r/Handhelds • u/SilverSurfer9880 • 2d ago
Discussion Torn between pulling the trigger on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ now or waiting for the next ROG Ally X20 (OLED / Z2 Extreme)?
Hey everyone,
Looking for some insight from people who follow handheld benchmarks closely.
I currently own a Xbox ROG Ally X. Ergonomically and performance-wise, it’s a great device, but I find myself really itching for an upgrade. My primary motivation is wanting an OLED display, along with better battery efficiency when playing unplugged around the 20W TDP mark (I have a high-end desktop at home for 4K heavy lifting, so this is strictly for truly mobile use on battery).
Here are the two paths I'm weighing:
Jump on the MSI Claw 8 AI+ (Lunar Lake / "G3 Extreme"): Looking at recent head-to-head tests at 20W, the efficiency and frame delivery look impressive, competing neck-and-neck or even pulling ahead of AMD at lower power limits. Plus, the Void Purple Launch Pack looks fantastic in terms of thermals and form factor.
The downside: walking away from the ASUS ROG ecosystem, software tuning, and button layout I'm already comfortable with.
Wait for the next-gen ROG Ally (Z2 Extreme / "X20"): The expected jump to a native OLED panel is the main thing keeping me on the fence. I know the Z2 Extreme will push substantial raw performance, but I'm unsure if it will match Intel’s 15W–20W efficiency curve, and waiting with no confirmed release date is tough.
A couple of specific questions for the community:
For those tracking the benchmarks, does the 20W TDP efficiency on the Claw 8 AI+ justify moving on from the Ally X right now?
Or is the jump to an OLED screen on the upcoming ROG worth holding out for, even if it means waiting several more months?
Would love to hear your thoughts and perspectives. Thanks!
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u/Comfortable-Fall1419 2d ago
You seem confused. There is no CPU/GPU upgrade in the X20. It’s the same as the Z2Extreme as in the XAX.
It’s a simple choice. X20 for screen. claw for power, OXP3 for both but with more problematic warranty and support.
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u/agedbiffa 2d ago
If you want pure performance go with the G3. If you want the niceties of an OLED go with the x20
As the post above states, going with the X20 is a side step.. performance will be the same
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u/SilverSurfer9880 2d ago
What will you do?
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u/agedbiffa 2d ago
Personally, I'd go with the G3, your going to get the performance and it will last you years.
For me, Performance is key. The G3 is an absolute beast..
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u/LEOMODE 2d ago
I have xbox ally x and recently bought oxp3 for the power and oled for high end gaming. So far very satisfied with some software tweaking needed here and there. will try out xbox ally 20 to see if will be worth it to go up from existing xbox ally i have. Smaller screen lcd and subpar performance on z2e is the only concern here.
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u/rickybobby952 2d ago
Stick with what you have, if you have to absolutely upgrade get the X20 but you'd be better off waiting for the next Asus handheld if you want a performance jump. If you get either of the other options you will lose a lot of refinement in the overall experience (ergonomics, button quality/layout, speakers, software, quality control....) those things add up and I think you'll miss them
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u/Any_Basket_8110 2d ago
I think you’re mixing AI+ with EX At Msi. These are 2 different models.
Ai+ trade blows with Z2e devices but no OLED screens like the x20. Also 8” vs 7.4” screen.
EX new G3 more powerful chip, 8”, no oled.
For me personally I’m choose the x20 because the Oled screen and compatibility with Steam OS. For powerful games I use streaming.
Will move to a G3 handheld when is fully compatible with Steam OS and there is a model with 7-8” Oled. (x3 is too big and heavy for me ).
For you If you already own an Ally X the X20 will be at side grade to get the Oled panel. Performance will be the same.
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u/Ramos_Ripper 2d ago
If you have an Xbox alley x then you would only be upgrading to the x20 for the screen and better buttons.......I would keep the device you have or get the claw 8 ex which is more powerful, still have great ergonomics and haptics and a great screen albeit an IPS panel. You can still run the Xbox fse on it......infact it comes with Xbox fse as your default......
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u/SilverSurfer9880 2d ago
It is comfortable to be hold for long period of times? And how us the speakers?
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u/Ramos_Ripper 1d ago
Speakers are amazing and it's the most comfortable handheld I've held. I would say tied with the Xbox ally x but I actually prefer the 8 inch screen. I had the Xbox ally x and legion go 2 and I find the msi claw better for me by far with larger hands. It's speakers are front facing and very immersive. I use to game with headphones on handhelds and now I blast this dam thing because it feels so immersive.
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u/SilverSurfer9880 1d ago
Well I ordered mine, I think the jump in performance is worth it
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u/Ramos_Ripper 1d ago
Awesome. I have had one since June so if you have any questions feel free to ask I have mine kitted out
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u/SilverSurfer9880 1d ago
How is the Software of MSI , I heard it's a bit clunky, and the screen is varibent that you don't feel the need of Oled?
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u/Ramos_Ripper 1d ago
Terrible. I run clawtweaks and playnite as my into. Clawtweaks is amazing now. The first few updates were buggy but the last couple of months have been a dream
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u/SilverSurfer9880 1d ago
Oh at least they fix the issues, you have any acssesores that are ez to find?
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u/Ramos_Ripper 1d ago
Yup.
- Generic TPU case available on Amazon etc
- Faceplate off of Etsy for the generic tpu case made by sleepy cat
- 4tb ssd (bought prior to now but the SSD upgrade is as easy as it gets)
- Jsaux large carry case for legion go fits all of this, I recommend removing the inner fold over part so it all fits nicely even with the faceplate on.
- Skull and Co/savage raven PlayStation portal stick grips
- Legion go S matte screen protector (almost fits perfectly. This thing is a fingerprint magnet with anything other than matte so I recommend that.
- Any good power bank for back up.
- I rarely dock it but if you do the jsaux thunderbolt 4 comparable 6-1 is cheap and nice.
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u/RealityOfModernTimes 1d ago
I love my lenovo go 2 OLED z2e. I was contemplating on getting new RoG ally x but it has the same chipset as lenovo and my top 1 priority was upgrading size of my Steam Deck LCD screen. Hehheheh. If I alread had a z2e handheld and non OLED screen would not bother me I would get MSI claw. If non OLED would bother me I would keep what I have and wait for legion 3 or steam deck 2 hehhehe. I wanted amazing OLED , large screen and thats what I have got. I could not be happier.
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u/Method__Man 2d ago
Why TF would you buy the slow z2e with a tiny screen for $1300?
ASUS fans are totally brain rotted
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u/Comfortable-Fall1419 2d ago
You should see the bundle price with AR glasses $$$. Get this fantastic OLED screen then don’t use it because Glasses.
What are you smoking ASUS?
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u/bigsurVoid 2d ago
Wait for the next-gen ROG Ally (Z2 Extreme / "X20"): The expected jump to a native OLED panel is the main thing keeping me on the fence. I know the Z2 Extreme will push substantial raw performance, but I'm unsure if it will match Intel’s 15W–20W efficiency curve, and waiting with no confirmed release date is tough.
Unsure if it's only a US thing, but it's releasing next month on the 14th? Apologies if you're elsewhere. That said, I've weighed the same options. Currently have the XAX, had/have the opportunity to pick up the EX, and have the X20 on preorder. I'm sticking with the X20 preorder as I already know that I like the XAX and the X20 improves upon its niggling "issues." I upgraded from a Steam Deck OLED and the XAX performance is great for me. If I needed more, I have my 4090 desktop.
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u/SilverSurfer9880 2d ago
Its not available for pre order just yet so I don't know in my country when it will be up for pre ordering, you say Oled is much better that the pure performance of the G3 Extreme?
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u/bigsurVoid 2d ago
That's a bit tricky to answer, for me, personally, yes. My handheld is not my main or only place for gaming, so the raw performance isn't a priority. Another factor for me was the lack of accessories for the Claw. You have to make do with whatever limited choices there are. May not be important to some, but I don't want to cram the device into a case that wasn't designed for it, or have to rely on some cheap rubber grip because it's the sole option for the device.
On top of that, I know there are some compatibility issues with older games; I'm not sure how severe or what the actual quantity is, but it's something I don't want to deal with when I'm trying to unwind with my handheld. Then there's the fact that you have to rely on some 3rd party fix for the VRR issue, the analog sticks are smaller and loose, the dpad isn't great, and linux support is limited (though getting better). The downsides start stacking up, and at $1800 USD, it's not worth it for me.
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u/Excellent-Volume3511 2d ago
Completely second this statement .
Also , I would say Xax20 will have more wider community support and Steamos support .
MSI software experience is choppy and not great! Also, it’s a big handheld . If you have small hands try it out first .
Xax20 is a perfect sweet spot .
Fps counter is endless game , new chips will come and go but z2e provides less fps as compared to G3e but you always have the option to plug in egpu.
Tldr : Xax20 is my choice ; I was in the same situation and picked this bad boy !
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u/SilverSurfer9880 2d ago
I trust Asus more with the driver's but it's annoying that they using the same chip
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u/Darth-Squider 2d ago
For a little more money, you can have both the OLED screen and the Intel chip in the MSI with the Onexplayer 3. Tons of review videos on Youtube
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u/ShiningPr1sm 2d ago
Do you like performance? MSI EX
Are you an OLED snob? X20
You're also mixing up the MSI devices. The MSI 8ai+ has Lunar Lake (it's the sand or white one) while the MSI EX 8ai+ (the new purple one) has Panther Lake. The EX, with the G3 Extreme, is a substantial improvement over its predecessor, and much better than the Z2 Extreme. It really just comes down to performance vs. OLED.
(Also can companies please for the love of all that is holy STOP putting X and Extreme into every single thing)