Handheld gaming PC prices are out of control, and you could argue that it's out of everyone's hands. The effects of RAMageddon and absurd AI data centre demand are driving MSRPs up to impossible levels, but retailers like Best Buy appear to be using it as an excuse to flog one of the worst-received portables from 2024 for way above odds.
Having searched the internet far and wide for handhelds at a reasonable price, the only portable PC right now I'd actually entertain is the base ROG Xbox Ally. It starts at $599.99, and that beats paying $700 for MSI's underpowered alternative. There's open-box stock in excellent condition for $497.99, and that's the price I'd personally pay.
If you keep up with all the best gaming handhelds and my general thoughts at GamesRadar+, you'll already know I'm talking about the OG MSI Claw. The A1M version of the portable with its Intel Core Ultra 7-155H chipset was pretty poorly received two years ago, failing to pose any threat to the then-popular Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED when it comes to performance.
It's for that reason that I find it bananas that the MSI Claw A1M is currently $749.99 at Best Buy, especially given that the whole issue with the handheld is price. Keep in mind this is a discontinued portable that, as far as I'm aware, isn't in production, so the retailer is asking full price for a portable that previously dipped under $400 due to its reception.
Here's the thing: I don't hate the MSI Claw A1M. I'd never dream of paying above $500 for one, as I've tested too many handheld PCs to know it doesn't provide appropriate performance for that price range. It could serve as the portable we need while the proper new-gen options are nearly unobtainable, especially given that it's armed with the same 1080p 120Hz screen and similar controls to the ROG Ally.
The Claw A1M isn't a new handheld, and the price increases tied to component shortages and fabrication being hogged for AI reasons shouldn't apply to a device produced in 2024. That's precisely why it took a while for manufacturing costs to catch up with Valve, as it only started charging more for the Steam Deck once existing stock had run dry.
I should also clarify that while Newegg also has MSI Claw A1M stock for even more, those are by third-party sellers applying the usual inflated price tags. The blue and yellow big box store doesn't have that excuse to fall back on, though, as its listings have that "sold by Best Buy" badge at the bottom that signals a direct sale.
Simply put, Best Buy should be lowering MSI Claw A1M stock to its previous average rates. It feels very much like the retailer is hoping players will fall back to the 16GB/1TB handheld upon seeing the price of newer portables like the MSI Claw 8 AI+ or its EX variant that are still in production, and that's simply aggravating a pricing situation that manufacturers are struggling to control.
TL;DR - Don't buy the MSI Claw A1M for anything above $500, and if anything, retailers should be helping fend players from RAMageddon with stock under $400.
- Handheld gaming PCs at Best Buy
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Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd prefer to revisit classic capers on the go.
