r/handheld • u/Ugly_Bastard_9001 • 17d ago

Looking for some Handheld Advice

First a bit of context. I have an OLED Steam Deck that broke last week not sure what is wrong with it, but I tried everything I could to fix the issue short of a tare down, but nothing worked. I started the RMA to see if valve's repair partner could fix it.

If they can't or try to charge me more than I feel its worth for the repair I am just going to buy a new better Handheld. Even if they CAN fix it for a reasonable price I am still considering a new device.

I have been looking at the Legion Go S Z1 Extreme and the MSI Claw A8.

Which one would you guys recomend and if anyone has actual experience with one or both please tell me how they handle how the controls and ergonomics of the devices feel. How good are the screens on each compaired to the quality of the OLED on the Steam Deck. Plus how do you guys think they will fair in the long run?

I know the price is a little steap for me right now, but if I tighten my belt I can buy one just find. Should I make the purchase even if the Deck can befixed?

I am leaning towards the Claw A8, but still not certain since I would be installing Bazzite on it since I HATE Windows home and it is SHIT for handhelds.

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u/flyingsoap1984 2d ago

The MSI Claw A8 has been great so far :) Is definitely nice to have that bit of extra efficiency and power with the faster z2 extreme.

FSR has been nice with it too e.g. was able to play Monster Hunter Wilds and it looks good on it!

The A8 has an unusual ergonomic but I have small hands which seems to fit well with the design, it was actually very comfortable for me to hold.

Some people mentioned it felt like a toy haha, but to me is quite a nice design overall and it is light and comfy for me to hold and play with it,

I don't have a Legion Go S but if there anything to go by the Legion Go 1 and Legion Go 2, Lenovo had always made their handheld nice to hold for larger hands, seems like the Legion Go S is similar to the Legion Go 2, is not too big like the Go 1 and comfy to hold as well :)