Under the bonnet

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ uses the same operating system as most gaming computers: Windows 11 Home, making it compatible with a wide range of games, from AAA titles to indie favourites. The Claw has an 80Whr battery that offers over 5 hours of playtime for extended gaming sessions, though actual runtime may vary depending on the game and other conditions. The handheld also supports Wi-Fi 7, which delivers smoother streaming and faster downloads: perfect for installing all your favourite games to make the most of the generous 1TB of storage.

The Claw 8 is powered by the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, which features Intel XeSS 3 technology for AI-powered upscaling and frame generation. It provides 32GB of dual-channel RAM, which helps decrease loading times and supports smooth multitasking. For optimal performance during intensive gaming, the Cooler Boost HyperFlow cooling system uses internal fans to redirect airflow and maintain the handheld's internal temperature.

Game access

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ features a convenient Home Page that serves as a unified dashboard, bringing together essential system settings and providing instant access to launch your favourite games. There’s also a dedicated Game Library that combines your installed PC titles with direct access to your Xbox Game Pass, while the Task Switcher makes it easy to move between gamepad mode and desktop mode.

Play features

This handheld makes it easy to tailor your gaming experience to your needs, with adjustable joystick sensitivity and customisable Marco Keys. You can also effortlessly adapt settings to suit your preferences, even whilst in-game. With just a few taps, you can switch between performance modes to conserve battery or unlock more power mid-game. Xbox Mode can also reduce RAM usage to help boost in-game performance. 

Aesthetics and portability

The Claw’s 785g weight means it’s not the lightest device, but it should still be agile enough to take and play anywhere. Within the striking purple design is an 8-inch IPS-level touchscreen. The display reaches up to 500 nits, has a 120Hz refresh rate with VRR support, and features a 16:10 golden ratio. 

Game access

The Windows model offers the Legion Space Game Library. The Game Library keeps all your games easily accessible from one place, uniting PC Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, and more. The Windows model also offers Xbox Game Pass access.

Meanwhile, the SteamOS model combines the simplicity of a console with the flexibility of PC gaming. The gamepad-optimised interface includes quick suspend and resume features, along with seamless game and system updates. It also provides access to your Steam Library, Steam Cloud, Steam Chat and Steam Game Recording.

Play features

The Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2’s detachable Legion TrueStrike controllers support several ways to play. Handheld Mode offers a traditional portable setup, while Console Mode lets you detach the controllers and connect them to create a standalone gamepad. You can then play using the built-in screen or dock the handheld to a compatible TV for a larger display.

For more precise control in first-person games, FPS Mode lets you detach the right controller and place it in the controller base. It can then be operated like a mouse, with two dedicated click buttons and a third assignable rear button.

On the Windows model, you can tailor the performance whilst playing with the Legion Space feature. With just a few taps, you can switch power modes mid-game to conserve battery or unlock greater performance. Joystick sensitivity can also be adjusted, while key power and thermal settings remain easily accessible.

Aesthetics and portability

The Legion Go Gen 2 is anything but lightweight. It starts at 920g, with the base weighing 710g and the controllers weighing 210g. This handheld justifies its bulk with its removable controls that adapt to multiple play modes.

The Legion Go features an 8.8-inch Lenovo PureSight OLED gaming display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, native landscape orientation and 500 nits of brightness, as well as a 144Hz variable refresh rate for smooth responsiveness.

Under the bonnet

The ROG XBOX Ally X20 runs on Windows 11 Home, providing access to a range of platforms and games. It’s powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, which uses dynamic resource allocation to support responsive gaming. The handheld also includes 24GB of dual-channel memory and 1TB of SSD storage.

To help maintain performance during demanding games, the evolved ROG Intelligent Cooling system directs air towards the processor through a new internal channel, while high-flow fans help manage the device’s internal temperature. Its 80Wh battery is designed to support longer gaming sessions, although actual runtime will vary depending on the game, settings and other conditions.

Game access

The ROG XBOX Ally X20 offers a seamless, streamlined library that combines your Xbox library with major PC storefronts, making it easy to launch your favourite games regardless of platform. The dedicated XBOX Mode provides a controller-optimised layout that will feel familiar for fans of the console, while the Xbox button opens the XBOX Game Bar for effortless navigation.

Play features

The Ally X20 is designed for both handheld and dockable, larger-screen play. No matter what mode you’re playing in, the specialised controls will support you in playing to your best ability. The TMR joysticks are designed to detect small movements for precise control, while the impulse triggers provide haptic feedback for added immersion during supported games.

You can adapt the transforming D-pad to different types of games by effortlessly lifting and rotating it to switch between focused four-way inputs and broader eight-way controls.

Aesthetics and portability

At 756g, the ROG XBOX Ally X20 is the lightest handheld in this comparison. The handheld features a 7.4-inch FHD OLED touchscreen with HDR support and a 120Hz refresh rate. The FreeSync Premium Pro feature also provides a variable refresh rate of 30Hz to 120Hz to help keep movement smooth, while the anti-reflection coating is intended to maintain visibility in brighter surroundings.