MSI Claw 2: 4 things that need to be changed for the Claw successor

[Redaktion]

The MSI Claw's debut in the gaming handheld market has been underwhelming, to say the least. With a design that echoes its competitors and a user experience that fails to impress, it's clear that MSI has significant ground to cover if it hopes to compete effectively.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-Claw-2-4-things-that-need-to-be-changed-for-the-Claw-successor.842393.0.html

[julia_top]

I think we all know the problem that MSI Claw 2 will have and that is that it has to change processors and not use INTEL.
MSI Claw has fallen in performance compared to AMD Z1 and look, the MSI Claw was placed 1 year later on the ROG Ally and Steam Deck, but AMD's performance in Graphics is much superior to Intel as well as in consumption and heating.
ASUS announces the ROG Ally update with significant improvements for June 2024 and this is the one that EVERYONE recommends

[George]

While I'd mostly agree with your 4 suggestions, I'd like to dovetail with the possible use cases.

#1 This is a PORTABLE device and as such, run time on battery is a PRIMARY feature. While tethering to power supplies (like in a car or RV) might be possible with ALL the available handhelds, having it as a requirement to get BOTH the performance and run time is a show stopper.

#2 With a TB4 or even the addition of a Oculink port, the ability to tether at home to a eGPU (with ports for more storage, wired networking, exc.) could not only 'future proof' the device with the possible ability to get better eGPU cards but could "super charge" the devices performance (both in details and FPS) in current and future AAA games.

While opinions are rather mixed on 'playing' with dialed down details and resolution to get 'playable' frame rates are all over the map. Some would rate the performance's as 'great' and 'outstanding' while others are frustrated with games that are barely playable. Sure they run but playable - not so much.
 

[Hotz]

MSI has significant ground to cover if it hopes to compete effectively.

True. However I'm assuming that the current generation of MSI Claw unofficially serves as a "testing ground" for Intel GPU driver development. Not sure if that's really true, but it definitely feels like it. The good thing about that is, that any improvements will probably come to PCs as well. The bad thing about is, that if you actually want to use the MSI Claw for its official purpose (gaming) right now.