MSI Claw, Steam Controller, and Widows Updates Reshape Handheld Gaming

Handheld gaming continues to be updated with hardware, software, controller support, and game streaming updates. Valve's, Intel's, MSI Claw's, and GeForce Now's new developments are changing the way gaming handhelds function and how users use them. Further changes in the space will come thanks to controller compatibility, Windows handheld front-end enhancements, new handheld hardware, and streaming additions.

In a Reddit post, a Steam Controller user reported that the puck shorted out when the metal watch band was pressed against the exposed contacts, prompting Steam to investigate a sparking issue with the puck. Steam Controller puck comes pre-installed with a 2.4GHz wireless receiver and a magnetic charging dock.

Valve Investigates Steam Controller Puck Sparking Issue

The magnetic side seems to be working, but the exposed connectors pose a risk of accidental contact. It's easy for metal objects to come in contact with those contacts while the puck is plugged in, as we can see here. The risk may have been mitigated through a design change, e.g., a spring-loaded section above the contacts that wouldn't bridge unless pushed.

The Reddit post says that the person was charging their Pixel Watch 4 near the Steam Controller puck when the metal band made contact with the exposed contacts. After bridging the gap, the band is said to have started "sizzling," leaving noticeable damage to the watch's puck and band. The user had to part ways with the devices without any further escalation.

The user said it was his fault, not Valve's. It doesn't seem like something that would happen so often, however, for the people who wear metal watch bands or leave gadgets lying around a desk without paying attention to where objects land. It is possible to understand how it can happen and why hardware modifications might reduce the likelihood.

Steam Controller Gains HID Mapper, Switch, and Android Support

HID remapper support has been added to Steam Controller to enable additional functionality across various devices. The developer claims that the trackpads, touch sensors, accelerometer, and gyro support are now all controlled via the HID remapper.

Selected output configurations are also available to enable the controller to be used with the Nintendo Switch. For games outside Steam, there is reportedly even more SDL support to improve compatibility, but not all Game Pass games will include it.

Steam Controller has been getting updates from Valve and the community since launch. We've seen a continued trend toward improved controller usability across a variety of devices, platforms, and software ecosystems.

WinHand Expands as a "Front End" to Windows Gaming Handhelds

WinHand receives regular updates to further strengthen its position as the front end for Windows-based handheld gaming devices. This support is now included with every hardware vendor, store, emulator, and frame generation technology.

The goal of PlayStation library support, emulator detection, and other storefront integration features is to produce a more comprehensive handheld interface. WinHand can also be set as the home app for Microsoft's full-screen handheld mode, also known as the Xbox mode, allowing systems to boot directly into WinHand rather than the Xbox application.

The degree of integration enables a seamless transition between Xbox mode and WinHand, allowing continued access to storefronts, emulators, and more. There's also the addition of some features you've seen played with in the past, with frame-rate capping, TDP management, power profiles, and even per-game settings.

There are no time limits; the software keeps rolling out vendor support and enhancing the emulators, and it increasingly resembles a replacement for the Xbox app for handheld devices. It would be interesting to see how game performance differs between WinHand and Xbox modes, particularly given ongoing updates.

WinHand Adds Lenovo Legion Go 2 Support

WinHand also introduces support for the new Lenovo Legion Go 2 and enhances the smart profiles. According to the update, it will enhance game startup and shutdown times and enable official support for the handheld. This would seem important for newer handhelds, particularly if software integration is a major factor in usability. With future handheld hardware, it could be more about the software enhancements than about performance.

OneXPlayer has also released a new version of its OneXPlayer X1 Pro, featuring the Ryzen AI 9 HX470 processor. The new one is said to be offered in a 32GB memory and 1TB storage configuration for $1,799, as well as 32GB and 2TB capacities. The pre-orders reportedly ship on June 1 and will include a magnetic keyboard as a limited-time bonus.

The price increase is around $400 compared to the HX370 version when it first came out. Rising prices are not uncommon in the hardware world; however, the ever-higher prices of handhelds still make comparisons with laptops difficult. Once the pricing hits that level, buyers could start looking at other options and see how quickly that happens.

Overall Handheld Picture Looks like it's still all about the Lower End

You might also think that hardware priced between $300 and $700 is more easily recommended for widespread use. MSI Claw users can now enjoy faster performance with new games thanks to Intel Drivers. MSI Claw users can now experience enhanced gaming performance with Intel Drivers.

Other updates have also been spotted for Intel and MSI Claw, including new driver support for Forza Horizon 6, LEGO Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, and Subnautica 2. The Claw is reportedly well-behaved, and newer Intel-certified driver releases make it even better. To the extent that you're a user of an MSI Claw or any other Intel handheld device, you can see why it's an important thing to install the updated drivers.

Newer driver support seems to provide consistent performance on supported hardware, either due to Intel's optimization or to the games themselves. MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is now available in a new Glacier Blue variant.MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is now out in a new Glacier Blue variant. MSI also seems to be introducing a Glacier Blue variant of the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus. The Core Ultra 7 is said to be used in the handheld that Intel is calling the 200-series.

The launch of the new version will include the same range of colors, but the pricing appears slightly higher than in previous launches. The initial price of these systems was closer to $899 when they were introduced. It's easy to see how the cost of handhelds has continued to influence people's views on upgrades, particularly when replacement costs become problematic.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus is Now Listed for Sale

An upcoming MSI handheld, the Claw 8 EX AI Plus, has also been spotted on the retailer list. It is rumored to feature Intel Arc G3 Extreme graphics, 1TB of storage, an 8-inch HD screen, Wi-Fi 7, and an 80Wh battery. It's said there are a standard and a launch version of the listing. It looks like the price is approaching the $1,700 to $2,000 range, which raises affordability concerns and a broader question about handheld uptake.

It's easy to see how folks can get excited about a Panther Lake handheld, particularly when it performs as expected. Meanwhile, recommendations become more difficult at this price point and aren't as accessible to both creators and buyers. Another consideration is whether handheld systems remain viable as they approach the high-dollar laptop range.

GeForce Now also has new games for the week and offers a promotional membership.

There are reports that anyone who subscribes to the Ultimate (12-month) edition before June 10 will be issued a copy of 007 First Light. Forza Horizon 6, Warhammer 40,000 Mechanicus II, Deep Rock Galactic Rogue Core, Zero Sieges, Splitgate Arena Reloaded, Luna Abyss, TerraTech Legion, and Sunderfolk have been added to Steam and Xbox Game Pass.

According to reports, GeForce Now is still functioning well with Forza Horizon 6 on RTX 5080. Services such as these can be helpful if you play games on a lower-powered platform or handheld device, and you don't want to miss out on the latest games entirely based on low-performance hardware.

In the final, cloud gaming and Valve's various hardware and software updates are influencing the handheld gaming market in numerous ways. As the category continues to mature, we're seeing more controller support, new handheld upgrades, refreshes, and growing support for streaming.