When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
It would be nice if it had touchpads, though.
Also note that the handheld’s main software doesn’t offer as many customization options as some other handhelds.
The Steam Deck runs SteamOS while MSI Claw 8 AI+ runs Windows 11.
Let’s dive in.
It’s also likely that the price of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ could also go up.
It’s important that a gaming handheld provides the necessary features and conveniences to make these gaming sessions enjoyable.
But, arguably more importantly, you gotta choose one that fits into your budget.
That’s roughly a 3.75% price increase.
It’s likely that the price could continue to go up in the U.S. unless something changes tariff-wise.
The Steam Deck runs SteamOS while MSI Claw 8 AI+ runs Windows 11.
I’ll update if and when I learn more.
The costliest Steam Deck OLED comes with 1TB SSD and has a $649.00 MSRP.
So, the $399.00 Steam Deck LCD is the significantly less expensive option here.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ is significantly more expensive than Steam Deck.
That said, many developers optimize their games for Steam Deck even more graphically demanding titles likeCyberpunk 2077.
As a Steam Deck owner, these symbols are very helpful.
So, what is game performance like on Steam Deck versus MSI Claw 8 AI+?
It might not be nearly as powerful, but the Steam Deck is comparatively very affordable.
Default Graphics Setting
MSI Claw 8 AI+ Avg.
FPS
Steam Deck LCD Avg.
FPS
Legion Go Avg.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ lets you swap between Gamepad Mode and Desktop Mode for better performance between games and Windows 11’s interface.
FPS
Ally X Avg.
FPS*
Ally Avg.
This is similar to the results of theASUS ROG AllyandAlly X.
You can play more graphically demanding games through the cloud on Steam Deck with services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW.
You’ll just want to check that you have a good internet connection to take advantage of this.
TL;DR: PERFORMANCE WINNER:It depends.
If you tend to playless graphically-intensivegames or olderclassics,then theSteam Deckshould suit you just fine.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has a somewhat large 8-inch IPS touchscreen that supports VRR and up to 120Hz.
The Claw also produced a max brightness of 469 nits, which is pretty standard.
For this reason, I always value screens that promote smoother gameplay over better color and contrast.
Many people love these touchpads since they can give more minute control in menus and more mouse-heavy titles.
The Steam Deck LCD touchscreen only offers 1280x800 resolution.
It’s definitely not a bad setup.
However, I much prefer the feel of MSI’s offset joysticks.
Plus, the joysticks are offset, which feels better then the Steam Deck’s inline sticks.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ can run far more graphically demanding titles that the Steam Deck struggles to open.
Meanwhile, it also offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of just one USB-C port.
If the Claw had Steam Deck’s touchpads it would be absolutely perfect in this area.
There’s no denying that the computer world mostly runs on Windows over Linux.
The Steam Deck offers two touchpads, but the MSI Claw 8 AI+ has Hall Effect joysticks.
As such, it’s a lot easier to find compatible apps and programs for Windows 11 over SteamOS.
By the way, we can help you troubleshoot with ourWindows guides.
Still, it’s never too late to learn.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a microSD card reader.
In the meantime, there are workarounds likeBazzite to bring SteamOS to MSI Claw.
Meanwhile,Steam Deck’s SteamOS is far simpler and easier to navigate for basic gaming purposes.
Graphically demanding games pull more power than simple 2D pixel graphics games.
Since it runs Windows 11, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is basically just a small gaming laptop with controllers attached.
However, battery life still feels short for people who prefer long gaming sessions.
For comparison, the extremely popular (though gripless) Nintendo Switch only weighs 0.71 pounds.
If you simply want to geek out with other owners, it’s very easy to do so.
Now, thereisan MSI Claw following, but it’s significantly smaller than the Steam Deck community.
If interested, you could join theMSI Claw subreddit, which currently has 5.2K members.
Grip
While neither handheld has the best ergonomic design, theSteam Deckhas slightly better grips and weighs less.
Programs like Decky Loader help you access more game services on Steam Deck.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs Steam Deck: Which should I buy?
Plus, many people prefer the simple SteamOS interface to dealing with Windows 11.
The Steam Deck is the OG mainstream PC gaming handheld.
You can use the Steam Deck like a normal Linux computer if you go into Desktop mode.
It’s available at a much more affordable price with either a 7-inch LCD or more expensive OLED display.
It offers 1280x800 resolution with up to a 60Hz (OLED 90Hz) display.
Many people prefer its simpler SteamOS interface, which makes the equipment feel more console-like.
You might want to turn off the RGB lighting around the joysticks to improve battery life slightly.
I personally don’t like the feel of the indented hard plastic on the back of the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
Many people attach grip accessories to the Steam Deck to make it more comfortable to hold.
There are tons of Steam Deck users out there who can help you do crazy things like put Windows 11 on Steam Deck.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ has Hall Effect joysticks unlike the Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck’s two touchpads give better control with certain menus and games.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the most powerful Windows 11 PC gaming handheld to date.
