Unclickable bumpers: One of many problems with MSI Claw

MSI Claw, the much-talked-about handheld gaming console released recently, is getting negative reviews from all quarters. Be it due to poor performance, not-so-perfect display, or heating issues, most buyers don’t find MSI Claw to be a value-for-money purchase!

However, one of the design flaws highlighted by Momo Tabari from Laptop Mag pertaining to the device’s bumpers is a perfectly valid criticism. Even though it isn’t mentioned much in online reviews, it’s a problem many of us are facing. You, too, will realize it within a minute!

The bumpers on MSI Claw are not clickable, not the entire surface but parts of it, when you naturally hold the device. I mean, you have to apply more pressure than usual on some parts to press the bumpers, which ruins the entire gaming experience. At times, you may have to re-adjust the finger during gameplay.

The problem was present in some of the early Xbox controllers but was soon rectified after users highlighted it to Xbox.

For someone used to handheld gaming consoles and controllers, this design flaw makes MSI Claw less appealing. As for others getting a device for the first time, they can always find the optimal grip such that the fingers are positioned on the clickable part of the bumper.

For seasoned gamers, it’s too much of a change. And that, too, for a device that proved to be a disappointment when it comes to performance.

Gamers favour ROG Ally and Steam Deck over MSI Claw

When we went through user reviews on dedicated and social forums, MSI Claw wasn’t particularly popular. Many questioned the company’s choice of Intel over AMD when the latter has clearly proven its mettle in the handheld gaming console market with the power-packed Lenovo Legion Go.

A few believe that MSI Claw is overpriced and would have been better suited for the $400-$550 range. The $700 pricing isn’t justifiable, given the performance of the handheld console!

I wanted it to be good so bad! So much potential wasted. The ally and the deck are the true dynamic duo right now! I can’t wait to see what’s next with all the companies throwing their hats in the ring competing and innovating to make the best handheld, it’s a win win for consumers.

Man I was really hoping it would be cool because Intel hardware and all different stuff. But I guess AMD reigns supreme in this space. Still a shame that this is that bad.

I honestly feel the worst part about this is the price.
If this was somewhere in the $350-600, im sure so many ppl would pick this over the ally, but for starting at $700, people were expecting something almost perfect, and they were right to do so! For that much, u can almost buy an actual gaming pc lol.

The Claw is really just a worse and less optimized version of the Ally, if you already have the Ally, there’s really zero incentive to consider the Claw.

The Hall effect joysticks are the only thing attractive about this thing. Overpriced, underperforming ally knockoff. Don’t think Intel can fix any of these issues with support.

Our take is to go with Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Legion Go instead of MSI Claw at this price range for superior performance. If the prices drop, you may reevaluate based on upgrades made to MSI Claw in the period and the relative savings. But the bumpers’ design flaw surely remains a drawback in MSI Claw!

What’s your review of MSI Claw? Share with our readers in the comments section.