The MSI Claw EX is the most important handheld since Steam Deck — I still wouldn’t buy one

The MSI Claw EX represents a significant technological milestone in handheld gaming with superior performance and reliability compared to competitors, but its $1,800 price point and remaining Windows usability issues make it an impractical investment for most organizations and consumers. For IT leaders, this signals that portable PC gaming devices are maturing rapidly with improved power management and sleep functionality, but the cost-benefit analysis remains unfavorable until pricing becomes more competitive. The device highlights the broader challenge facing Windows-based portables: advanced hardware cannot fully overcome inherent OS limitations, suggesting IT organizations should monitor the competitive landscape carefully before standardizing on any handheld platform.