Comparing MSI Claw and ROG Ally: Which is the Best Handheld Gaming Device to Buy Right Now?

Today's gaming world is not limited to PCs or consoles. Thanks to the development of technology, handheld gaming devices are becoming more powerful, offering top-notch gaming experience anytime, anywhere.

Standing out in this promising market are two warriors: MSI Claw and ROG Ally, promising to bring a battle for dominance. However, each device has its own pros and cons, suitable for different needs. This article will compare the two devices in detail to help you choose the most suitable warrior.

Design and Display

MSI Claw and ROG Ally are two highly popular handheld gaming devices today. Although manufactured by two completely independent companies, they share many notable similarities.

In terms of design, both follow ergonomic principles to provide comfort and precision during use. MSI Claw features a gaming style and ruggedness thanks to its all-black frame with prominent red key lights. On the other hand, ROG Ally with its white tone offers a more elegant and futuristic look.

MSI Claw is slightly taller and heavier than ROG Ally, but ROG Ally is thicker than Claw. Despite some differences, overall, the dimensions of both devices are similar. Claw is heavier than Ally, weighing 675g compared to Ally's 608g.

Both devices feature analog sticks, buttons, and triggers similar to those on conventional game controllers. Both provide the feel of a premium product, with exquisite design, unlike the Nintendo Switch - a gaming device that appears more like a toy.

Regarding the display, both devices feature a 7-inch 120Hz IPS display with a resolution of 1080p. While neither can match the original image quality from a handheld device like the Steam Deck with its OLED screen, they offer higher resolution and refresh rates compared to competitors like the Deck or Switch. However, they still struggle to compete with the Legion Go's QHD+ 144Hz display.

Simply put, both MSI Claw and ASUS ROG Ally are well-designed handheld devices optimized for their price range. Although their displays may not be the best on the market, it's hard to complain about the 1080p 120Hz resolution on a 7-inch screen, where higher resolution isn't really necessary, and pushing higher refresh rates is more crucial.

Configuration

MSI Claw and ROG Ally may look quite similar on the outside, but there's one significant difference: the processor. MSI Claw is equipped with an Intel processor, specifically choosing between Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7, with 16GB of RAM and storage options of 512GB or 1TB.

On the other hand, ROG Ally goes the AMD route with either the standard Ryzen Z1 or the more powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme, also accompanied by 16GB of RAM and storage capacity ranging between 512GB or 1TB.

It will be intriguing to see how these two products compete in overall performance, especially since MSI Claw has a higher TDP at 65W, a minimum of 10W higher than the 9 - 30W range of the ROG Ally.

Considering the value it brings, MSI Claw seems to promise a higher handheld gaming experience speed. However, attention should also be paid to battery consumption and heat dissipation.

While MSI Claw and ROG Ally can deliver perfect handheld gaming experiences, they are not the most powerful gaming machines on the market. ASUS has attempted to address this by introducing XG , an external connection that provides access to a more powerful eGPU than the integrated chipset in the device.

MSI learns from ASUS's mistakes with ROG Ally, having Thunderbolt 4 support with MSI Claw for fast and stable performance transmission, allowing connection to various eGPU solutions, many of which are cheaper than ASUS's XG Mobile system.

Software

MSI Claw runs on the Windows 11 operating system, providing gamers with the convenience of a rich game library from the Steam platform. Claw's centralized software, MSI Center M, offers gamers many options for customizing game settings and monitoring system performance.

Moreover, Center M becomes even more appealing by providing a dedicated section for leading gaming applications and platforms such as Steam, EA Play, Xbox, or Epic Games.

Meanwhile, ASUS's ROG Ally comes with Armory Crate software capable of controlling the system, lighting, as well as providing updates and other customizations. Armory Crate can ensure that the gaming system is always updated and customized according to the individual preferences of gamers.

However, navigating through Armory Crate may be slow and even problematic. Nevertheless, its game launcher efficiently navigates and provides a variety of settings options for the device to operate as desired.

Battery Life

ROG Ally is equipped with a 40Wh battery, enough to sustain 1 to 2 hours of playing a AAA title, which seems short. However, battery life performance will vary depending on the game you play. It seems the device will last longer on lighter games, but if you want to play titles like Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077, the long-term playability on ROG Ally is not really that good.

A more encouraging point is that MSI Claw is equipped with a larger 53Wh battery, expected to have better battery life. However, a potential issue may arise due to Claw's 65W TPD, significantly higher than ROG Ally's 30W TDP. This means that Claw will consume more energy when in use, which may negate the benefit of having a large battery.

Price

Both MSI Claw and ROG Ally are leading personal computer models in the Vietnamese market. They both offer features and technologies that users love such as fast processing speed, excellent display quality, and easy upgradability.

MSI Claw is priced at around 21.49 million VND at some distributors in Vietnam, slightly higher than ROG Ally. However, for some people, the quality and technology of MSI Claw may be convincing. Nevertheless, users also need to consider the price factor when choosing MSI Claw.

ROG Ally comes in two different versions: The Z1 Extreme version priced at 17.49 million VND and the regular Z1 version priced at 12.99 million VND. ROG Ally could be the perfect choice for those looking for a quality handheld gaming device at a reasonable price. Especially with the regular Z1 version, users will be able to experience ROG Ally's top-notch technology without having to spend too much money.

Conclusion

When comparing MSI Claw and ROG Ally, users need to consider both quality and price. While MSI Claw may have a higher price, the quality and technology of the product may appeal to users. ROG Ally provides equally good value with two price tiers and similar quality.

Unfortunately, the MSI Claw is not yet available for users to choose from. However, the system is currently distributing the ROG Ally at an incredibly attractive price. For those interested in this product, hurry and click on the link below to quickly make your purchase!