PC gaming handhelds have proven to be quite popular, and if you're looking for a deal on one of the newer models, you can grab the MSI Claw right now at Amazon for just $600. Normally $750, this is a big discount on MSI's most-powerful version of the Claw, as it features the Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset and a 512GB SSD. Best Buy is also offering the same model, but it's priced at $650 on that site.

See at Amazon MSI Claw

When it first launched, one of the main criticisms of the MSI Claw was that it was simply too expensive, especially when compared to the ROG Ally or the Steam Deck and its OLED model. With this big discount, MSI is now being more competitive with its big handheld unit, which has a seven-inch screen and a more comfortable design. While MSI is still working to catch up to Asus and Steam when it comes to overall performance, recent updates have helped improve the quality of the gaming experience.

MSI Claw Deals

• MSI Claw A1M 512GB Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Amazon) -- $600 ($750)
• MSI Claw A1M 512GB Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Best Buy) -- $650 ($750)
• MSI Claw A1M 1TB Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Best Buy) -- $750 ($800)
• MSI Claw 512GB Intel Core Ultra 5 processor -- $600 ($700)

In addition to its comfortable design, the MSI Claw also has Hall Effect joysticks, high-quality face buttons, and stereo speakers that can deliver an impressive level of sound. Since it uses a Windows operating system, it also means that you can access multiple storefronts to download games, like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and the Epic Games Store. Battery life could be better, as the 53-watt-hour battery pack will get you around two hours of use from a full charge.

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In this ribbiting first-person climbing platformer, each mountain is like a puzzle, and it’s your job to make your way to the top of every ridge to place radio towers for the froggy inhabitants of Valley Peaks. Overcome challenges such as crumbling rocks, perilous spikes, moving minecarts, and much more as you strive to complete your mission - all while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city! Along the way, explore this gorgeous, wholesome mountain paradise while getting to know the amphibian folks who call Valley Peaks home. Join a climbing club and fill up stamp cards to snag some sweet upgrades such as a glider, while earning golden mushrooms to trade with as you strive to complete every mountain route.

Seeking a lifestyle change, you saw an offer you couldn’t refuse: an entire planet going for a bargain price! An old agrarian rock in an outlying solar system that’s been lying abandoned for years. So, with little more than your worn-out ship and your personal assistance droid, you decide to embark on a new phase of your life in a lost corner of the galaxy. Cut weeds, clear paths, reclaim fields, and fix what the passage of time has destroyed. Turn an old agrarian rock into a thriving homestead. Make contact with the handful of people who still live on the solar system’s planets. Learn their stories and the reasons why they decided to stay in such a remote part of the galaxy.

A strange knight sat in front of a fire, darkness surrounding him. His sword stuck in the ground, covered in dried blood. He warns you against going any further, but the intrigue of what lies beyond far surpasses the instinct of self-preservation. Play as a young thief and explore the dangerous ruins of a once-prosperous kingdom. Fight against hordes of terrifying monsters, make your way through challenging platforming sections, and discover the secret that lies at the very bottom of the ruins in this handcrafted experience. Chrysolite is a narrative-driven, pixel-art, 2D platformer with Soulslike inspirations

Despite only running for two seasons on Disney, Gravity Falls earned a dedicated fanbase thanks to its whimsical characters, quirky animation style, and off-beat storylines. The kids' show wrapped up its run back in 2016, but it lived on in the form of books--with various editions recounting the adventures of Dipper Pines and Mabel. Fast-forward to today, and we're getting the first-ever Gravity Falls book written for mature audiences. The Book of Bill is now available for purchase, and a launch-day discount is letting you pick up the 208-page volume for just $18 (down from $27).

The Book of Bill (Hardcover) $18 (was $27)

The Book of Bill "travels to dimensions meant for older readers." It's written from the perspective of Bill Cipher (the main antagonist of the series), which sees him diving into his origin story, how he's impacted humanity over the years, and giving advice on how to take over the world. Written by Alex Hirsch, creator of Gravity Falls, it offers a shocking new perspective on the iconic character from the original Disney show.

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Toss in a creepy hardcover design, plenty of exclusive illustrations, and new stories designed for a more-mature audience, and The Book of Bill offers tons of value for fans of the original series that stopped airing almost a decade ago. That's especially true at its slashed price of just $18. It's unclear how long the launch-day deal will stick around, so be sure to cash in while you can.

While this is the newest Gravity Falls book (and the only one intended for mature audiences), it's far from the only Gravity Falls book available in 2024. So if you're looking to round out your collection with a few more books, here are a handful to consider:

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SAG-AFTRA has authorized its chief negotiator to potentially call for an immediate strike because of a controversy surrounding the use and treatment of AI voices in video games. Union leadership has made it clear in recent statements that they regard AI as a significant issue in the voice-acting space, and that a strike is potentially in the cards.

Per a press release, the large union is currently in the process of renegotiating the Interactive Media Agreement, the contract that many major companies in the gaming industry abide by when making big-budget games. The hypothetical revised version of the agreement would include stronger AI protections, safety precautions for on-set performances, and higher wages.

The union said that some employers have pushed back on some of the AI provisions in the new draft. In response, SAG-AFTRA authorized its national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland to call an immediate strike if they don't reach an agreement soon. "If called, the strike shall be over all covered services under the Interactive Media Agreement and all SAG-AFTRA members will cease rendering all services and performing all work covered by the IMA," the press release reads in part.

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Earlier this month, Capcom released Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, which may potentially be the start of a new franchise. It's also one of a growing number of games that are skipping a physical release altogether and going digital-only. However, Capcom wants to assure its fans that the video game publisher isn't abandoning physical releases.

During a meeting for Capcom shareholders, the company stated, "Given that a significant number of end users demand physical games, we currently do not expect to eliminate physical products."

In 2020, 80% of Capcom's sales were digital, and the company stated that its long-term goal was to hit 90%. Capcom surpassed that mark in its 2023 financial year when digital sales accounted for 90.1% of the company's total sales across consoles, PC, and mobile. For 2024, the company is projecting that digital sales will rise to 93% of its total.

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Independent game developer Play by Play Studios has announced its formation and revealed its first project, which is a character-driven 3v3 basketball game that celebrates the sport and its culture.

The Run: Got Next is the name of the game, and it aims to be easy to pick up and play, but also deep enough for people looking for a challenge. The full-court 3v3 game bends the rules of real basketball "in the name of fun," but is not a full-on arcade-style basketball game. Take a look for yourself in the trailer below.

Players assemble a roster of players, each with their unique move-sets, with the aim of building a winning streak and holding court. The game has different courts to play on, and each favors a different type of playstyle. There is also an in-game shop featuring items, abilities, sponsors, and shoes that players can acquire, though whether or not this is a real-money shop is unknown.

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