Xbox Ally X vs MSI Claw 8 AI+ BF6 Performance Showdown

We put the Xbox Ally X head-to-head with the MSI Claw to see which handheld delivers the smoother Battlefield 6 experience under comparable conditions. The results were closer than expected—but the Ally X consistently edged ahead.

Test setup

- MSI Claw: 30W TDP, 800p, Medium settings, XESS Quality

- Xbox Ally X: Manual 35W mode, 720p borderless (native aspect), Medium settings, XESS Quality; AMD Anti-Lag available but not used to keep things even

Performance

- MSI Claw: In large, action-heavy battles, the Claw held around 50–60 FPS, with total power draw peaking around 45W. Indoors and in lighter scenes, it still hovered in the 50–60 FPS range, often just shy of a steady 60.

- Xbox Ally X: After the latest Windows and Battlefield 6 updates, the Ally X frequently ran between 60–70 FPS, even during chaotic firefights. It rarely dipped below 60 except for brief moments during massive nearby explosions.

Observations

- Resolution and power: The Ally X’s extra 5W headroom and 720p target likely contribute to its advantage over the Claw’s 800p at 30W. In side-by-side footage, the Ally X routinely outpaced the Claw across driving, infantry, and tank segments.

- Screen and ergonomics: The Claw’s 8-inch display offers more on-screen comfort for fast-paced gameplay, while the Ally X’s 7-inch panel can feel tighter. However, the Ally X wins on ergonomics—its grips, joysticks, and superb speakers make it more comfortable and immersive to use.

Bottom line

If your priority is raw, consistent frame rates at medium settings with upscaling, the Xbox Ally X proved faster in our testing, often sustaining 60–70 FPS where the MSI Claw struggled to lock 60. The Claw’s larger screen remains a practical advantage, but the Ally X’s comfort and audio polish make a compelling case—steep price notwithstanding. If you’re weighing a preorder, the Ally X’s performance uplift suggests it could be worth it.