I’m not giving up my Steam Deck for MSI’s new Claw

Key Points:

• The MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus, featuring Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme chip, offers significantly improved graphics and frame rates compared to the Steam Deck OLED, especially in demanding AAA games like Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and 007 First Light.
• Despite better performance, the Claw's Windows-based software experience is cumbersome and less user-friendly than the Steam Deck's SteamOS, involving lengthy setup and navigating multiple software layers.
• The Claw has some hardware advantages, such as a larger 8-inch screen and drift-resistant analog sticks, but is heavier, has a less vibrant IPS LCD display, and lacks the Steam Deck’s built-in touchpads, impacting comfort and usability.
• Battery life on both devices is roughly comparable despite the Claw’s higher power consumption, thanks to its larger battery capacity, but efficiency gains are minimal with lighter games.
• Overall, the MSI Claw is not seen as a clear upgrade for Steam Deck OLED users given its high price ($1,799) and software issues, though its Windows compatibility and performance might appeal to gamers needing access to certain titles unavailable on Linux.