MSI Claw vs Mini PC: Core Ultra 7 Power Under £300

Sofía García · 2026-02-04

Let's have a real talk about your next tech purchase. You're probably considering a mini PC for its compact size and versatility, right? It's a solid choice for a desktop replacement or a media center. But what if I told you there's a more exciting option that packs similar power into a completely different form factor? I'm talking about the MSI Claw handheld gaming console. And before you dismiss it as just another gaming gadget, hear me out. This isn't your typical handheld—it's powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, comes with 16GB of RAM and a massive 1TB SSD. The real kicker? It's priced under £300. No, that's not a typo. ### Why Consider the MSI Claw Over a Traditional Mini PC? Think about what you actually need. A mini PC sits on your desk or behind your monitor—it's stationary. The Claw gives you that same computing power but in your hands. You can game on your couch, take it on trips, or use it as a portable workstation. The flexibility is genuinely surprising once you experience it. We're talking about proper PC gaming performance in a handheld format. The Core Ultra 7 processor handles modern titles without breaking a sweat. That 1TB SSD means you're not constantly managing storage space. And 16GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking whether you're gaming or working. ### The Price Point That Changes Everything Here's where it gets interesting. Mini PCs with similar specifications—Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD—typically cost significantly more. The fact that MSI has packed this hardware into a handheld device at this price point is, frankly, remarkable. It makes you reconsider what's possible in the portable computing space. You're getting: - Desktop-class processor performance - Ample storage for games and applications - Enough memory for serious multitasking - All in a device that fits in your backpack ### Who Should Actually Choose the Claw? This isn't for everyone, and that's okay. If you need multiple monitor outputs, extensive port selection, or server-like capabilities, stick with a mini PC. But if your needs lean toward: - Portable gaming without compromise - A powerful device for content consumption anywhere - Light productivity work on the go - Space-saving computing with maximum flexibility Then the Claw deserves serious consideration. It's like having a gaming laptop's power in a much more convenient package. ### The Real-World Advantage of Portability Here's something people don't talk about enough: context switching. With a traditional setup, you're tied to one location. The Claw lets you move with your work or entertainment. Need a break from your desk? Take your game to the garden. Traveling for work? Bring your entire gaming library without lugging a heavy laptop. As one early adopter put it: "It's not about replacing my desktop—it's about having that power available wherever I am." That's the real value proposition. You're not just buying hardware specs; you're buying freedom of use. The ability to game or work in environments where a traditional PC setup would be impractical or impossible. ### Making the Right Choice for Your Needs Ultimately, your decision comes down to use case. Ask yourself these questions: - Do I value portability over stationary setup? - Is gaming a primary use case? - Do I need this device to serve multiple fixed peripherals? - How important is having my computing power with me everywhere? For many professionals in the computer products space, the answer might surprise you. The MSI Claw represents a convergence of technologies we've been watching for years—true desktop power in genuinely portable form. At under £300, it's not just competitive with mini PCs; it's disruptive. It forces us to reconsider what we expect from portable computing devices and what price we're willing to pay for that flexibility. The bottom line? Don't dismiss handheld consoles as just gaming toys anymore. With specs like these at this price point, they're becoming legitimate alternatives to traditional computing setups for the right users. And that's worth paying attention to.