This Gaming Handheld is Almost 50% Off, But It Still Falls Short

As we dig through this week’s Black Friday deals, it’s equally vital to highlight some items that may seem like bargains but are best left on the shelf. Take, for instance, the MSI Claw handheld gaming PC. At first glance, a 41% discount might make the $441.15 price tag (down from $749.99) look appealing. However, I must warn you—it’s not the treasure it appears to be. Despite the discount, this clunky device doesn’t hold a candle to the ASUS ROG Ally, which delivers outstanding performance, sleek design, and versatility at just $349.99 this Black Friday, down from its usual $499.99.

Why spend more for less, when the ROG Ally is here, offering superior speed and capability? Make a choice that you’ll be happy with—go for the handheld that won’t disappoint.

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Why is the ROG Ally better than the MSI Claw?

Let’s talk specifics. To be clear, the MSI Claw isn’t a complete flop, but other options like the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED are cheaper and outperform it, putting it in a tough spot. Right now, the clear champion is the ASUS ROG Ally, primarily due to its impressive sale price and top-tier functionality.

We matched the MSI Claw against the ROG Ally upon their releases, and even back then, the ROG Ally came out on top in terms of value. For clarity, let’s dive into the specs of each handheld and see how the ROG Ally pulls ahead.

Swipe to see how the MSI Claw stacks up:

• Price: MSI Claw at $441.15 (down from $749.99) vs. ROG Ally at $349.99.
• Processor: Intel chips in the Claw falter in gaming compared to the AMD Ryzen of the Ally.
• Display: Both offer 7-inch 1080p displays, but the Ally shines with brighter and crisper visuals.
• Battery life: The Claw’s underwhelming 50 minutes to 2 hours pales next to the Ally’s average playtime.
• Software updates and reliability: The Ally consistently improves and outpaces the Claw.

Whether for gaming on-the-go or lounging at home, the ROG Ally just does it better—especially with its enticing Black Friday price.

What do you need to use an ASUS ROG Ally?

Nothing else! The ASUS ROG Ally is self-contained, packing everything from a vibrant display to powerful internals. Just power it up and dive into gaming. Of course, you’ll need internet access for downloading games or updates.

Considering Xbox Game Pass is a smart move. Priced at $29.29 for three months on CDKeys, it opens up a world of Xbox titles you can enjoy on the ROG Ally, almost turning it into a mini Xbox console.

Extras like docking stations or power banks can elevate your experience and offer more gameplay flexibility, but they aren’t necessary for enjoying your device.

When is Black Friday?

Mark your calendar for November 29, 2024—Black Friday officially hits the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. But remember, Black Friday has morphed into a weeks-long event with retailers rolling out deals early. Big discounts are already live—don’t wait too late and risk missing out.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday, following on December 2, 2024, continues the shopping craze. It’s the last call for many deals, wrapping up the Black Friday season. If there’s something you’re eyeing, Cyber Monday might be your final chance before the holiday rush takes over.

Why shop at Best Buy?

Choosing Best Buy offers peace of mind, thanks to their renowned customer service and quality range of tech products. With a standard 15-day return window, competitive price matching, and free shipping on orders over $35, it’s a safe bet.

Being a My Best Buy member brings even more benefits. Free accounts start with universal free shipping, while Total and Plus members revel in perks like extended return windows and early deal access. Becoming a member can make your shopping experience even better.

When it comes to picking up tech gifts or treating yourself this season, focus on the deals and retailers you can count on.