MSI, a renowned player in the gaming hardware industry, has recently disrupted the gaming handheld market with the announcement of its latest innovation, the MSI Claw A1M. Positioned as a direct competitor to devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, the Claw distinguishes itself by being the first gaming handheld featuring an Intel chip, specifically the Meteor Lake Intel Core Ultra.
Core Performance
MSI Claw A1M is powered by the Meteor Lake Intel Core Ultra chips, notably the Core Ultra 7 155H variant. This chip boasts a formidable configuration, including 6 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 2 Low-power E-cores, with a max turbo clock of 4.8GHz and 24MB of total cache. The Intel Arc graphics, a notable feature, comes equipped with the 155H GPU clocked at 2.25GHz, supporting advanced rendering features such as ray tracing and native XeSS support.
Memory and Storage
The gaming handheld is equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and an M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD, offering storage capacities up to 1TB. Additionally, the inclusion of a microSD slot provides convenient expansion options for users seeking additional storage space.
#MSIxCES2024
Close up look at our new gaming handheld – MSI Claw A1M: An ergonomic design with a 7" 120Hz display, up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H and a 53Whr battery, and MSI Center M software.https://t.co/IkGv71u7yp#Claw #Gaminghandheld #RGB #CoreUltra #Intel pic.twitter.com/P7oVkuxjRA— MSI Gaming (@msigaming) January 10, 2024
MSI Claw A1M Display
It features a 7-inch, 1920×1080 resolution, 120Hz VRR IPS LCD with touch support. Boasting 100% sRGB coverage and up to 500 nits of brightness, the display promises a vibrant and responsive gaming experience. The inclusion of USB-C, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 ensures seamless connectivity, while the built-in 2x2W stereo speakers and audio jack cater to the audio needs of gamers.
Battery Life
One standout feature of the MSI Claw is its impressive 53Wh battery, the largest in its class. MSI claims a gaming battery life of two hours, a commendable feat considering the device’s power rating of up to 40W. The inclusion of a 65W charger in the box further enhances the device’s appeal for on-the-go gamers.
Software and OS
Claw runs on Windows 11 out of the box, positioning it as a versatile gaming device. The MSI Center M app allows users to manage device settings and instal games efficiently, complemented by a dedicated button for quick access. Additionally, the inclusion of the MSI APP Player enables the emulation of Android apps and games, expanding the gaming ecosystem.
Hands-on Impression
Early impressions from CES 2024 suggest that the MSI Claw exhibits promising potential. The device’s design, reminiscent of the Asus ROG Ally, focuses on improved comfort with larger and more comfortable grips. Notably, the Claw’s grips strike a balance between comfort and size, avoiding the excessive bulkiness found in some competing devices. The overall form factor, port placement, and 7-inch 120Hz 1080p IPS screen resemble the ROG Ally, with subtle differences in ergonomic enhancements.
Pricing
MSI offers the Claw in three variants, with the base model starting at an attractive $699. The top-tier model, featuring the 155H chip and 1TB storage, is priced at $799. This competitive pricing places the MSI Claw A1M in direct competition with existing gaming handhelds in markets.
Table of MSI Claw A1M Specification
| Claw A1M | |
|---|---|
| Control | RGB L & R Hall Effect analog sticks |
| Macro button (M1/M2) | |
| L & R Hall Effect analog triggers | |
| HD haptics | |
| L & R bumpers | |
| View button | |
| Display | 7” FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz VRR IPS LCD with touch support |
| Security | Fingerprint Security |
| Processor | Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor with Intel® AI Boost (NPU) |
| Color | Black |
| Graphics | Intel® Arc™ Graphics |
| Communication | Intel® Killer™ BE Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Memory and Storage | 16GB LPDDR5 memory |
| 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD | |
| MicroSD slot for expansion | |
| Audio Jack | 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack |
| Battery | 6-Cell 53 Battery (53Wh, up to 2 hours gaming) |
| AC Adapter | 65W PD adapter |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 294 x 117 x 21.2 mm |
| I/O Ports | 1x Type-C (USB / DP / Thunderbolt™ 4) with PD charging |
| 1x Micro SD Card Reader | |
| Audio | 2x 2W Speaker |
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
| Pricing | Base Model: $699 |
| Top-Tier Model: $799 | |
| Display Features | 1920×1080 resolution |
| 120Hz VRR | |
| 100% sRGB coverage | |
| Up to 500 nits brightness | |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Hands-on Impressions | Larger and more comfortable grips for improved comfort |
| Balanced form factor and port placement | |
| 7-inch 120Hz 1080p IPS screen resembling ROG Ally | |
| Avoids excessive bulkiness with ergonomic enhancements |
Claw A1M – Grip and Game | MSI Official Video
FAQ’s
What software features enhance the gaming experience on the MSI Claw?
The Claw runs on Windows 11 and includes the MSI Center M app for efficient device management. The MSI APP Player allows users to emulate Android apps and games, expanding the gaming possibilities on the handheld.
Bottom Up
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the first-half 2024 release, MSI’s foray into the handheld gaming space appears poised to challenge established competitors like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. The Claw’s focus on comfort, powerful specifications, and Windows 11 compatibility positions it as a contender for gamers seeking a dynamic and immersive on-the-go gaming experience.
MSI Claw emerges as a formidable player in the handheld gaming PC arena, disrupting the market with its innovative features and strategic design choices. Its distinction as the first gaming handheld to integrate an Intel chip, particularly the Meteor Lake Intel Core Ultra, sets it apart from the competition.