Epic Handheld Gaming Showdown: Lenovo Legion Go S vs Steam Deck OLED vs MSI Claw 8 AI+

Handheld PC gaming is heating up with powerful contenders emerging to challenge Valve’s Steam Deck. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit Lenovo’s Legion Go S, Valve’s Steam Deck (OLED model), and MSI’s Claw 8 AI+ against each other across all critical dimensions. From raw hardware specs and gaming performance to battery endurance, display quality, and design ergonomics, we leave no stone unturned. We also include expert quotes, latest news, and real-world insights to help you decide which device reigns supreme in 2025’s handheld gaming arena.

(Note: All three devices are the latest iterations as of mid-2025, including Valve’s refreshed OLED Steam Deck and MSI’s second-gen Claw 8 AI+.)

Hardware Specifications: CPU, GPU, RAM, and Storage

Each of these portables packs custom silicon and ample memory to run modern games, but their internals differ significantly:

• Lenovo Legion Go S: Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor (a 4-core/8-thread Zen 3+ CPU up to 4.3 GHz) with integrated Radeon 680M graphics handheldsarena.com handheldsarena.com. It comes with 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM and typically 512 GB NVMe SSD (with a 1 TB option) handheldsarena.com. This exclusive AMD Z2 Go chip was meant to hit a lower price point for a SteamOS model ($499) theverge.com theverge.com, but it’s notably less powerful than enthusiast-class APUs. (The Legion Go S’s Windows version launched at $730 with this same chip theverge.com.)
• Valve Steam Deck (OLED model): Uses a custom AMD APU codenamed “Sephiroth”, essentially a die-shrunk (6 nm) version of the original Aerith chip theverge.com. It features a 4-core/8-thread Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU (8 CUs), paired with 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM theverge.com. Storage comes in 512 GB ($549) or 1 TB ($649) NVMe SSD configurations theverge.com (user-upgradeable M.2 2230). The OLED edition isn’t a “Steam Deck 2” in performance – Valve stuck with the same CPU/GPU specs theverge.com theverge.com – but it has faster 6400 MT/s memory and other hardware refinements for efficiency theverge.com.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+ (A2VM): Packs an Intel Core Ultra 7 285V processor, a cutting-edge Lunar Lake mobile chip with 4 Performance cores + 4 Efficient cores (8 cores/12 threads total) and an integrated Arc 140V GPU (Intel’s Xe² architecture with 8 Xe cores + 8 RT units) handheldsarena.com pcgamer.com. It’s a premium powerhouse with 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM in the top model and a 1 TB NVMe SSD handheldsarena.com (plus microSD expansion). This is the first handheld to use Intel’s new chip, and its specs are arguably the most impressive on paper pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. Price ranges from around $800-$900 for 16–32 GB RAM configurations up to higher-end models handheldsarena.com pcgamer.com.

Expert take: Despite similar form-factors, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is in a different league of silicon, leveraging Intel’s latest tech for “superb performance,” while the Legion Go S’s custom AMD Z2 Go chip “simply can’t compete with the Steam Deck” (let alone the MSI) watt-for-watt theverge.com. The Steam Deck OLED sticks to older Zen 2/RDNA2 cores, but Valve optimized it with a more efficient process and faster RAM to squeeze a bit more out of the established platform theverge.com.

Gaming Performance (FPS, AAA Titles, Indie Games & Emulation)

When it comes to real-world gaming, these devices deliver very different experiences:

• MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Claw 8 AI+ is currently one of the most powerful handhelds tested. In benchmarks it trades blows with or beats AMD’s best (like the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme) and even approaches the priciest enthusiast handhelds pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077 it edged out a top-end OneXFly (Strix Point Ryzen) by a frame on average – a “superb turn of speed” from Intel’s chip pcgamer.com. It consistently runs modern AAA games at higher settings or frame rates than the Steam Deck or Legion can manage. Emulation prowess is excellent – essentially “perfect for everything ;)” up through consoles like PS3 and Switch according to handheld experts handheldsarena.com handheldsarena.com. PC Gamer’s review praised the Claw’s “serious performance” in a portable form factor pcgamer.com. In short, the Claw delivers high-end PC performance in handheld form, often matching or surpassing the best AMD-based rivals while maintaining stability. It can even handle ray-traced titles at low settings, though heavy ray tracing will still make any iGPU crawl pcgamer.com.
• Valve Steam Deck (OLED): The Steam Deck’s GPU and CPU are comparatively modest today, but thanks to Valve’s optimizations and Proton compatibility layer, it holds its own. Expect to play AAA games at 800p on Low/Medium settings, typically hitting 30–60 FPS depending on the title. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 can run ~50+ FPS using Valve’s optimized “Steam Deck” settings (low/FSR) at 720–800p theverge.com. The Deck’s performance target is generally 30 FPS for demanding games (often with graphics tweaks), or higher for older/indie titles. It excels at indie games, which often run at full refresh rate with ease. Emulation is strong up to Wii U/PS3-era in many cases, though not universally perfect. The key is that the Deck’s SteamOS is tuned for consistency – it “runs modern games [at] smooth frame rates” within its power envelope theverge.com. Valve has deliberately avoided any “turbo” modes or overclocking on the OLED model theverge.com theverge.com, so performance remains essentially the same as the 2022 Deck. Nonetheless, expert reviewers say the OLED Deck “feels like a nearly no-compromise upgrade” over the original in user experience, even without higher raw FPS theverge.com.
• Lenovo Legion Go S: The Legion Go S underwhelms in pure performance. Its Ryzen Z2 Go APU is weaker than even the Steam Deck’s older chip at equivalent power limits theverge.com. In testing, at 15 W TDP (the Deck’s typical draw) the Legion S often hits lower FPS than the Deck theverge.com theverge.com. To reach similar or higher frame rates, the Legion must be pushed to 25–30 W or beyond, which drastically reduces battery life (more on that later) theverge.com. Even plugged in at a 40 W “Turbo” mode, it only matches or slightly exceeds the Steam Deck in some games theverge.com. Example: Cyberpunk 2077 on Legion S manages ~49 FPS max when fed 40 W and wall power, versus ~52 FPS on the Deck at 15 W theverge.com. In lighter titles or emulators, the Legion S can play up to Wii U and Switch decently handheldsarena.com, but it struggles with more intensive emulation like PS3. The original Legion Go (with a Z1 Extreme chip) was 15–40% faster than this Legion S in many games theverge.com. In summary, the Legion Go S “plays bad” in demanding games for its price – it’s fine for indie games or older titles, but it falls behind in AAA performance unless you accept very high power draw theverge.com theverge.com.

Expert take: As The Verge bluntly put it, “Even if you crank up the Z2 Go, [its] turbo modes are never anywhere near as effective as the Z1 Extreme in last year’s portables.” In fact, the Legion Go S can’t catch the Steam Deck’s performance “watt for watt”, which was deemed “inexcusable at the $730 price” theverge.com. On the other hand, MSI’s Claw 8 AI+ has been lauded as “easily one of the best handhelds [experts have] used to date,” delivering a “powerful punch of gaming performance” that can rival or beat the fastest handheld PCs available pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. The Steam Deck OLED sits in the middle – not the fastest, but “better, not faster” than its predecessor, providing solid gaming output with the benefit of Valve’s software ecosystem theverge.com theverge.com.

Battery Life (Benchmarks & Real-World Endurance)

Battery longevity is a make-or-break factor for handhelds. Here’s how these three compare:

• Steam Deck OLED: Upgraded with a 50 Wh battery (up from 40 Wh), Valve claims “up to 50% longer battery life” than the original Deck theverge.com. Official estimates are 3 to 12 hours of gameplay on the OLED model, depending on load theverge.com theverge.com. In practice, playing a demanding game like Starfield or Elden Ring might yield around 2–3 hours at 30–40 FPS cap, whereas lighter 2D or old games can exceed 7–8 hours. Reviewers have confirmed tangible improvements – The Verge noted the OLED Deck “lasts two hours [in heavy games] at the same smoothness” where the Legion Go S died in 1.5 hours theverge.com theverge.com. Crucially, SteamOS offers great power management and a robust 40 Hz / 40 FPS cap option to extend playtime on medium titles, plus quick TDP tweaking. In efficiency tests, the Deck often sips ~20 W at full tilt on demanding games, helping it edge out Windows-based rivals in longevity theverge.com. The OLED Deck also benefits from faster charging (0–80% in ~45 min) theverge.com.
• Lenovo Legion Go S: It houses a 55 Wh battery (reports list ~55 Wh, despite a confusing 2×2590 mAh spec) theverge.com. On paper that’s larger than the Deck’s original battery, but efficiency is poor. In “Performance” mode (25 W TDP), the Legion S drained in roughly 1.5 hours during Verge’s testing, delivering similar frame rates as the Deck which lasted 2+ hours in the same scenario theverge.com. Real-world: TechRadar’s hands-on with the SteamOS version got “45 action-packed minutes” of Cyberpunk 2077 on battery – yes, just ~0.75 hours – before needing a charge techradar.com techradar.com. Less intense indie games can last much longer; by using an 8 W “Quiet” TDP mode, one can stretch the Legion S to around 4–7 hours on very easy titles (e.g. Slay the Spire or Balatro) with reduced brightness and FPS theverge.com theverge.com. But without drastic throttling, expect <2 hours for AAA play. In short, battery life is a major weakness. The cooling and charging are robust enough that Lenovo even allows an extreme 33–40 W turbo draw (with a charger), but unplugged that “mobile” gaming is fleeting theverge.com techradar.com. (On the bright side, it supports 100W USB-C PD fast charging on each port, so recharging is very quick theverge.com.)
• MSI Claw 8 AI+: MSI clearly prioritized battery – the Claw 8 AI+ crams in a massive 80 Wh battery pcgamer.com pcgamer.com, the largest by far in this group. Combined with Intel’s efficiency improvements, this yields excellent endurance. In standardized tests, the Claw lasted 129 minutes (2 hours 9 min) under a heavy gaming load, which “matches the notoriously long-lasting ROG Ally X” and is “nearly double” what some competitors (like OneXFly) manage pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. In real usage, PC Gamer was able to play DOOM 2016 (an older but real game) for 1.5 hours on Ultra settings during a commute “with battery life to spare” pcgamer.com. Less demanding titles or frame rate caps can likely push the Claw well beyond 3–4 hours. Essentially, the Claw’s huge battery helps offset its powerful hardware’s hunger. It also supports USB-C charging (dual ports), though its large battery means it won’t top-up as quickly as the smaller devices with a similar 65–100W adapter.

Expert take: Battery life is where the Legion Go S really falters – one expert joked that “in some ways, the Legion Go S is only ‘mobile’ in a design sense”, since AAA gaming on it untethered was curtailed to well under an hour techradar.com techradar.com. Valve’s Steam Deck OLED, while not a performance beast, is highly optimized – it often outlasts Windows handhelds at equivalent settings theverge.com, and simple tweaks can yield 8+ hours on light games theverge.com. Meanwhile, MSI’s Claw earns praise for marrying performance with longevity. Reviewers highlight that MSI’s 80 Wh “chonky” battery and Intel’s efficiency let the Claw “keep going, and going, and going” in a way few rivals can pcgamer.com pcgamer.com.

Display Quality (Resolution, Refresh Rate, Color Accuracy, Brightness)

All three handhelds have fundamentally different display technologies and resolutions:

• Steam Deck OLED: Valve’s refresh gives the Deck a 7.4-inch OLED touchscreen (1280×800, 16:10). The OLED panel is a game-changer for visual quality: it’s the “first handheld with HDR OLED” and boasts up to 1,000 nits peak brightness (600 nits SDR) theverge.com. It covers 110% of DCI-P3 color (vastly more vibrant than the original LCD’s ~67% sRGB) theverge.com. The contrast and color depth are excellent, making games look richer. Valve also upped the refresh rate to 90 Hz (from 60 Hz), allowing smoother gameplay in titles that can push high FPS. (Users can still lock to 60, 40, etc., and HDR is supported in desktop mode or future games.) The resolution and pixel density remain the same as before, which some might consider low (800p at ~215 PPI), but this choice ensures UI scaling and game performance stay optimal theverge.com. In practice, the OLED screen is widely praised – The Verge calls it the Deck “Valve would have liked to originally ship,” with brighter, more colorful output that transforms the experience theverge.com. Blacks are true black, and overall it’s the best-quality display here in terms of contrast and color accuracy.
• Lenovo Legion Go S: The Legion Go S features a larger 8.0-inch IPS LCD touchscreen at 1920×1200 resolution (16:10). That yields a sharp ~283 PPI, noticeably higher detail than the Steam Deck’s 800p. Uniquely, it also supports adaptive Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) from 48 Hz up to 120 Hz theverge.com. This means gameplay can sync to the frame rate and remain smooth even when dipping below 60 FPS – a great feature on a handheld. In fact, the Legion’s VRR 120 Hz panel is a highlight: one reviewer noted its “crisp, colorful 1920×1200 IPS screen” looks great and “runs more smoothly at lower frame rates now that it has VRR… I would not buy [the older] Legion Go over a Legion Go S for this reason alone.” theverge.com. Color and brightness are reported as very good (if not OLED-good) – TechRadar found imagery “clear, bright [and] colorful” on the Legion’s screen, with smooth motion thanks to 120 Hz refresh techradar.com. It’s likely around ~500 nits brightness (not officially stated) – enough for indoor/outdoor shade use. The high resolution does, however, tax the GPU more; many games will run at 800p or 1200×800 internally and use scaling on this display for performance. But for media and general UI, the sharpness is appreciated.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Claw sports an 8.0-inch IPS LCD as well, at 1920×1200 (1200p) resolution, similar to Lenovo’s. It’s also a 16:10 aspect ratio touchscreen. MSI’s panel is noted to be “vibrant from the moment you boot into Windows.” pcgamer.com Colors pop and the image is large and immersive. It also refreshes up to 120 Hz, allowing high frame rates when the hardware can deliver. (It’s unclear if the Claw supports adaptive sync/VRR; MSI hasn’t advertised it, and reviewers didn’t explicitly mention VRR. It may simply offer fixed refresh options up to 120 Hz.) In qualitative terms, PC Gamer loved the “large, vibrant screen”, calling it one of the Claw’s biggest pluses pcgamer.com. At 8 inches and 1200p, games and text look crisp. Brightness should be around the typical ~500 nits for a good IPS. While it lacks the infinite contrast of OLED, many users won’t miss it given the size and quality. And unlike the Deck’s smaller screen, the Claw’s display really helps showcase details in games; one reviewer said playing a visually rich shooter on this “big, luscious screen” was almost “a revelation” mid-train ride pcgamer.com pcgamer.com.

Expert take: Each device’s screen plays to a different strength. Valve’s OLED is all about punchy contrast and HDR brightness – “a larger 7.4-inch, 90Hz, 1,000-nit screen” that finally brings true blacks and vibrant colors to the Steam Deck theverge.com. Lenovo’s Legion Go S, meanwhile, emphasizes resolution and smoothness, with one expert raving that 120 Hz VRR on an 8″ 1200p display makes AAA games “clear, bright, colorful” and notably smooth techradar.com. MSI’s Claw gives you immersion – it’s the largest and arguably most impressive IPS here, described as “a lovely thing to behold” that “ups the immersion factor” of handheld gaming significantly pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. In summary: OLED Deck = best contrast/colors, Legion S = highest refresh & sharpness, Claw = big and vibrant. All are excellent screens for their class, but those priorities differ.

Thermal Performance and Fan Noise

High-powered handhelds can run hot and loud. Here’s how our three competitors manage thermals and acoustics:

• Lenovo Legion Go S: Lenovo equipped the Legion S with an upgraded cooling system over the original Legion Go. It has a larger fan and vents along the top and back techradar.com. The result is powerful cooling capacity – the device lets you push up to 33 W on battery and 40 W when plugged in, which is unusually high TDP for a handheld, enabled by robust thermal dissipation theverge.com. The fan is reported to be quieter than the previous model at similar loads theverge.com. However, “quiet” is relative – under extreme load (say, 30+ W), the Legion S can get loud. A TechRadar user noted that during Cyberpunk 2077, the fan was noisy enough that a person nearby commented on it techradar.com techradar.com. The chassis does get warm (not dangerously so), and there were instances (with the Windows model) of the unit waking from sleep in a bag and feeling “uncomfortably warm” due to a sleep bug theverge.com. So, while cooling performance is strong (no severe throttling observed, and it can maintain high wattage when needed), the fan noise at max is noticeable. On a positive note, in moderate usage the fan sound is fairly tame, and front vents direct heat away from the hands. Lenovo’s design also includes front-facing speakers which improved audio without adding much vent noise interference theverge.com.
• Valve Steam Deck (OLED): Valve improved the cooling solution in the OLED model with a larger heatsink and a larger, quieter fan than the original Deck theverge.com. The original Steam Deck already managed thermals decently – it would get warm but rarely dangerously hot, and fan noise was about 30–35 dB under load. The new fan is reported to run at lower RPM for the same cooling, making it less high-pitched. Many early Deck users complained of some fan whine in quiet scenes (depending on fan supplier); the OLED revision aims to mitigate that with the redesigned fan. In testing, Sean Hollister noted the Deck OLED “feels… no-compromise [in] cooling” theverge.com – it can sustain its 15 W GPU clocks consistently and even runs a bit cooler thanks to the 6 nm chip (which generates less heat for the same performance) theverge.com. The fan still will audible under heavy gameplay (it has to spin up for AAA games), but it’s a smoother, less annoying noise now. In summary, Steam Deck’s thermals are well-balanced: it may get warm to the touch on the back, but the grips stay relatively cool. The fan is quieter than before, and certainly quieter than many Windows handhelds that push higher wattage. By not chasing extreme TDP, the Deck stays in a comfortable thermal range. For most users, fan noise on the Deck OLED is a non-issue – it’s there under load, but not distracting, and generally quieter than the competition at similar frame rates.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Claw 8 AI+ is a large and heavy device, which actually benefits cooling. Its “chonky” chassis provides ample space for heatsinks, heat pipes, and big vents. Reviewers found that the Claw runs “relatively cool”, with CPU temps maxing around 86 °C under heavy load – quite reasonable for a handheld pushing high performance pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. The fan noise is impressively low for the performance it delivers. PC Gamer noted the Claw “is surprisingly quiet, to the point where [they] weren’t sure if benchmarks had finished” when the unit was a few meters away pcgamer.com. That’s a testament to MSI’s cooling: even at ~30 W or more, the fan noise is muffled by the large case and possibly a slower fan curve. It’s likely the quietest of the three under full load. The Claw also avoids hot spots on the outside – it has plenty of ventilation (top and rear) without needing to turn the whole shell into a grille (unlike some earlier designs) pcgamer.com. In essence, MSI achieved a great balance: cool and quiet, albeit by making the device big. One trade-off: because it’s so power-optimized, occasionally the “AI Engine” auto-performance mode can mis-manage and cause a slight performance “wobble” (like fluctuating clocks) pcgamer.com. The recommendation is to turn off the automatic adjustments and use manual TDP controls for consistency pcgamer.com. With manual settings, the Claw stays stable and cool.

Expert take: Thermal design is a standout point for MSI’s device – “the Claw 8 AI+ is surprisingly quiet” and runs cool even when delivering top-tier frame rates pcgamer.com. It’s described as a “heavyweight boxer” that delivers a powerful punch without overheating pcgamer.com. Valve’s Steam Deck OLED also gets kudos for improved cooling; it’s not pushing crazy wattage, so it remains comfortable and quieter than before theverge.com. The Legion Go S, while having formidable cooling on paper (even allowing 40 W bursts), ends up loud under max load – as one user quipped, “That thing’s loud,” when hearing it during a Cyberpunk session techradar.com. Overall, MSI leads in low noise, Valve’s Deck balances noise/perf well, and Lenovo trades off noise for extra power when you push it.

Ergonomics and Design (Size, Weight, Controls)

All three handhelds are substantial devices, but there are key differences in how they feel to hold and use:

• Size & Weight: In terms of bulk, all are larger than a Nintendo Switch. The Lenovo Legion Go S weighs about 1.61 lbs (730 g) theverge.com, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is about 1.75 lbs (795 g) handheldsarena.com, and the Steam Deck OLED is roughly 1.47–1.52 lbs (~670 g) depending on model theverge.com theverge.com. Physically, the Lenovo and MSI have 8-inch screens, so they measure around 11.8 inches (30 cm) wide, whereas the Steam Deck is about 11.7 inches wide – very similar length across all. The Legion and Claw are a bit thicker (~23–24 mm) handheldsarena.com and heavier due to bigger batteries and components, making the Steam Deck the slightly more compact and light option of the three. In practice, you feel the Claw’s extra heft: it’s been called “chonky” and not very “ultra-portable” pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. The Legion Go S is also hefty, but Lenovo did a great job with its grip design, which mitigates the weight in hand theverge.com. All devices will strain arms during very long sessions, but Steam Deck is the easiest to handle for extended play simply by being ~50–130 g lighter and extremely well-balanced.
• Grip and Comfort: Valve’s Steam Deck has an ergonomic shape that set a high bar – its full-sized sculpted grips and controller layout are widely praised. Many find the Deck comfortable even for hours, thanks to its contoured back that fits natural hand positions. It also has two trackpads under the thumbs that allow mouse-like input; these add to the bulk but provide unique control options (more on that shortly). Lenovo Legion Go S actually refined its design compared to Lenovo’s first-gen model: “The new portable has some of the best-sculpted grips I’ve felt on a handheld,” writes The Verge theverge.com. The grips are nicely contoured to the palm, though the texture is smooth plastic, which can become a bit slippery if your hands sweat theverge.com. (Lenovo could have added a rougher matte finish for more friction.) Still, the layout of sticks, D-pad, and buttons on the Legion is standard and solid – everything is within easy reach and feels natural for those used to Xbox or PlayStation controllers techradar.com. MSI’s Claw 8 AI+ also improved over its predecessor: it features Hall-effect analog sticks (no drift) that are well-placed, and longer, more comfortable triggers and shoulder buttons than the earlier model pcgamer.com. PC Gamer notes the Claw gives “a sense of weight and quality” once in hand pcgamer.com, and “the triggers and shoulder buttons feel much improved”. However, they also mention that competitors (like the ROG Ally) “feel slightly more premium” in materials and button tolerance pcgamer.com pcgamer.com – the Claw’s buttons are great, just a notch less clicky/tight than the very best. The Claw also has two rear programmable buttons (paddles) and even a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello login handheldsarena.com.
• Controls & Features: All three devices have a broadly similar control set: dual analog sticks (the Deck and Claw use standard sticks, Legion and Claw are Hall-effect which means no drift and smooth movement), a D-pad, four face buttons, analog triggers (all have dual shoulder triggers L1/L2, R1/R2), and additional system buttons (Start/Select or menu buttons). Valve’s Steam Deck stands out by including two trackpads below the sticks – these are touch-sensitive pads that can be used for mouse control or customized inputs, benefiting genres like strategy or shooters for finer aiming. The trackpads have haptic feedback and are part of what makes the Deck feel like a “portable PC”. Neither the Legion Go S nor the Claw 8 AI+ has full trackpads. (The Legion S has a tiny laptop-style touchpad nub above the right stick, but it’s so small as to be “nearly useless” for cursor control theverge.com.) For most gaming uses, this isn’t a big loss, but it means the Deck still is uniquely versatile for certain PC-centric games. Button quality is high on all: Lenovo’s buttons are “precise and secure”, and its Hall-effect joysticks feel wonderfully smooth to rotate theverge.com. MSI’s sticks and buttons are also hall-effect and improved, though testers felt Asus’s ROG Ally had a slight edge in trigger feel over the Claw pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. Steam Deck’s sticks are traditional potentiometer type (no hall sensors), but Valve claims drift issues have been exceedingly rare theverge.com theverge.com. One might consider modding the Deck with third-party hall sticks (a popular community mod) if concerned, but out of the box all three offer reliable analog inputs.
• Other Design Elements: Each device has some extra buttons or features. The Steam Deck has four assignable back buttons (L4/L5 and R4/R5) for additional inputs – a boon for power users (you can map them to any key or macro). The Legion Go S does not have back paddles (the original Legion Go had detachable controllers and a different design, but the S is fixed and only has the usual buttons plus a rear “Lenovo” button that acts as a menu/back). The Claw 8 AI+ as mentioned includes 2 back buttons that are programmable. In terms of I/O: All have dual USB-C ports – Steam Deck and Legion (SteamOS model) support USB4/Thunderbolt, and Claw being Intel likely supports Thunderbolt 4, meaning you could attach peripherals or even an eGPU (though that defeats portability). All have a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot for storage expansion. Build materials: they’re predominantly high-quality plastic. The Claw comes in white (and black) variants handheldsarena.com, Legion S in a dark gray/black, Steam Deck in black (with a limited edition translucent white in late 2024). None of these are pocketable devices – you’ll need a small bag or large cargo pockets at least. Valve includes a carrying case with the Deck (both 512GB and 1TB models come with a case), which is a nice value add theverge.com. Lenovo and MSI may not include a case by default (check bundles), but third-party cases are available.

Expert take: Ergonomics are subjective, but the consensus is all three are fairly comfortable for their size. The Steam Deck is often considered the gold standard for handheld comfort, and Lenovo clearly learned from it – “built far better than the original… best-sculpted grips… [just a bit slippery]” is how The Verge describes the Legion Go S’s feel theverge.com. MSI’s Claw 8 AI+ is comfortable too, but size and weight make it a “heavyweight” – as PC Gamer puts it, you might “wonder whether you might leave it at home” rather than carry it everywhere pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. In terms of controls, experts appreciate Valve’s trackpads and back buttons for versatility, while also praising Lenovo and MSI for adopting Hall effect sticks to eliminate drift. The bottom line: Steam Deck is slightly lighter and very ergonomic; Legion S has great grips and standard controls; Claw is bulky but solid with excellent sticks/buttons. If you have smaller hands or prioritize comfort over long periods, Deck might be easiest to manage. If you want a more console-like controller feel with a big display, Legion and Claw deliver – just expect a workout if you play standing or handheld for hours on the Claw especially.

Software and OS Compatibility (SteamOS, Windows, Game Launchers)

One of the biggest differences between these devices is their operating systems and software environment:

• Steam Deck (OLED) runs SteamOS 3.0 (based on Arch Linux) by default. This is a Linux-based OS tailored by Valve for the Steam Deck’s hardware. It boots into the Steam Big Picture interface – essentially a console-like menu for your Steam library and the Steam Store. The OS is extremely user-friendly for Steam games: it seamlessly uses Valve’s Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games on Linux, with “Deck Verified” labels indicating how well games run out-of-the-box. Game compatibility on SteamOS is excellent – the vast majority of Steam titles (including many AAA games) run great without tinkering. That said, SteamOS can’t natively run games from other launchers (Epic, GOG, Ubisoft, etc.) without workarounds. The Deck community has tools like Lutris and the “Heroic” launcher to integrate those, or you can install Windows on the Deck if you prefer native multi-launcher support. But out of the box, SteamOS = Steam-only (mostly). The Deck also offers a Desktop Mode (a full Linux KDE desktop) if you want to use it as a PC; from there you can install apps, emulators, even Office suites. Many users love that the Deck is basically a PC under the hood – you can connect a keyboard/mouse in desktop mode and do almost anything a Linux PC can do. Updates: Valve frequently updates SteamOS with new features and fixes. For example, recent updates added per-game performance profiles, HDR support (for the OLED screen), and improved on-screen keyboard, etc. The Deck’s OS is open and moddable (community plugins via Decky Loader, etc.), giving it a thriving ecosystem of tweaks. In summary, SteamOS on Deck provides a console-like simplicity with PC flexibility. It’s great if you live in Steam, but a bit more effort if you use other services.
• Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows vs SteamOS): This is interesting because Lenovo offers (or plans) two OS choices. The initial Legion Go S units (like the one The Verge reviewed) shipped with Windows 11 Home. Windows gives you full compatibility with all PC games and launchers – you can install Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass for PC, EA App, etc., freely. However, Windows on a handheld has downsides: the interface isn’t made for a small touchscreen (Lenovo likely includes a launcher UI or you rely on Big Picture mode in Steam), and Windows background processes can impact performance and sleep behavior. In fact, The Verge strongly criticized the Windows experience, calling it “bloated” and noting many quirks (long update installs, random wake-from-sleep issues) that made it frustrating on a handheld theverge.com theverge.com. Because of this, Lenovo partnered with Valve to release an official SteamOS edition of the Legion Go S in 2025 theverge.com pcworld.com. This SteamOS version would make it effectively a “Steam Deck alternative” with Valve’s OS pre-installed – the first authorized third-party SteamOS handheld, available through retail channels like Best Buy pcworld.com. The SteamOS model is expected to be cheaper (no Windows license cost) and should alleviate the software headaches. Indeed, early testing with a SteamOS-like firmware (Bazzite) on the Legion S showed significant performance gains and better battery life vs Windows theverge.com. In TechRadar’s hands-on, the SteamOS Legion S was well-received, with the reviewer finding it easy to set up and navigate Steam’s interface, even as a newcomer techradar.com techradar.com. So, for software and OS: if you get a Windows Legion Go S, you have ultimate freedom (it’s just a mini Windows PC), but you might fight the OS at times on a tiny screen. If you get the SteamOS Legion Go S, you’ll have an experience very close to the Deck’s – smooth and gamer-centric, but limited mostly to Steam games unless you tinker with Flatpak apps or dual-boot Windows. Notably, Lenovo’s SteamOS partnership with Valve is a big deal: it suggests a future where you can buy a non-Valve handheld that still runs the friendly SteamOS out of the box pcworld.com.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Claw runs Windows 11 as its operating system (there is no Linux/SteamOS option from MSI). MSI does include its own software layer called “M-Center” for things like performance profiles, RGB, and the so-called “AI Engine” that adjusts power on the fly pcgamer.com. But otherwise, it’s standard Windows. This means excellent compatibility: any game from any launcher that a Windows 11 PC can run, the Claw can run. You can install Steam, Epic, Game Pass, emulators, mods, etc. with no special workarounds. The downside is, like with the Windows Legion, the OS isn’t designed for handheld use – you might need to use the touchscreen or controls to navigate the Windows UI, which can be clunky. Many handheld makers (Asus, Ayaneo, etc.) ship a launcher mode – MSI’s M-Center might have a basic game launcher interface, but as noted, it’s “pretty basic” and sometimes glitchy pcgamer.com. One can always just use Steam’s Big Picture mode on Windows to get a console-like UI. Tuning and drivers: Being Windows, you have access to tools like MSI Afterburner, etc., though on a handheld you’d typically rely on the built-in performance toggles. MSI’s drivers for the Intel chip are another consideration – Intel’s Arc GPU drivers have historically been quirky. PC Gamer did experience a “consistent quirk” in one game (Horizon Zero Dawn) likely due to drivers pcgamer.com pcgamer.com, but overall games ran without major issues on the Claw. As Intel refines its Arc GPU drivers, any improvements will directly benefit the Claw’s performance, which is a plus to the Windows approach (easy driver updates). Summing up, the Claw gives you the full Windows PC experience in handheld form – extremely powerful and flexible, but not as slick and integrated as something like SteamOS.

Expert take: There’s a clear divide: Steam Deck (SteamOS) vs. Windows handhelds. The Deck’s OS is loved for plug-and-play ease – it’s “careful to recommend closing games” and manage resources, and generally “traverse the entire system with ease” via gamepad inputs techradar.com. Experts often mention how pain-free the Deck is compared to Windows devices. On the flip side, Windows devices like the Claw or Windows Legion can simply run anything – no compatibility questions. The Verge’s Sean Hollister didn’t mince words on the Legion Go S’s Windows edition: “Windows is a stain on this machine.” He encountered unreliable sleep, background drain, and general OS friction theverge.com. His advice for those eyeing the SteamOS version was telling: “if you’re waiting for a $499 Legion Go S with SteamOS… just buy a $530 Steam Deck OLED instead.” theverge.com This underscores how mature and refined Valve’s software ecosystem is. Meanwhile, PCWorld noted that Lenovo’s SteamOS model will be the first time Valve’s platform hits retail stores, a potential game-changer to get SteamOS in more hands pcworld.com. For the MSI Claw, PC Gamer’s verdict didn’t complain much about Windows – aside from the minor MSI software hiccups, they were clearly focused on the performance, suggesting that the target buyer of Claw is comfortable tweaking a Windows machine. In conclusion, if you value a console-like, maintenance-free interface, SteamOS (Deck or Legion) is ideal. If you need absolute compatibility and don’t mind Windows quirks, the Claw (or Windows Legion) offers that, with the Claw in particular being a no-compromise Windows gaming PC in handheld form.

Cloud Gaming and Streaming Support

With local hardware only part of the story, how do these devices handle game streaming and cloud services?

All three devices have the necessary connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) to support cloud gaming and remote streaming. Here are the specifics and differences:

• Steam Deck (SteamOS): Steam Deck natively supports Steam Remote Play – you can stream games from your main PC to the Deck over your network, which works very well thanks to SteamOS integration. For cloud platforms like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or PlayStation Remote Play, the Deck can use either web apps or community solutions. Valve’s browser (or the Edge browser on Deck) can be set up for Xbox Cloud Gaming (Microsoft even published instructions for this). There are also Flatpak apps for things like GeForce Now or Moonlight (for streaming from a local PC using NVIDIA’s protocol). While not “built-in”, the Deck’s flexibility means you can configure all major streaming services. It just might require a bit of setup in desktop mode or using the Discover app store on SteamOS. Once configured, though, you can have icons for, say, Xbox Game Pass streaming or GeForce Now right in the SteamOS game menu. In terms of connectivity, the OLED Deck upgraded to Wi-Fi 6E (the original had Wi-Fi 5) theverge.com, giving it a robust wireless pipeline – helpful for high-bitrate streaming. Many users utilize the Deck as a portable Game Pass machine via cloud, and it works decently provided you have a good router and internet connection.
• Lenovo Legion Go S: If running Windows, the Legion S can directly install apps for Xbox Game Pass (Xbox app), GeForce Now, Steam Link, etc. Windows gives you the straightforward path: use the same clients or browsers you would on a PC. The Legion S hardware in both models supports at least Wi-Fi 6 (the spec lists Wi-Fi 6 for the SteamOS model) handheldsarena.com, which is plenty for streaming usage (though not the very latest Wi-Fi 7 like the Claw). With SteamOS, the Legion S would have similar capabilities as the Steam Deck – i.e. you’d use the SteamOS environment and could add cloud services via similar methods (Edge browser for xCloud, etc.). One advantage for the Windows version: it’s ready for Xbox Remote Play or Cloud via the Xbox app, which might be simpler to set up than on SteamOS. Additionally, SteamOS Legion S will naturally excel at Steam Remote Play (streaming your PC Steam games), since that’s baked in. In short, Legion S can be a great cloud client either way. There’s no special cloud feature unique to it, but being a PC, everything from Google Stadia (when it existed) to Shadow PC is accessible. Lenovo doesn’t have a proprietary cloud gaming service, so you rely on third parties.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Claw, with Windows 11 and top-notch connectivity, is well-suited for streaming. Notably, it has Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) support handheldsarena.com, meaning if you have a Wi-Fi 6E/7 router, it can achieve extremely fast and low-latency connections – beneficial for high-quality cloud gaming. (Wi-Fi 7 is bleeding edge in 2025, so that’s a bit of future-proofing by MSI.) With Windows, you can install the NVIDIA GeForce Now client, the Xbox app for Cloud Gaming, Steam Link (for local streaming), Moonlight or Sunshine (to stream from a gaming PC), etc. Bluetooth 5.4 on the Claw also means you can use Bluetooth headphones or controllers with minimal latency if streaming to a TV, for example handheldsarena.com. The Claw’s gorgeous 8″ screen makes it appealing for cloud gaming on the go – e.g., you could stream a game from your powerful desktop or from the cloud and enjoy it on that vibrant screen with no local performance hit. Essentially, the Claw will handle cloud gaming just like any high-end Windows PC – the limiting factor is your network, not the device. And given its Wi-Fi 7 capability, it has the edge in wireless tech among these three.

Use cases & expert notes: If your internet is fast, you could use a lower-end device purely as a cloud client – but in this lineup, all devices are quite powerful themselves. Still, some users may stream to save battery or play games beyond the device’s local capability (e.g., play Flight Simulator 2024 via xCloud). The Steam Deck’s community has embraced such use; guides exist to set up everything from Xbox Cloud to even running a PS5 via Remote Play on Deck. Experts haven’t flagged any of these devices as particularly better or worse for streaming – they all can do it. The main notes: Deck and Legion SteamOS require a bit of tinkering to set up non-Steam services, whereas Windows devices (Legion Windows & Claw) have the convenience of native apps. The connectivity spec is a differentiator: Claw’s Wi-Fi 7 is cutting-edge, Steam Deck’s Wi-Fi 6E is excellent, Legion’s Wi-Fi 6 is slightly older but still fine for all current cloud gaming needs. All support Bluetooth controllers, so you could even prop the device up and play with an external gamepad for comfort during streaming. No device here has built-in LTE/5G cellular, so mobile cloud gaming would require a hotspot/tethering to your phone or a mobile router. In summary, all three are fully capable cloud gaming machines; just expect a bit more setup on the Linux-based SteamOS side. And if streaming in public, you might appreciate the Claw’s stronger wireless or the Deck’s slightly smaller profile, but those are minor points.

Portability and Docking Capabilities

These handhelds can double as mini-consoles or even desktop PCs when connected to external displays and peripherals. Let’s examine portability and docking for each:

• Steam Deck: Valve designed the Deck with docking in mind. It has an official Docking Station (sold separately) that provides HDMI/DisplayPort outputs, USB ports, and Ethernet. When connected to a dock or any USB-C hub, the Steam Deck can output up to 4K@60Hz (or 1440p/120Hz) to a monitor/TV. In SteamOS, there’s a seamless transition to a “Desktop Mode” or you can just use Gaming Mode on the big screen (great for couch co-op or using it like a console). The Steam Deck’s UI works with controllers or its own input while docked. Docking uses USB-C alt-mode DisplayPort – the Deck OLED’s USB-C port is USB 3.2 with DisplayPort 1.4 support (and 45W charging). Practically, it’s very similar to a Nintendo Switch’s concept: plug it into a dock, continue playing on TV with a controller. Many users use the Deck as a travel PC – you can connect a keyboard, mouse, and even a USB-C monitor and have a full PC setup thanks to Desktop Linux mode. Portability: The Deck is the smallest/lightest of the three, but it’s still not a trivial thing to carry around casually. It does fit in a larger jacket pocket or a small sling bag, and Valve’s included hard case makes it easy to throw in a backpack. Because it’s slightly thinner and more curved, some find it slides into bags easier than the boxier competitors. Overall, the Deck is the most portable here, albeit “portable” in the context of powerful PC gaming handhelds.
• Lenovo Legion Go S: The Legion Go S also supports docking through its dual USB-C ports (USB4 on at least one port) handheldsarena.com. This means you can connect hubs or adapters to output video (very likely up to 4K as well, since USB4/Thunderbolt can handle multiple displays). Running Windows (for that version), it behaves like a normal PC when docked – you might connect it to a monitor, and it will extend or mirror display. You could use it as a mini desktop, connecting a Bluetooth or USB keyboard/mouse. Lenovo doesn’t yet have a fancy official dock like Valve’s, but any third-party USB-C hub works. For the SteamOS variant, it would function akin to the Deck: you could dock and either use SteamOS interface or Linux desktop on a bigger screen. Portability: The Legion S is slightly bigger and heavier than the Deck. It might be a bit more cumbersome in a small bag, but it’s still a handheld you can carry in a case. Notably, Lenovo’s earlier Legion Go (non-S) had detachable controllers and even an optional AR glasses display mode – the Legion S forgoes those, simplifying things, but it does include a foldable kickstand (cardboard piece) in the box according to TechRadar techradar.com. This implies you can stand it on a table for multiplayer or docked use, which is neat. Still, due to its weight, the Legion S is not something you’d put in a pants pocket. It’s best carried in a case or backpack. For docking, one cool aspect is the Legion’s USB4 support – in theory, you could connect an external GPU (eGPU) and use it as a proper desktop gaming PC with a full graphics card. That is an expensive and niche idea, but the bandwidth is there via USB4/Thunderbolt on Legion (and likely on Claw too). In summary, the Legion S is dock-friendly and can act as a SteamOS console or Windows PC when connected, but you’ll need to source your own hub/dock.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Claw likewise has dual USB-C ports, presumably Thunderbolt 4 (given the Intel platform) or at least USB-C with DP output. So it can definitely connect to external displays. In fact, with its powerful CPU, the Claw could drive high resolution monitors in desktop usage easily. You could set it up at a desk with a monitor, keyboard, and essentially use it as a small form factor PC. Docking: MSI doesn’t have a dedicated dock, but any Thunderbolt/USB-C dock can turn the Claw into a workstation. For example, you can hook it to a TV to play games on a big screen. Windows 11 will treat it like any laptop plugged into a monitor – you may want to set scaling etc., but it will work. Portability: The Claw 8 AI+ is the least portable by virtue of size and weight. It’s heavier (nearly 800g) and physically large. It’s kind of like carrying an iPad Mini-sized device but thicker and much heavier. While it’s fine in a backpack, you’ll definitely notice the heft if you carry it around all day. As PC Gamer humorously noted, the Claw is so big that “slinging it in your backpack requires no consideration [for the Ally], whereas the Claw is big enough to make you wonder if you might leave it at home” pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. That said, it’s still a “portable” compared to a gaming laptop – it’s smaller than even a 13-inch laptop, so for what it is, it’s compact. Just don’t expect to casually tote it everywhere without a proper case or bag. The Claw also has some RGB lighting (around the sticks) which is purely cosmetic but gives it a fun “gamer” aesthetic – not relevant to docking, but a design flair.

Expert take: Valve’s Steam Deck is often praised for how easily it docks and transitions to big-screen play – it’s basically a Switch-like concept but for PC games. The official dock and community support make it a breeze. The others, being Windows PCs, can certainly dock but lack that seamless console-style UI when on TV (unless you manually use Steam’s Big Picture). If your goal is to use the handheld as a home console occasionally, the Deck or SteamOS Legion might provide a smoother experience with couch-friendly interfaces. In terms of portability, experts and users have found that even a few hundred grams difference matters: the Claw’s extra weight can tire you out faster, and it’s generally less convenient to lug around pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. The Deck, while not light, hit a sweet spot where it’s manageable, and the Legion sits between the two. All come with or have available protective cases, which are highly recommended for travel. None of these are what you’d call “pocketable” or ultra-portable in the way a smartphone or even a Nintendo Switch Lite is – they are more akin to carrying a small notebook or tablet. So, for true portability (say, playing on the subway daily), some might find them a bit hefty; but for taking to a friend’s house or on a trip, they are much easier than carrying a full laptop/console. If docking into a full desktop setup, note that Steam Deck (Linux) and Windows handle external displays differently – Windows will give you multi-monitor support and so on, while SteamOS Deck will mirror or swap into desktop mode. Each can be useful depending on whether you’re trying to do productivity on it or just game on a TV. In conclusion, all three can dock, but Steam Deck is the most turnkey for TV gaming, and in portability, it also edges out as the most convenient to carry around.

Price and Value for Money

When evaluating these devices, cost vs. what you get is a major factor:

• Lenovo Legion Go S: The Windows 11 version launched at $729.99 (USD) for 512GB in early 2025 theverge.com theverge.com. This pricing was widely seen as poor value given the Legion S’s underpowered chip. The Verge flatly stated, “I am comfortable saying no one should buy the Windows version… at $730”, citing that performance, battery life, and Windows quirks made it a bad deal theverge.com. However, Lenovo’s plan to release a SteamOS model at around $499 (possibly with a smaller SSD) changes the equation theverge.com theverge.com. At ~$499, the Legion Go S would undercut the Steam Deck’s 512GB model while offering a bigger 8″ screen and VRR. That could be compelling if the SteamOS version fixes the efficiency issues. Still, right now (mid-2025), the Legion Go S isn’t a clear value winner. It sits in a tough spot: cheaper than some high-end competitors but delivering worse performance than the cheaper Steam Deck. On the positive side, it does include premium features (120Hz screen, Hall sticks, 512GB SSD standard) that justify some cost. If Lenovo discounts it (there have been sales around $600), it becomes more reasonable. Value summary: At MSRP, the Windows Legion S is hard to recommend – you pay console/PC money for sub-Deck performance theverge.com. The forthcoming SteamOS $499 Legion S might be a decent budget Steam Deck alternative, but experts like Hollister suggest you’re still better off spending slightly more on the Steam Deck OLED theverge.com.
• Valve Steam Deck (OLED): The Steam Deck OLED’s pricing is $549 for 512GB and $649 for 1TB theverge.com. (Valve actually dropped the old 64GB base model; now the entry $399 buys a 256GB LCD Deck, but not the OLED. Essentially, $549 is the entry for OLED.) In terms of value, the Deck is often considered the best bang for your buck in handheld gaming. For $549, you get a well-balanced device with an incredible screen and a huge library of compatible games. It’s not the cheapest handheld ever, but for the quality and support you get, many say it’s worth every penny. Valve also continues to update it and hasn’t increased the price despite the OLED upgrades. Additionally, the Deck’s popularity means lots of community support, accessories, and resale value. Compared to others: the Deck is far cheaper than the MSI Claw, a bit cheaper (or similar) to the Legion Windows model, and enormously cheaper than boutique devices like Aya Neo. If pure performance per dollar is your metric, the Deck might lose to, say, the Asus ROG Ally (often on sale around $600 with a much faster chip). However, the overall package value – including software, ecosystem, and build – keeps the Deck on top. PCWorld reported that as of early 2025, the Deck has dominated sales (roughly ~5 million units sold vs <1m for any competitor) pcworld.com, showing that many consumers saw it as the value choice. Valve also often does limited promos (the white OLED limited edition, etc.). In short, the Steam Deck OLED is widely regarded as a great value, giving you almost console-like pricing for a full PC handheld experience.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Claw 8 AI+ is priced around $899–$999 for the configurations tested pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. The model reviewed by PC Gamer was $900/£899 for 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD pcgamer.com. That’s a lot of money, but in the realm of high-end handheld PCs, it’s actually competitive. Many devices with similar specs (e.g., OneXPlayer, AyaNeo models) often cost well above $1,000. PC Gamer explicitly notes that the Claw “for $900… strikes as downright reasonable for what you end up receiving”, given that the fastest competitor was $1,339 pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. So, value-for-money at the high end: the Claw is expensive absolutely, but relative to peers, it’s a good deal. You’re paying a premium to get top performance, big battery, and a loaded spec sheet. It’s not for budget-minded gamers – it’s for enthusiasts willing to pay extra to surpass the Steam Deck/Ally class of performance. For those folks, spending ~$900 on essentially a mini gaming PC might be justified. MSI’s build quality also improved, giving more confidence in the purchase than, say, some crowdfunded boutique devices. One more angle: at $900, one could also buy a decent gaming laptop or a last-gen desktop + a Steam Deck. So the Claw is a niche value – it’s about shrinking a powerful PC into handheld form, and you pay for that engineering. But if that’s what you want, the Claw delivers in spades. PC Gamer even pondered if it should dethrone the ROG Ally X as their top recommendation – ultimately saying the Ally’s $800 price and refinement made it slightly a better overall pick for most pcgamer.com. They concluded, though, that if you “don’t mind paying $100 more for sheer raw power and a big screen… yep, that’s the Claw.” pcgamer.com. So the Claw gives you noticeably more for a bit more cash.

Expert take: The general sentiment: Steam Deck offers the best value for most people, combining moderate price with an excellent user experience and support theverge.com. The Legion Go S in its current form is viewed as overpriced – “wrong price, wrong guts” was The Verge’s tagline theverge.com, and they weren’t alone in that feeling. Unless its price drops or the SteamOS model proves itself, it’s not a value leader. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a “premium priced, premium performance” product, and experts think it’s actually worth the cost if you demand the best pcgamer.com pcgamer.com. It’s just that not everyone needs what it offers. To put it simply: Deck = value king, Legion S = wait for a sale (or different model), Claw = expensive but justified for enthusiasts. It’s worth noting that the handheld market is evolving; Asus’s ROG Ally (not in our main comparison) often goes on sale around $600 and offers performance between Deck and Claw. That means competition is driving prices down. We’ve already seen Legion S on sale and we might see MSI adjust pricing or bundle deals. But at list prices, if you have ~$550 – the Steam Deck OLED is a solid purchase theverge.com. If you have $900 and want the absolute beast, the Claw won’t disappoint for the money pcgamer.com.

Community and Modding Support

One often overlooked aspect is the community and modding scene around these devices, which can significantly enhance their longevity and capabilities:

• Steam Deck: Since its launch, the Steam Deck has fostered a massive community. With millions sold pcworld.com, there are thriving Reddit communities, Discord servers, and forums (official and unofficial) dedicated to the Deck. Valve has embraced this, providing repair guides and even partnering with iFixit to sell official replacement parts (thumbsticks, batteries, screens, etc.). So the Deck is highly repairable and mod-friendly. Popular mods include upgrading the SSD (many users swap in a 1TB or 2TB M.2 2230 SSD), replacing the analog sticks with Hall effect joystick modules (third-party kits from GuliKit eliminate any future drift), custom shells (translucent or colored cases), and even joystick cap replacements or trackpad skins. Because Valve’s design is open, you’ll find custom firmware, plugins (the Decky Loader plugin ecosystem allows all sorts of OS UI mods and new features), and community software like EmuDeck (one-click retro emulation setup). The SteamOS being Linux-based also invites tinkering – people install different Linux distros or dual-boot Windows, or experiment with custom power tools. It’s telling that you can find countless YouTube videos and guides on “10 Essential Steam Deck Mods”. Additionally, the community has created per-game optimization settings and shared them on sites like Steam Deck HQ. Accessory modding is big too: from magnetic mounts to alternative cooling solutions (some have modded additional heat sinks or thermal pads to slightly improve temps). Valve’s inclusive approach (not voiding warranty for opening it up, etc.) means the Deck has quickly become the “hacker’s handheld” as well as a mainstream device.
• Lenovo Legion Go S: Being newer, the Legion Go S has a smaller community, but it’s growing. Enthusiasts on forums like Reddit’s r/Handhelds or Discord have been experimenting with it – for instance, installing Bazzite (a community SteamOS build) as The Verge did, to mimic Steam Deck software theverge.com. There’s interest in seeing how the SteamOS official version runs and possibly extracting that for other devices. In terms of hardware modding: the Legion S uses standard M.2 2242 SSDs, which are upgradeable (Lenovo might allow end-user upgrades without much hassle). Replacement parts aren’t as readily available as Valve’s (since it’s not as open), but basic things like SSD, maybe battery, could be sourced. Because it’s partly an official SteamOS device (in one variant), Valve fans are keeping an eye on it. If it becomes popular, we could see more community support. However, given its lukewarm reception so far, the community is cautious. You won’t yet find the same volume of mods or guides as the Deck. There are a few YouTube channels covering it, and as a Windows device, general Windows handheld tips apply (like using AutoHotkey to fix controller deadzones, etc.). One potential advantage: If the Legion S SteamOS model takes off, it could validate a broader ecosystem of SteamOS devices, meaning modders might make cross-device tweaks (e.g., a tool that lets you easily swap between SteamOS and Windows on the Legion). As of now, though, the Legion is more in the shadows compared to the Deck’s spotlight. The best “mod” one could do is likely to install SteamOS (once available) on the Windows unit to improve it – which is exactly what many early adopters talk about.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Claw is also relatively niche, but since it’s an evolution of an earlier product, it has some community. There’s an r/MSIClaw subreddit where owners share tips (one thread: “first 24 hours, tweaks until failure” suggests people pushing it hard) reddit.com. Being a high-end device, its user base might be smaller but very enthusiastic. They are likely to discuss things like undervolting the Intel chip for even better efficiency, or tweaking the “AI Engine” settings. Hardware modding isn’t common (it already has hall sticks, etc. so fewer obvious upgrades needed). If anything, someone might attempt a battery expansion mod (though 80 Wh is already huge) or cooling mods, but that’s speculative. MSI hasn’t explicitly advertised repairability – it’s likely more complex to open than the Deck. Still, PC Gamer noted it uses machine screws and has a solid build, so disassembly is possible. Windows tinkering: The Claw, having Windows, can run community tools made for other handhelds (for example, Handheld Control Panel or fan control utilities). The Intel platform might not have as many existing tools as AMD’s (which have the likes of ASUS Armoury Crate, etc., but those are device-specific). Over time, if Intel’s handheld presence grows, more community software may appear. Right now, the Claw is somewhat unique, so owners are in “discover and share” mode – expect posts about optimal TDP settings, game performance screenshots, etc. The fact that PC Gamer could compare it to OneXFly and Ally suggests data is being shared. Modding summary for Claw: a dedicated but smaller enthusiast base, mostly focusing on software/OS tweaks. And since it’s expensive, fewer people will take risky mods like drilling vents or such.

Community resources: All three benefit from the general handheld PC community’s rise. Websites like Handhelds Arena track specs handheldsarena.com, YouTubers (e.g., ETA Prime, Linus Tech Tips) do content on them (LTT did cover the original Steam Deck extensively, and likely will look at these newer ones), and there are Discords for tweaking performance per game. The Steam Deck’s community remains the largest, which indirectly helps others too (e.g., discoveries about Proton or game optimization often apply across devices).

Expert take: A strong community can extend a device’s life and enjoyment. Here, Valve’s Steam Deck is the clear winner – experts often cite how the Deck became more than a device, it’s a platform that people tinker with and improve collectively. The open-source ethos (SteamOS, etc.) fuels that. Lenovo’s effort to join that ecosystem with the Legion Go S SteamOS could bring some of that community love over, but it might take time. MSI’s focus is on delivering a top product; community support is more of a bonus for them. If you’re the kind of user who loves to mod, customize, and upgrade, the Steam Deck provides the most pathways (from sanctioned repairs to wild DIY mods). For example, one Redditor famously fit the Deck’s internals into a new shell or added cooling – these stories circulate widely. We don’t yet see “I transplanted a Claw 8 into a new case” posts (and likely never will in that volume). The Verge’s advice encapsulates a bit of this: they implied if you’re waiting for Legion’s SteamOS, you might just go with the established Steam Deck community device theverge.com. That said, with all these devices being x86 PCs, the modding and hacking potential is inherently high for all – it’s more a question of how many others are doing the same to share the journey. In conclusion, Steam Deck has unrivaled community and mod support, Legion Go S is emerging (especially if SteamOS variant grows its audience), and MSI Claw’s community is smaller but passionate, befitting its enthusiast nature.

Known Issues and Recent Updates

No device is perfect – let’s cover any notable issues users or reviewers have encountered, and the latest firmware/software updates addressing them:

• Steam Deck (OLED) issues & updates: The Steam Deck had the advantage of a year+ of community feedback before the OLED model, so many kinks were ironed out. The OLED units so far have had no major widespread hardware issues reported. One concern with OLED is burn-in; Valve’s engineers stated they chose a durable OLED and did extensive burn-in testing (and Valve’s warranty would cover defective burn-in) theverge.com. Software-wise, Valve released SteamOS 3.5 around the OLED launch, which added support for the new screen’s HDR and colors, adjusted fan curves (which might have further reduced noise), and allowed fine tuning of color vibrancy for users. Known issues that have popped up: a few people noted minor black smearing (common on OLED when near-black pixels transition – Valve added an OS toggle to adjust black saturation to mitigate this). Another improvement in updates: the wake-from-sleep has been refined (original Deck had occasional issues with sleep mode in early days; those are largely fixed now). Valve has also addressed SD card speed issues and other minor bugs via updates. No serious firmware recalls or anything of that sort has happened with the OLED model. Contrast that to some Windows competitors that needed day-1 patches for stability – the Deck’s software is pretty mature now. The last notable update Valve mentioned is that they’re not doing frequent hardware refreshes; the OLED is the “last Steam Deck 1” and future Deck 2 is a couple years out, focusing on a big performance jump theverge.com. So current buyers can feel comfortable that the device will be supported for a while and not immediately obsoleted. In summary, the Steam Deck OLED is stable and well-supported. Minor issues like joystick drift haven’t emerged (and Valve’s stance is they hardly see any drift reports, justifying not switching to hall sticks yet) theverge.com. If anything, a common “issue” raised is simply wanting even more performance – which is not a flaw per se, just the natural limitation of the hardware that Valve openly acknowledges.
• Lenovo Legion Go S issues & updates: The Windows version of the Legion S, as covered, had several issues: poor power management (device not reliably sleeping, causing overnight battery drain and heat) theverge.com, inconsistent drivers at launch (initial GPU drivers gave worse performance; a later update improved it slightly theverge.com), and some reports of the trackpad being practically unusable (which is by design – it’s just too small). Also, Windows 11’s first-run experience with endless updates was an annoyance out of the box theverge.com. On the hardware side, not many build quality issues were reported – it seems solidly built, no joystick problems thanks to hall effect, and buttons are fine. Thermals and fan were actually strong (no thermal throttling until hitting TDP limits). Recent updates: Lenovo likely pushed firmware or BIOS updates to address the sleep issue (since that’s a common problem on many Windows handhelds, sometimes resolved via BIOS settings). The big “update” everyone is waiting for is the official SteamOS release for Legion Go S. If it arrives as planned (the Verge mentioned May 2025 as a timeframe) theverge.com, that could be a game-changer, essentially “fixing” a lot of the Windows version’s complaints by removing Windows. We might see that model ship with SteamOS 3.x and a specialized driver package for the Z2 Go APU. Another known issue: performance is below expectations (not a bug, but a design shortcoming). No software update can fully fix that since it’s the chip’s limitation. However, the community did find that using Linux/SteamOS yields ~16% better frame rates on average theverge.com – which is why Lenovo’s pivot to SteamOS is important. There were no known issues with things like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on it; those seemed standard. One could say “Windows is the issue” for the Legion S, and indeed that’s echoed by reviewers theverge.com. If that’s solved, the remaining gripe is just that it’s underpowered for the price. Lenovo may also introduce a higher-end model (rumors of a Legion Go 2 with a new chip have circulated tomsguide.com techradar.com, possibly called Z2 Extreme) – that would address performance but is a future product. So right now, potential buyers should be aware of the Windows unit’s quirks (which likely require manual fixes like disabling quick startup to help sleep, etc.) and the fact that a better software solution (SteamOS) is either imminent or just launched. On updates: because Legion S is a PC, drivers for GPU come from AMD; any improvements AMD makes to its APU driver could help slightly. And Windows updates could improve efficiency in future. But these are uncertain.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+ issues & updates: The Claw 8 being an Intel-based device means initial concerns about driver maturity. PC Gamer did hit an odd performance quirk in one game (likely an Intel graphics driver issue) pcgamer.com pcgamer.com, but they noted all tested games ran without major problems. Early adopters might encounter some incompatibilities or need to update to the latest Intel ARC driver frequently as Intel optimizes. The Claw’s predecessor had a “prototype” feel with some rough edges – MSI clearly improved build quality this time, but one con the review mentioned was MSI’s software having occasional issues (the AI Engine messing up a benchmark) pcgamer.com. This suggests that a future firmware or software update might refine the AI tuning feature or the fan curve logic. As for hardware issues: nothing glaring has been reported. Hall sticks mean no drift complaints. The large battery is great, though batteries that size can wear – but that’s a long-term concern. If anything, one might joke the “issue” is it’s a bit unwieldy (which isn’t fixable via updates). Being a premium device, MSI will likely release BIOS/EC firmware updates if any users find bugs (e.g., battery calibration, USB issues, etc.). We should mention one known limitation: the Claw has only integrated graphics, so heavy ray tracing or VR are off the table (but that’s understood in this segment). On the update front, since it’s Windows, normal Windows Update will handle Intel driver updates unless MSI packages them. Intel’s ARC Control software can be installed to manage GPU settings; sometimes early ARC drivers have frequent updates to address new game support. Community feedback after launch has been positive, with few complaints beyond what reviews noted. So the Claw appears to be a well-executed device with minor software annoyances that can be managed or likely patched.

TL;DR of issues:

• Steam Deck OLED: minor OLED concerns (burn-in mitigations in place), otherwise very polished; Valve’s constant OS updates keep improving it.
• Legion Go S: Windows model suffers from poor standby, lower perf – essentially solved by moving to SteamOS (incoming); initial driver issues improved with updates but underlying APU perf is still weak. Make sure to update to latest BIOS/drivers if you get one.
• MSI Claw 8: Great hardware, just watch for the occasional Intel driver quirk or MSI software hiccup; keep drivers updated for best results. No major hardware faults noted.

Expert take: The Verge’s scathing line “Windows is a stain on this machine” theverge.com is probably the most quoted “issue” of the Legion Go S, and indeed other reviewers echoed that sentiment. The fix, in their view, is the SteamOS version (or simply buying a Steam Deck instead). For the Deck, experts emphasize how well-supported it’s been – one PCWorld piece highlighted Valve’s “multiple millions” sold and how the Deck remains the market leader in part due to Valve’s support and the device’s reliability pcworld.com. MSI’s Claw impressed reviewers by being a huge improvement over the buggy first-gen – “a massive improvement on its predecessor” in build and stability pcgamer.com. So while no device is issue-free, Valve’s and MSI’s latest seem to have only minor niggles, whereas Lenovo’s has a fundamental OS/power issue that is being addressed by a platform switch. It will be interesting to see if in a few months the Legion Go S SteamOS gets a second round of reviews perhaps titled “redemption?”. Until then, it sits with an asterisk.

Availability and Sales Performance

Finally, how are these devices faring in the market, and how easy are they to get?

• Steam Deck (OLED) Availability: Valve sells the Steam Deck (including the OLED model) through its own storefront (Steam) and a few partners. As of 2025, the Deck is widely available in North America, Europe, and some Asian regions. After initial reservation queues in 2022, Valve caught up with demand, and one can typically order a Deck and get it shipped within days. The OLED models launched in Nov 2023 with some excitement, but by now stock is stable. Valve even introduced a limited edition (transparent white model) which was a timed sale store.steampowered.com. Retail presence: Valve hasn’t put the Deck broadly in brick-and-mortar stores (aside from a limited trial at GameStop and some in Asia). However, interestingly, the Lenovo partnership means a SteamOS device (Legion Go S) reached Best Buy stores pcworld.com. Valve’s own sales of the Deck are robust – estimates put Steam Deck sales at around 4–5 million units by end of 2024 pcworld.com. This means it massively outsold any competitors (accounting for roughly 70–80% of the 6 million handheld PC market) pcworld.com pcworld.com. It’s by far the most successful device in this category so far. This large user base not only speaks to its popularity but also ensures continued accessory and game optimization support. In terms of future availability, Valve has signaled that the current Deck will remain the main model for at least a couple of years theverge.com, so there’s no fear of it being discontinued soon. Sales performance: The Deck is considered a “smash hit” by Valve’s own admission pcworld.com, though of course, it’s a niche compared to mainstream consoles. It’s not uncommon to hear developers mention Deck-specific considerations or see games labeled “Verified on Deck” as a selling point – evidence of its market impact.
• Lenovo Legion Go S Availability: The Legion Go S (Windows version) launched in limited regions – notably the US (via Best Buy) and possibly select markets in Europe/Asia through Lenovo’s website. It’s not as omnipresent as the Steam Deck. For example, as of spring 2025, if you walked into a typical electronics store, you’re unlikely to see a Legion Go S on shelves unless it’s a Best Buy that decided to stock it. The listing on Lenovo’s site shows at times “temporarily unavailable” or “coming soon” (especially for the SteamOS variant) lenovo.com, implying some supply constraints or a staggered rollout. Being a fairly new device, Lenovo might be gauging demand. SteamOS variant availability: It launched around May 2025 at $599 according to TechRadar techradar.com. That model being the “first third-party SteamOS handheld in retail” likely is a Best Buy exclusive initially in the US pcworld.com. It might expand if successful. As for sales, since it’s so new, no concrete figures. However, given the critical reviews of the Windows model, it probably didn’t sell in huge numbers out of the gate. IDC’s 6 million figure by end of 2024 included some “Lenovo Legion Go” (possibly counting the earlier Windows Legion Go and maybe projecting the Go S) pcworld.com. If the SteamOS version performs well and gets positive buzz, Lenovo could move a decent volume, potentially eating into some portion of Deck’s market for those who want an 8” screen on a budget. But it remains to be seen. Right now, Legion Go S is available but not ubiquitous – you may have to order it online rather than find it in every local shop.
• MSI Claw 8 AI+ Availability: The Claw 8 AI+ is a premium device and not aimed at mass retail. MSI sells it through its own online store and specialized retailers (Newegg, Amazon, etc.). It’s likely not on a typical store shelf due to its price and enthusiast nature. At Computex 2024, it was showcased, and since then it’s been on sale in regions like the US and Europe. Availability is relatively limited: you might see only one or two SKUs (e.g., the 32GB/1TB model) listed on major e-commerce sites. It’s a niche product, so MSI is probably doing smaller production runs. Sales performance: Being expensive, its sales volume will be far lower than Steam Deck or even ROG Ally. Perhaps MSI’s first gen Claw was in the tens of thousands sold at most – the second gen might do better if word of mouth is good, but it will still be a tiny slice of the handheld market. IDC included “MSI Claw (ditto)” in the combined sales but likely that number is quite small pcworld.com. However, MSI is a known brand among PC enthusiasts, so they might attract some high-end buyers who skip the lesser-known Ayaneos in favor of MSI’s offering. Essentially, the Claw is available for those who seek it, but you won’t accidentally stumble on it at Walmart.

Trends and context: The overall handheld PC sector was healthy enough that Asus, Lenovo, MSI, etc., all jumped in after the Deck proved the demand. IDC projected around 2 million handheld PC sales in 2025, slightly slower growth pcgamer.com, indicating a niche market but stable. Valve still likely leads that in 2025 with the Deck. The Legion Go S’s Best Buy presence is notable – it’s an attempt to bring PC handhelds to mainstream retail. If that succeeds, more such partnerships could follow (imagine Asus or MSI also getting shelf space for handhelds). For now, though, Steam Deck is by far the most “available” in the sense of being widely in hands of gamers (though ironically it’s mostly via online orders). The others serve smaller segments: Legion targeting Deck with an alternative, MSI targeting the high-end enthusiast.

Expert take: A PC Gamer news piece noted “Valve’s Steam Deck is still by far the leader” and cited forecasts that in 2025 the Deck, Ally, Legion, etc., will sell nearly 2 million combined pcgamer.com, implying the Deck itself is expected to comprise a large chunk of that. Analysts at IDC consider the Deck to be outselling others by a wide margin pcworld.com. Valve’s own phrasing “multiple millions” sold (as of late 2023) shows it’s well ahead pcworld.com. Meanwhile, Lenovo having to partner with Valve is seen as a smart move to boost the appeal of their device pcworld.com. As for MSI, even tech journalists were somewhat surprised/impressed that a second-gen Claw came so soon and so improved – it’s a sign MSI is committed to this space. Ultimately, for consumers: Steam Deck is easiest to get and has a proven track record. Legion Go S might be a bit harder to find depending on region (and you might want to wait for that SteamOS version). MSI Claw is a specialty purchase – available online if you’re intentionally seeking the ultimate handheld. Each device’s sales reflect that positioning: Deck = mass market for PC gamers, Legion = trying to break into that mass market via retail, Claw = catering to a high-end subset.

In summary, each of these handheld gaming PCs has its own strengths:

• The Steam Deck OLED offers a well-rounded, consumer-friendly experience with a gorgeous screen, huge community, and great value theverge.com theverge.com.
• The Lenovo Legion Go S pushes innovation with its 8″ 120Hz display and official SteamOS option, but is held back by a weaker chip – it’s a work in progress that could shine with further refinement theverge.com theverge.com.
• The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the “big bruiser” that delivers top-tier performance and battery for those willing to pay a premium pcgamer.com pcgamer.com.

Each serves a slightly different audience, from Valve’s mainstream PC console gamers to Lenovo’s hopeful Deck-converts to MSI’s hardcore enthusiasts. The good news is that the handheld PC space is vibrant in 2025, giving gamers more choices than ever to play AAA and indie titles on the go. As one reviewer put it, “It’s not just better than [what came before] — it’s easily one of the best handhelds I’ve used to date.” pcgamer.com In the end, the “best” device depends on your priorities, but now you have the full picture to make that call. Happy gaming, wherever you go!

Sources:

• The Verge – Steam Deck OLED announcement and Lenovo Legion Go S review theverge.com theverge.com theverge.com
• PC Gamer – MSI Claw 8 AI+ review and verdict pcgamer.com pcgamer.com
• TechRadar – Hands-on with Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) techradar.com techradar.com
• PCWorld – Handheld market sales data and SteamOS Legion news pcworld.com pcworld.com