MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus vs ASUS ROG Ally X: Specs, Battery, Displays

It’s an exciting time to be a gamer, especially if you’re a fan of handheld consoles. With the rise of powerful, portable gaming devices, the MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus and ASUS ROG Ally X have quickly become two standout contenders in this space. But let’s be honest—choosing between them isn’t easy. Both consoles promise excellent performance, sleek designs, and features that cater to different gaming styles. If you’ve been debating which one is worth your time and money, you will be pleased to know that ETA Prime has created an in-depth comparison guide to make sure you’re picking the right companion for your gaming adventures.

Whether you’re someone who craves raw power and innovative tech or you prioritize portability and comfort, these two devices offer something unique for everyone. But how do they stack up when it comes to the things that matter most—performance, battery life, design, and gameplay experience? In this comparison ETA Prime highlights the key differences and strengths of each console.

MSI Claw 8 Ai vs ASUS ROG Ally X

When comparing handheld gaming consoles,  the MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus vs ASUS ROG Ally X are priced similarly, yet they cater to distinct gaming preferences through their unique designs, performance capabilities, and features. Understanding their strengths and trade-offs will help you decide which console best suits your gaming needs.

Performance: Power vs. Balance

Performance is a critical factor in any gaming console, and the MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus and ASUS ROG Ally X adopt different approaches to deliver their gaming experiences.

• MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus: Powered by the Intel Ultra 7258V CPU and Intel Arc iGPU, this console excels in synthetic benchmarks and demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Its ability to perform efficiently at lower thermal design power (TDP) settings makes it a strong choice for gamers seeking raw computational power and high performance under pressure.
• ASUS ROG Ally X: Featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU and Radeon RDNA 3 iGPU, this device offers smoother frame pacing in games such as Forza Horizon 5. While it may not always match the MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus in raw benchmarks, it provides a balanced gaming experience that excels in popular titles, making it a versatile option for a wide range of gamers.

Battery Life and Charging: Speed vs. Parity

Battery life is a shared strength of both consoles, thanks to their 80Wh batteries. However, their charging capabilities set them apart.

• ASUS ROG Ally X: Supports 100W fast charging, significantly reducing downtime between gaming sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers who are always on the go and need quick recharges.
• MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus: Limited to 65W charging, which may feel slower in comparison. While still adequate for most users, it might not be ideal for those who frequently need to charge their device quickly.

Handheld Game Console Showdown

Uncover more insights about handheld gaming consoles in previous articles we have written.

Design and Ergonomics: Size vs. Portability

The design and ergonomics of these consoles reflect their focus on different user preferences, balancing screen size, weight, and portability.

• MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus: Features a larger 8-inch screen and weighs 1.75 lbs. Its substantial size and weight make it well-suited for users with larger hands or those who prefer a more immersive display. However, the added heft may be less comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
• ASUS ROG Ally X: Features a more compact 7-inch screen and weighs just 1.49 lbs. Its lighter and smaller form factor enhances portability, making it a better choice for gamers who prioritize ease of transport or have smaller hands.

Display Technology: Resolution vs. Parity

Both consoles deliver smooth gameplay with 120Hz high refresh rate displays and variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. However, there are subtle differences in resolution.

• MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus: Offers a slightly higher resolution of 1200p, delivering sharper visuals that appeal to gamers who prioritize detailed graphics and image clarity.
• ASUS ROG Ally X: Equipped with a 1080p display, which still provides excellent clarity but falls slightly behind in resolution compared to its competitor. Despite this, it remains a strong performer in visual quality.

Controls and Connectivity: Precision vs. Comfort

The controls and connectivity options of these consoles highlight their unique approaches to enhancing the gaming experience.

• MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus: Features Hall-based analog sticks, which offer greater durability and precision. Additionally, it supports advanced connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, making sure faster wireless speeds and improved device pairing.
• ASUS ROG Ally X: Includes a more comfortable D-pad design, which may be preferable for certain types of games. It uses Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, which, while slightly older, remain reliable and effective technologies for most users.

Hardware Specifications: Speed vs. Upgradability

The internal hardware of these consoles reflects their differing priorities in terms of speed and upgradability.

• MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus: Comes equipped with 32GB of high-speed RAM (8533MHz) and a 1TB SSD. However, its use of the less common 2230 SSD form factor makes storage upgrades more challenging, which could be a limitation for some users.
• ASUS ROG Ally X: Offers 24GB of RAM (7500MHz) and a 1TB SSD in the more standard 2280 form factor. While its memory bandwidth is slightly lower, the easier upgradability of its storage may appeal to users who value flexibility.

Gaming Benchmarks: FPS vs. Frame Pacing

Gaming benchmarks provide a clear picture of how each console performs in real-world scenarios.

• MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus: Consistently achieves higher frames per second (FPS) in synthetic benchmarks and demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2. This makes it a strong choice for gamers who prioritize performance metrics.
• ASUS ROG Ally X: Excels in games like Forza Horizon 5, where it delivers superior frame pacing and competitive FPS. This makes it a compelling option for gamers who value smooth and consistent gameplay.

Choosing the Right Console for Your Needs

Both the MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus and ASUS ROG Ally X are exceptional handheld gaming consoles, each catering to different priorities and preferences.

• MSI Claw 8 Ai Plus: Best suited for gamers who value raw performance, sharper visuals, and innovative connectivity options. Its larger screen and higher resolution make it ideal for immersive gaming experiences.
• ASUS ROG Ally X: A better fit for gamers who prioritize portability, faster charging, and a balanced gaming experience. Its compact design and comfortable controls enhance usability for a wide range of players.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific gaming requirements, including ergonomics, screen size, weight, and performance preferences. Both consoles represent the forefront of handheld gaming technology, making sure an engaging and immersive experience no matter which one you select.

Media Credit: ETA PRIME

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