### MSI Teases Future Gaming Handheld Announcements Including a Possible ONEXPLAYER Rival
The gaming handheld market has seen significant growth over the past few years with various companies like ASUS, Lenovo, AYANEO, GPD, and One-Netbook stepping into the arena. With the rise of devices like the Steam Deck paving the way for high-performance gaming on the go, the anticipation for new entries is high.
MSI, a company known for its gaming hardware, has announced it is catching up in this market segment. At Computex 2024, the company presented the Claw 8 AI+ ‘A2VM’ and Claw A1M Fallout Special Edition model, teasing the audience with yet-to-come devices. Notably, MSI is now signaling the release of future products, which include a new 7-inch model, details of which have been discussed separately.
During an interaction, Cliff Chun, MSI’s System Product Management Director, revealed the brand’s roadmap which includes product launches for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026. While Chun was cautious not to divulge too much information, he did suggest that despite their previous reluctance, MSI may have AMD-powered gaming handhelds as early as the latter quarters of 2024.
Chun also shed light on MSI’s approach to form factor, stating that the company has no intentions for a smaller Claw than what is currently available. Experimentation with a 5-inch design was allegedly ruled out by MSI, as it was considered too diminutive to be practical. Furthermore, Chun argued that there is minimal difference in user experience between 6-inch and 7-inch displays, hinting that MSI is likely to avoid these sizes in future designs.
Instead, MSI is looking to push the boundaries of size in their gaming handheld lineup. Currently, devices with displays larger than 8 inches, such as the ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini and the Lenovo Legion Go, are few. With Chun’s input on display sizes, it seems MSI is contemplating an entry that could rival the ONEXPLAYER X1, which boasts a 10.95-inch display. Although no specific details have been provided, the suggestion alone creates an intriguing prospect for future MSI handhelds.
Cliff Chun alluded to a major reveal at the upcoming CES 2025 event, which is scheduled to take place from January 7 to January 12 in Las Vegas. With the promise of new devices, MSI seems poised to make a bold entrance into the bigger-screen gaming handheld market.
As the company gears up for these releases, the industry is watching closely. Could MSI’s venture present a serious competition to established devices like the ONEXPLAYER? Only time will tell, but the hints dropped by Cliff Chun sure make it a possibility worth looking forward to. The path forward for MSI in the gaming handheld sphere is likely to be marked by innovation, variety, and possibly, larger screens that enhance the portable gaming experience. Enthusiasts and gamers alike are eager to see what MSI has in store for the handheld gaming community in the near future.
