In the rapidly evolving world of handheld gaming PCs, two devices have emerged as front-runners in 2025: the ASUS ROG Ally and the MSI Claw. Both are designed to deliver console-quality gaming on the go, powered by desktop-grade internals and running full Windows 11. But while they share a common goal, their approach to performance, design, and user experience differs significantly. Whether you’re a competitive gamer, a casual player, or someone looking to replace a traditional laptop with a portable powerhouse, this comparison will help you decide which device suits your needs best.
Performance: AMD vs Intel Showdown
At the heart of the ROG Ally is AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a chip built specifically for handheld gaming. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, with integrated RDNA 3 graphics capable of delivering up to 8.6 TFLOPS of performance. This makes the Ally a beast when it comes to handling modern AAA titles, emulation, and multitasking.
MSI Claw, on the other hand, is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H or the newer Ultra 7258V in its higher-end variant. These chips use Intel’s hybrid architecture with performance and efficiency cores, paired with Intel Arc integrated graphics. While the Claw doesn’t match the Ally’s raw GPU power, it excels in synthetic benchmarks and productivity tasks, making it a versatile option for users who want more than just gaming.
In real-world gaming, the Ally tends to deliver smoother frame pacing and better performance in GPU-heavy titles, while the Claw holds its own in CPU-intensive games and multitasking scenarios. Both support technologies like VRR and FSR/XeSS to enhance frame rates and visual fidelity.
Display and Visual Experience
The ROG Ally features a 7-inch Full HD IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and excellent color accuracy. It’s bright, responsive, and ideal for fast-paced games. The smaller size also contributes to its portability, making it easier to carry and use in tight spaces.
MSI Claw steps up with an 8-inch Full HD+ display that offers slightly higher resolution and a more immersive viewing experience. The larger screen is great for RPGs, strategy games, and media consumption, though it does make the device bulkier. Both displays support touch input and adaptive sync, but the Claw’s panel edges out in sharpness and size.
Design and Ergonomics
ASUS has crafted the ROG Ally with a sleek, lightweight design that prioritizes portability. It weighs around 608 grams and features a comfortable grip with well-placed buttons and analog sticks. The D-pad is responsive, and the overall layout feels intuitive for long gaming sessions.
MSI Claw is heavier, tipping the scales at around 675 grams, but it compensates with ergonomic grips and Hall Effect joysticks that reduce drift and improve durability. The Claw’s build feels more substantial, and its controls are designed for precision and longevity. If you prefer a device that feels solid and premium in hand, the Claw may be more appealing.
Storage and Memory
The ROG Ally comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB or 1TB SSD in the M.2 2280 format, which is easily upgradeable. This makes it future-proof for users who want to expand storage or swap drives.
MSI Claw offers similar configurations, with up to 1TB SSD and 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM depending on the variant. However, it uses the M.2 2230 format, which is less common and slightly more restrictive for upgrades. Still, the Claw’s higher RAM ceiling gives it an edge in multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a critical factor for handheld gaming, and both devices offer decent endurance. The ROG Ally features a 40Wh battery that lasts around 2 to 3 hours during gaming and up to 6 hours in lighter use. It supports 100W USB-C fast charging, allowing quick top-ups between sessions.
MSI Claw packs a larger 53Wh battery, offering slightly better runtime—up to 4 hours in gaming and 7 to 8 hours in mixed use. Charging is capped at 65W, which is slower than the Ally but still efficient. If battery life is a priority, the Claw has a slight advantage.
Software and Ecosystem
Both devices run Windows 11, giving users access to the full PC ecosystem, including Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more. ASUS bundles its Armoury Crate SE software for performance tuning, game library management, and controller customization.
MSI includes its own MSI Center M software, which offers similar functionality with a cleaner interface and more granular control over fan curves, RGB lighting, and system diagnostics. Both platforms are responsive and regularly updated, but ASUS has a longer track record of optimizing handheld gaming software.
Connectivity and Expansion
ROG Ally supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, with a USB-C port that handles charging, display output, and data transfer. It also includes a microSD card slot, though overheating issues have been reported when using external storage during intense gaming.
MSI Claw ups the ante with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable connections. It lacks a microSD slot but compensates with better thermal management and more reliable USB-C performance. Both devices support external docks and accessories, making them viable desktop replacements when paired with a monitor and keyboard.
Price and Value
The ROG Ally starts at ₹59,990 for the base model and goes up to ₹69,990 for the Z1 Extreme variant. It offers excellent value for gamers who want high performance in a compact form factor.
MSI Claw is priced slightly higher, starting at ₹69,990 and going up to ₹79,990 for the top-end model. While it’s more expensive, the Claw justifies its price with better battery life, advanced connectivity, and premium controls.
Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If your priority is raw gaming performance, portability, and a vibrant display, the ROG Ally is the clear winner. It’s lighter, more affordable, and optimized for gaming-first experiences.
If you want a more versatile device with better battery life, superior connectivity, and long-term durability, the MSI Claw is worth the extra investment. It’s ideal for users who want a handheld PC that can double as a productivity tool and media hub.
Ultimately, both devices are excellent, and your choice depends on what matters most to you: gaming power or all-around utility.
FAQ: ROG Ally vs MSI Claw
Q: Which device has better gaming performance?
ROG Ally, with its AMD Z1 Extreme chip and RDNA 3 graphics, delivers superior frame rates and smoother gameplay.
Q: Which has better battery life?
MSI Claw offers longer battery life with its 53Wh battery, lasting up to 4 hours in gaming.
Q: Can I upgrade the storage on both devices?
Yes, but ROG Ally uses the more common M.2 2280 SSD format, while MSI Claw uses M.2 2230.
Q: Which device is more portable?
ROG Ally is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry and use on the go.
Q: Do both support Windows 11?
Yes, both run full Windows 11 and support all major game launchers and productivity apps.
Q: Which has better connectivity?
MSI Claw supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable connections.
Q: Are the controls different?
MSI Claw features Hall Effect joysticks for better durability, while ROG Ally has a more comfortable D-pad.
Q: Which device charges faster?
ROG Ally supports 100W fast charging, while MSI Claw charges at 65W.
Q: Is there a microSD slot?
ROG Ally includes a microSD slot, but it may overheat during extended use. MSI Claw does not have one.
Q: Which one is better for multitasking?
MSI Claw offers up to 32GB RAM, making it more suitable for multitasking and productivity.
