As the frenzy of Black Friday approaches, we’re diving deep into the deals to help you either scoop up a gaming gem or avoid falling for seemingly appealing offers that don’t quite live up to the hype. If you’re eyeing handheld gaming PCs, you might be tempted by a whopping 41% off the MSI Claw, now down to $441.15 from its original price of $749.99. But before you hit that purchase button, here’s the twist: it’s not the bargain it seems. Even at this reduced price, the Claw doesn’t measure up to its competitor, the ASUS ROG Ally. The ROG Ally not only boasts better performance and design but also rings in at a mere $349.99 during Black Friday sales, down from $499.99.
So why settle for less when you can have the ROG Ally, which offers speed, capability, and superior value for money? Avoid the post-purchase blues and invest in the handheld that promises a worthwhile gaming experience.
### 🍁The hottest Black Friday deals🦃
#### Why is the ROG Ally better than the MSI Claw?
Honestly, the MSI Claw isn’t a disaster, but when lined up next to newer, more budget-friendly options like the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED, justifying its price—even after a hefty discount—becomes challenging. Highlighting its incredible Black Friday price cut and enhanced functionality, the ASUS ROG Ally emerges as the clear frontrunner.
Having compared the MSI Claw and ROG Ally when they first hit the shelves, it was evident that the ROG Ally represented far better value right out of the gate. Let’s delve into the specs and explore why the ROG Ally undoubtedly remains the smarter pick.
When we talk about handheld gaming, the ASUS ROG Ally overtakes the MSI Claw on virtually all fronts, amplified by its impressive Black Friday price of $349.99. Meanwhile, the MSI Claw is down to $441.15 from a whopping $749.99, and still pales in comparison.
The ROG Ally frequently outruns the MSI Claw with superior performance in gaming benchmarks, delivering noticeably smoother frame rates across numerous titles. The Claw boasts an Intel Core Ultra processor, but it often buckles under gaming pressure, resulting in jittery gameplay. In contrast, the ROG Ally’s AMD Ryzen processors are crafted with gaming in mind, ensuring a fluid and consistent performance.
Both devices sport a 7-inch 1080p IPS display, but the ROG Ally just does it better. Its screen offers a refresh rate of 120Hz, is equipped with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, covers the full sRGB spectrum, and peaks at a brightness of 500 nits, making for brighter and more dynamic visuals that the MSI Claw struggles to match.
Battery life is another sore point for the MSI Claw. While the ROG Ally can keep the action going for about 2.5 hours—stretching further with less demanding games like Balatro—the MSI Claw barely makes it past an hour to 2 hours. For on-the-go gaming, that’s a critical shortfall.
Moreover, the ROG Ally has been refined since launch, thanks to numerous software updates that have significantly enhanced its stability and usability. The MSI Claw, however, is plagued by software problems like crashes and erratic game launches, which can prove to be extremely frustrating.
The MSI Claw does excel in comfort with its ergonomic grips, but the ROG Ally counters with a vast array of accessory options. Items like the Dbrand Killswitch case (also marked down for Black Friday) can significantly improve the comfort of the ROG Ally.
In short, despite its enticing 41% markdown, the MSI Claw simply can’t compete. The ROG Ally wins with its superior performance, display quality, battery endurance, and overall user experience, all for a lower price. Don’t be swayed by the tempting discount on the MSI Claw—snag the ROG Ally from Best Buy and enjoy a gaming handheld that delivers on its promises.
### Do I need anything else to use my ASUS ROG Ally?
Absolutely not! The ASUS ROG Ally comes with everything packed in, ready for gaming action. From a robust display and built-in controls to a top-notch sound system and powerful specs, it’s all set straight out of the box. The only must-have is an internet connection for downloading games, software updates, or utilizing cloud gaming services.
For those wanting more out of the ROG Ally, pairing it with Xbox Game Pass (available for $29.29 for 3 months at CDKeys) opens access to a vast collection of Xbox PC and Xbox Play Anywhere games. It’s as close as it gets to an actual Xbox handheld experience.
Optional accessories can enhance your gaming session, like a docking station or USB hub — try the JSAUX version on sale for $23.99 to hook up external displays or peripherals. Cases and grip enhancers can also elevate comfort and protection benefits. Need more battery life on the go? Power banks, such as the now-half-priced Baseus model in Black Friday deals, will do the trick.
### When is Black Friday?
Black Friday officially lands on November 29, 2024, following Thanksgiving in the U.S. But let’s be honest, Black Friday isn’t a single day affair anymore. It’s expanded into a sprawling sale season, with many retailers launching their offers well ahead of the actual date.
While the day itself often offers limited-time deals with eye-popping discounts, the reality is that several of the season’s top steals, like those from ASUS ROG Ally and MSI Claw, are already up for grabs. So if something catches your eye now, it’s usually smart to go ahead and nab it early.
### When is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday hits on December 2, 2024, effectively extending Black Friday’s whirlwind of deals. However, it stands out as a crucial time for bargain hunters, marking the finale for many big seasonal discounts. Once Cyber Monday wraps up, consider most Black Friday deals part of history.
For those holding off for the best steals—or who might’ve missed an opportunity during the Black Friday weekend—Cyber Monday offers one last chance to lock in significant savings before the holiday shopping kicks into high gear.
### Why should I shop at Best Buy?
Best Buy has long been a trusted retailer, known for its outstanding customer service and reliable offerings in technology, appliances, and accessories. The standard perks include a 15-day return policy, price matching assurances against major competitors, and free shipping for orders over $35.
Those who opt for My Best Buy membership can enjoy additional advantages. Signing up for a free account unlocks universal free shipping, while the Total and Plus subscriptions offer extras like free two-day shipping, extended 60-day return periods, early or exclusive access to top deals, and enhanced customer service options at a discount. To start enjoying these benefits, join My Best Buy for free at Best Buy.
