Should I buy the MSI Claw or ASUS ROG Ally X?

For most gamers, the ASUS ROG Ally X is the safer and more practical buy. It’s generally the better value, with a starting price about $100 lower than the MSI Claw 8 AI+, and it has a well-rounded port setup with a USB4/Thunderbolt-4-supported USB-C port plus a USB 3.2 port.

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is still worth considering if you want its larger 8-inch display, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and the newer Intel Lunar Lake platform. That said, the Ally X is usually the easier recommendation if you want the more established, broadly compatible option.

Bottom line: buy the ROG Ally X if you want the best overall mix of price and practicality; pick the Claw 8 AI+ if its extra ports and larger screen matter more to you. Exact pricing and availability can change, so it’s worth checking current listings before buying.