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

This week, as we hunt for the best Black Friday deals, it’s crucial to shine a light on those tempting offers that might not be as great as they seem. Take handheld gaming PCs, for instance. Seeing a hefty 41% discount on the MSI Claw, dropping it to $441.15 from $749.99, could look like a steal. But, spoiler alert: it’s actually not worth your hard-earned cash. Even with this discount, the bulky and underperforming MSI Claw doesn’t hold a candle to the ASUS ROG Ally, which outshines it in performance, design, and versatility, all for just $349.99 this Black Friday (down from $499.99).

Why spend more on a mediocre product when the ROG Ally is not only cheaper but faster and far more capable? Avoid buyer’s remorse and choose the handheld that’ll truly deliver.

### 🍁The hottest Black Friday deals🦃

## Why is the ROG Ally better than the MSI Claw?

To give the MSI Claw a fair shot, it’s not entirely awful. However, when better and more affordable options like the ASUS ROG Ally and even the Steam Deck OLED exist, it’s hard to justify the Claw’s price. The ROG Ally, especially with its attractive Black Friday price and enhanced functionality, easily takes the crown.

When we first compared the MSI Claw and ROG Ally, the ROG Ally already offered superior value on paper. Let’s dive deeper into the specs of these handhelds to understand why the ROG Ally reigns supreme.

When you’re choosing between gaming handhelds, the ASUS ROG Ally comes out on top in almost every category. Especially with Black Friday slashing its price to $349.99 (from $499.99), it’s a clear win over the MSI Claw, even with the Claw’s $441.15 price tag (down from $749.99).

In terms of gaming performance, the ROG Ally consistently beats the MSI Claw, offering higher frame rates across various games. The Claw’s Intel Core Ultra processor may sound promising, but it struggles with steady performance, often resulting in choppy gameplay, as reported in numerous reviews. Meanwhile, the ROG Ally’s AMD Ryzen Z1 or Z1 Extreme chips are gaming-focused, ensuring smooth and reliable performance.

Both devices boast a 7-inch 1080p IPS display, yet the ROG Ally edges ahead. Its screen, with a 120Hz refresh rate, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, full sRGB coverage, and peak brightness of 500 nits, delivers vibrant colors and smoother visuals that the MSI Claw simply can’t compete with.

Battery life is another Achilles’ heel for the MSI Claw. While the ROG Ally gives you about 2 hours and 30 minutes of gaming time (and up to 4 hours for less demanding games), the MSI Claw lags with merely 50 minutes to 2 hours at best. For a portable device, this is a significant disadvantage.

Since its launch, the ROG Ally has seen multiple updates enhancing its software and user experience, making it stable and reliable for most users. Conversely, the MSI Claw is plagued with software issues, including crashes and unpredictable game launches, leading to a frustrating experience.

The MSI Claw does redeem itself slightly with ergonomic grips, offering comfort during extended play sessions. However, the ROG Ally compensates this with its extensive accessory ecosystem. Items like the Dbrand Killswitch case, also on Black Friday sale, significantly boost the ROG Ally’s comfort level.

Even with a 41% discount, the MSI Claw cannot match the ROG Ally. The latter not only costs less but also excels in performance, display quality, battery life, and usability. Don’t get swayed by the MSI Claw’s discount—opt for the ROG Ally deal at Best Buy instead.

### Do I need anything else to use my ASUS ROG Ally?

Not at all! The ASUS ROG Ally is a complete gaming package. It comes with a built-in display, battery, controls, sound system, haptics, and powerful internal tech. Just switch it on, and you’re ready to game. However, you’ll need an internet connection to download games, update software, or stream from cloud services.

To fully explore your ROG Ally, consider subscribing to Xbox Game Pass, which is just $29.29 for 3 months on CDKeys. This gives you access to multiple Xbox PC and Xbox Play Anywhere titles, making it the closest thing to a real Xbox handheld right now.

Optional accessories can enhance your experience. For instance, a docking station or USB hub like the JSAUX, on sale for $23.99, allows connections to external monitors, keyboards, or mice, while cases and grips improve durability and comfort.

A power bank can extend your gaming sessions on the go—my pick is the Baseus power bank, half-priced during Black Friday sales.

### When is Black Friday?

This year, Black Friday officially takes place on November 29, 2024, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. But let’s be real: Black Friday has grown beyond just one day of discounts. It’s now a weeks-long sales extravaganza, with many retailers starting the deals early.

While Black Friday might bring a few exclusive deals with strict limitations, it’s a fact that many of the best discounts of the season are already out there. The ASUS ROG Ally and MSI Claw are prime examples of why waiting isn’t always necessary. If you find a deal you love, grab it early.

### When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday, on December 2, 2024, is typically seen as Black Friday’s extension. However, it’s key for bargain hunters, marking the last chance to grab many seasonal discounts. After Cyber Monday, most Black Friday deals disappear for good.

If you’re holding out for the best offers or missed something over Black Friday weekend, Cyber Monday offers your final opportunity to save big before the holiday rush.

### Why should I shop at Best Buy?

Best Buy is a trusted retailer for many good reasons, known for offering excellent customer service and high-quality technology, appliances, accessories, and more. Every customer enjoys a standard 15-day return policy, competitive price matching, and free shipping on orders above $35.

Joining the My Best Buy membership offers more perks. Even the free account gets you universal free shipping, while the Total and Plus annual subscriptions offer free two-day shipping, extended 60-day return windows, exclusive or early access to top deals, and enhanced customer service with discounted repair options. You can join My Best Buy for free on their website.