, rest assured, there are individuals who can provide insights on the topic.

If interested, you can join the MSI Claw subreddit, which currently has 5.2K members.

The Steam Deck community is vast and dedicated, making it simple to find tutorials, engage with other users, and gain insights about the system. On the other hand, the MSI Claw community is smaller, resulting in fewer resources available for learning and interaction.

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Comparison chart

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MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Which should I buy?

When it comes to choosing between the Steam Deck and the MSI Claw 8 AI+, both devices offer impressive gaming experiences tailored to distinct needs. While they share the common goal of portable gaming, they each address unique challenges.

You should get Steam Deck if…

✅ You mostly play classics and less processor-straining titles

The Steam Deck is capable of running numerous game titles, however, its internal hardware isn’t as potent as that of the MSI Claw. If you’re not interested in pushing the limits with the most recent and visually intense games, then the Steam Deck might be an excellent fit for your gaming needs.

✅ You want the most inexpensive PC gaming handheld available

Among various handheld PC gaming devices such as the ROG Ally, Legion Go, MSI Claw, and others, the Steam Deck’s LCD screen remains one of the most budget-friendly options available on the market.

You should get MSI Claw 8 AI+ if…

✅ You love playing the latest AAA games and intensive titles

It’s not certain that every newly released game will run flawlessly on portable devices, but among the current options, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ stands out as the one providing the top-tier gaming performance by a considerable margin. Consequently, if a game is capable of running on a handheld device, it’s likely to be the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

✅ You want a handheld that won’t have drift issues

Due to its Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is less likely to suffer from issues like stick drift compared to the controls on the Steam Deck, providing a more refined level of precision instead.

Without a doubt, when it comes to overall performance, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ clearly outperforms the Steam Deck, which is quite some distance behind.

The updated internal components not only manage games that the Steam Deck cannot launch, but they also significantly surpass other portable devices in frames per second (FPS) and motion smoothness.

Moreover, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ boasts a spacious 8-inch screen and a generous 80Whr battery, providing you with a more captivating gaming experience that lasts longer.

If affordability is your priority or you don’t require cutting-edge gaming performance, the Steam Deck could still be an ideal pick for you.

Plus, many people prefer the simple SteamOS interface to dealing with Windows 11.

In the future, it’s expected that SteamOS could be made accessible for various handheld devices, which means there’s a possibility that you may install SteamOS on your MSI Claw 8 AI+ at some point in the future.

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2025-03-23 18:13