MSI's 1,800 gaming handheld feels like a warning for PC gaming's future

PCWorld examines MSI's $1,800 Claw 8 EX AI+ gaming handheld alongside Valve's $1,049 Steam Machine, highlighting escalating costs in PC gaming hardware. Rising component prices and console increases like Xbox Series X jumping to $799 signal affordability concerns for gaming enthusiasts. Testing shows DIY alternatives can save nearly $200 while matching performance, though high storage and memory costs remain challenging. I don't know about you, but I can't remember the last time it was so expensive to surf the cutting edge of PC hardware. I've been thinking about the ongoing pricepocalypse engulfing the computing industry all week, because here at PCWorld we've been testing the remarkably fast (and remarkably expensive) MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ in order to see how it stacks up against other handheld gaming PCs.