Counter-Strike 2 on MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

Steam Deck Playable · faster GPUValve's ratingEstimate · low confidence, ±30%

Yes. Valve rates Counter-Strike 2 Steam Deck Playable, and the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has a faster GPU than the Steam Deck OLED. At its native 1920×1200 we estimate ~142 fps on the ultra preset (range 100–185, low confidence, ±30%). 60 fps is reachable on the ultra preset. Model estimate, not measured; data updated 2026-09-24.

Estimated FPS at native 1920×1200

Preset	Native 1920×1200	Range	Rendered at 1280×800
low	300+	211–300+	300+
medium	230	161–300	300+
high	177	124–230	293
ultra	142	100–185	235

Estimate · low confidence, ±30%

Estimated FPS from our model (v0), based on the game's published requirements and relative GPU/CPU performance. Not measured. Real results vary with drivers, patches, and scenes. Values above 300 fps show as 300+. Data updated 2026-09-24.

Presets for 30 / 40 / 60 fps

30 fps at 1920×1200: ultra preset
40 fps at 1920×1200: ultra preset
60 fps at 1920×1200: ultra preset
40 fps rendered at 1280×800: ultra preset
60 fps rendered at 1280×800: ultra preset

Intel Arc graphics: use XeSS (runs best on Arc) or FSR in quality or balanced mode before dropping the preset. DLSS is not available.

Frame cap and power

Screen: 1920×1200, 120 Hz, 80 Wh battery.
Even frame caps for 120 Hz: 30, 40, 60, 120 fps. At ultra (low end of the range 100 fps), a 60 fps cap should hold steady.
TDP: not measured yet. We don't publish wattage advice until we have measured runs.

Steam Deck rating

Valve rates Counter-Strike 2 Steam Deck Playable (tested on Steam Deck, not on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+).

Counter-Strike 2 on other handhelds (ultra preset, native resolution)

Handheld	Screen	FPS at native	FPS at 1280×800	Verdict
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+	1920×1200	142	235	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
ROG Xbox Ally X	1920×1080	111	172	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
ROG Xbox Ally X20	1920×1080	111	172	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
Legion Go 2	1920×1200	99	164	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
MSI Claw 8 AI+	1920×1200	99	164	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
MSI Claw A8	1920×1200	99	164	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
MSI Claw 7 AI+	1920×1080	101	156	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
ROG Ally X	1920×1080	96	149	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
Legion Go	2560×1600	56	133	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1 Extreme)	1920×1080	86	133	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
Legion Go S (Ryzen Z1 Extreme)	1920×1200	81	133	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
Legion Go 2 (Ryzen Z2)	1920×1200	81	133	Steam Deck Playable · faster GPU
Steam Deck OLED	1280×800	118	118	Steam Deck Playable
Steam Deck LCD	1280×800	110	110	Steam Deck Playable
ROG Xbox Ally	1920×1080	66	102	Meets recommended
Legion Go S	1920×1200	62	102	Meets recommended
MSI Claw A1M	1920×1080	66	102	Meets recommended
ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1)	1920×1080	51	79	Meets recommended

Native = each device's own screen resolution; 1280×800 compares GPUs at the same render resolution. A faster handheld is the upgrade path here; desktop cards don't apply.