This Gaming Handheld Has a Huge Discount, But It’s Still Not a Great Deal

This week, as we dig through all the Black Friday bargains, I think it’s just as vital to point out stuff that might look appealing but just isn’t worth your cash. Take handheld gaming PCs as an example. Scoring a 41% discount on the MSI Claw, which puts it at $441.15 from its original price of $749.99, might seem like a deal you don’t want to miss. But here’s the blunt truth: it’s not worth it. Even at such a markdown, this cumbersome and underperforming gadget doesn’t hold a candle to the ASUS ROG Ally. The ROG Ally not only delivers superior performance, design, and versatility, but this Black Friday, it’s priced at just $349.99, down from $499.99.

So, why splash out on something average when the ROG Ally exists? It’s cheaper, faster, and far more capable. Skip the buyer’s remorse and go for a handheld that’s going to impress.

🍁The Hottest Black Friday Deals🦃

Why is the ROG Ally Better than the MSI Claw?

Let’s be fair—while the MSI Claw isn’t a complete disappointment, the market has far better options, especially with the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED offering so much more at a better price. The ROG Ally, particularly, shines thanks to its unbeatable Black Friday price and its excellent features.

In a head-to-head from their early days, on paper alone the ROG Ally already promised greater value. Let’s break down the specs to see the advantages it brings over the Claw.

• Price: While the MSI Claw fluctuates between $699 and $799, the ROG Ally is found at $599 or $699.
• Release Date: The Claw landed in March 2024 for the US, whereas the Ally debuted on June 13, 2023.
• Processor: The Claw runs on Intel Core Ultra, but the Ally goes with AMD Ryzen chips, which are clearly optimized for gaming tasks.
• Storage & Memory: Both similar in numbers, but with the ROG offering more seamless integration of its features.
• Connectivity: The ROG uses Wi-Fi 6E and has Bluetooth 5.2, more common standards ensuring wider compatibility.
• Display: Both use a 7-inch FHD screen, but the ROG Ally boosts visuals with a peak brightness and full sRGB color, improving the gaming view.

Judging by every major category, the ROG Ally outmatches the MSI Claw. Particularly with sale prices—ROG Ally at $349.99 compared to MSI Claw at $441.15 still leaves no room for doubt about value.

The ROG Ally makes a strong case with its consistent performance, especially when benchmarked against the Claw. Where the Claw’s Intel chip stumbles in delivering smooth gameplay, the ROG Ally’s AMD architecture ensures reliability and excellent gaming sessions.

Another win for Ally: its display. Its refresh rate, brightness, and color coverage make for a much better visual experience. Plus, its battery life manages a solid playtime session, stretching up to 4 hours, something the Claw struggles to emulate.

The ROG Ally has seen significant updates since its release, enhancing its software and overall stability, while the Claw still wrestles with ongoing software hiccups and crashes, creating headaches for its users.

The only saving grace for the Claw might be its ergonomic design, but the ROG Ally doesn’t skimp out. With a rich ecosystem of accessories like the Dbrand Killswitch case, your gaming comfort is well-assured.

In summary, even with its sizeable discount, the MSI Claw just can’t rival the ROG Ally in performance, display excellence, battery endurance, or overall user satisfaction. Don’t be swayed by the superficial discount of the Claw. Head over to Best Buy and grab the ROG Ally instead.

Do I Need Anything Else to Use My ASUS ROG Ally?

Fortunately, the ASUS ROG Ally comes packed with all you need for gaming right out of the box. You won’t miss any critical components—it has a built-in display, controls, haptics, and capable internals ready to roll. Just power it on, and you’re all set! Of course, you’ll need an internet connection for downloads, updates, or cloud streaming.

To amplify your experience, think about coupling it with Xbox Game Pass, priced at $29.29 for a three-month stint through CDKeys. It opens up a universe of Xbox PC games and Xbox Play Anywhere titles, making the ROG Ally practically the handheld Xbox of your dreams.

Additional gadgets can only boost your enjoyment. A docking station like the discounted JSAUX one at $23.99 enables connections to your preferred external displays or peripherals, while cases and grips are fantastic for added durability and comfort.

For longer outdoor gaming sessions, consider a power bank. The Baseus power bank is an excellent choice, especially during Black Friday where it’s half off.

When is Black Friday?

This year, Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024, right after Thanksgiving in the U.S. But let’s be real: Black Friday isn’t just a single day anymore. Many retailers, keen to seize the moment, kick off their sales early, lasting weeks.

While you may find exclusive deals on the actual day, many tempting discounts are already in play. The pricing for the ASUS ROG Ally and MSI Claw bear evidence—why wait when the deal you want is already available?

When is Cyber Monday?

Followed closely by Cyber Monday on December 2, 2024, this day usually mirrors Black Friday’s excitement. It’s essential for savvy shoppers because it’s often the last chance to score those prime discounts before the festive rush.

Missed something over Black Friday? Cyber Monday is your very last shot to grab what you’ve been eyeing.

Why Should I Shop at Best Buy?

Best Buy remains a top go-to retailer for various reasons, from stellar customer service to a wide-range quality offering of tech and appliances. They offer a standard 15-day return window, a comprehensive price match policy, ensuring you’re getting the best possible deals, and universal free shipping on orders over $35.

Even more perks await My Best Buy members. A free account grants free shipping, while Total and Plus memberships elevate the experience with faster shipping, extended returns, early access to deals, and expanded customer service including repair discounts. Sign up for free at Best Buy and reap these advantages.