In 2025, handheld gaming isn’t just for retro fans—it’s reaching PC-grade performance levels. Among the contenders, two devices stand out for sheer raw power:
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Asus ROG Ally X
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MSI Claw A8
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ROG Xbox Ally X (upcoming)
🔹 Asus ROG Ally X — The Windows Powerhorse
The ROG Ally X, a premium handheld, is a performance beast:
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24 GB LPDDR5X RAM, a huge leap from the original Ally’s 16 GB
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1 TB SSD and improved cooling ensure fast load times and stable performance edition.cnn.com+12pcgamesn.com+12tomsguide.com+12en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3tomsguide.com+3indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2indiatimes.com+2reddit.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2tomsguide.com+1reddit.com+1
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Benchmarks show it outperforms the ROG Ally and rivals the Steam Deck in sustained performance
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Marketing reviews say it's “the best Windows gaming handheld by a mile” theverge.com
👉 Handles modern AAA titles (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077) at stable frame rates.
🧩 MSI Claw A8 — Premium With Cutting-Edge Specs
The MSI Claw A8 is another top-tier handheld:
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Features AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, 24 GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD handheldspace.com.au+13tomsguide.com+13windowscentral.com+13
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Comes with an 8" 120 Hz FHD+ display and a massive 80 Wh battery en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3reddit.com+3
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Demonstrated exceptional performance—running Lies of P at 100 fps, outperforming the ROG Ally reddit.com+13tomsguide.com+13windowscentral.com+13
A true competitor that crafts the top performance crown through hardware and display finesse.
🌀 ROG Xbox Ally X — Power Meets Integration (Coming Late 2025)
Microsoft and Asus are launching the ROG Xbox Ally X, a bona fide high-end handheld:
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Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU, 24 GB RAM, up to 1TB SSD, 7″ 1080p 120 Hz screen ft.com+15tomsguide.com+15thescottishsun.co.uk+15techadvisor.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15indiatimes.com+15
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Integrates Xbox Game Pass, Windows gaming, Steam, and emulator support indiatimes.com
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Priced from €599 (base) to €899 (premium) with worldwide launch planned October 2025 indiatimes.com
This will likely top the charts as the most powerful and versatile handheld yet.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Device | CPU & RAM | Display | Battery & Storage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROG Ally X | Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 24 GB | 7″ IPS 120 Hz | 1 TB SSD, 80 Wh | Best all-rounder, outstanding benchmarks (theverge.com, pcgamesn.com, tomsguide.com) |
| MSI Claw A8 | Ryzen Z2 Extreme, 24 GB | 8″ FHD+ 120 Hz | 1 TB SSD, 80 Wh | Highest fps in modern games |
| ROG Xbox Ally X | Ryzen Z2 Extreme, 24 GB | 7″ 1080p 120 Hz | Up to 1 TB SSD | Game Pass + Windows + streaming |
🏆 So, Which Is the Most Powerful?
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Today: The ROG Ally X is the top performer in the current generation.
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Best-in-class: The MSI Claw A8 matches or exceeds Ally X in real-world usage.
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Coming Soon: The ROG Xbox Ally X will likely claim undisputed power and versatility with game streaming and PC gaming all in one.
🎯 Ideal For Whom?
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Performance seekers: ROG Ally X or MSI Claw A8
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Xbox fans & Game Pass users: Wait for ROG Xbox Ally X
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Portable console lovers: Check GameLoopX’s retro handhelds (for nostalgia)
✅ Final Take:
If you're chasing raw portable power, go for ROG Ally X or MSI Claw A8 now. But if you want a true console experience with PC and Xbox integration, ROG Xbox Ally X (Q4 2025) is the future.
Curious about retro handhelds or accessories that pair well with these devices? Explore our catalog:
👉 Handheld Game Consoles – GameLoopX
👉 Game Controllers & Accessories