The MSI Claw A1M is a powerful handheld gaming PC that runs Windows 11. It has strong hardware and a comfortable design, making it a good choice for gamers on the go. However, it could have better battery life and thermal management. Despite its weaknesses, the Claw A1M provides a unique and enjoyable way to play PC games in the palm of your hand. The MSI Claw A1M is a groundbreaking handheld gaming device that offers a new era in portable gaming. It is powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience even on AAA titles.
The MSI Claw A1M is setting a new benchmark in the world of portable gaming devices. As technology advances, gamers look for powerful and convenient ways to play their favorite AAA titles on the go. The handheld gaming landscape is changing with the MSI Claw A1M, which uses Intel® Core™ Ultra processors to deliver a smooth and immersive gaming experience. And there’s even more to come.
With the added Intel® XeSS technology, users can enjoy enhanced visuals, ensuring that the latest games look as stunning as they are meant to be. Gamers can take their experience to new heights with the Claw A1M’s impressive 7-inch FHD 120Hz display that provides crystal-clear images and fluid motion. This gaming handheld is designed to cater to the needs of serious players with its robust build quality and attention to detail. Understandably, the inclusion of features like a 1TB SSD in certain models implies a device that not only promises performance but also ample storage, a key consideration for those with extensive game libraries.
MSI Claw A1M: Review, Specifications, & Overview
The MSI Claw A1M represents MSI’s foray into the increasingly popular handheld gaming PC segment. It stands out by opting for Intel’s Core Ultra processors and integrated Arc graphics, a departure from the AMD-centric designs of many competitors. This device aims to deliver a full Windows 11 gaming experience in a portable form factor.
Overview
The MSI Claw A1M is designed for gamers who want to enjoy their PC game library on the go. It features a 7-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a crisp and smooth visual experience. The ergonomic design, with its comfortable grips and well-placed controls, is a significant highlight, ensuring comfortable extended gaming sessions.
Key features include Hall Effect joysticks and triggers for enhanced durability and precision, a robust cooling system (Cooler Boost HyperFlow) designed to keep temperatures in check, and a 53Whr battery, which is larger than some rivals. It also boasts modern connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4.
While the Claw offers the versatility of Windows 11, allowing access to various game launchers and applications, it has faced some criticism regarding its initial gaming performance and battery life compared to its AMD-powered counterparts. However, subsequent driver and software updates have reportedly improved its capabilities.
Specifications
Here are the key specifications for the MSI Claw A1M:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor (155H) with Intel® AI Boost (NPU) or Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 (135H) |
| Graphics | Intel® Arc™ Graphics (8 Xe cores) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Display | 7-inch FHD (1920×1080) IPS-Level Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 500 nits brightness (typical) |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5-6400MHz |
| Storage | 512GB or 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 2230 SSD (expandable via Micro SD Card Reader) |
| Battery | 6-Cell 53 Whr |
| Connectivity | Intel® Killer™ BE Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB-C with DisplayPort™/ Power Delivery 3.0), 1x Micro SD Card Reader, 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack |
| Controls | RGB ABXY buttons, RGB L & R Hall Effect analog sticks, D-pad, L & R Hall Effect analog triggers, L & R bumpers, View button, Menu button, MSI Center M button, Quick Settings button, Macro buttons (M1/M2), HD haptics, Fingerprint Security |
| Audio | 2x 2W Speakers, Hi-Res Audio |
| Dimensions | 294 x 117 x 21.2 mm (11.57 x 4.61 x 0.83 inches) |
| Weight | 675 g (1.49 lbs) |
| Color | Black |
Review
The MSI Claw A1M enters a competitive market, and its performance has been a subject of much discussion. While it offers a compelling package in terms of design and features, its Intel Arc graphics initially struggled to keep pace with AMD’s integrated solutions in gaming benchmarks. However, significant driver updates have improved its standing.
Design and Ergonomics: The Claw’s design is one of its strongest aspects. It’s comfortable to hold for extended periods, with well-sculpted grips that fit naturally in the hands. The build quality feels sturdy despite being mostly plastic. The Hall Effect joysticks and triggers are a welcome addition, promising longevity and precision. The RGB lighting on the sticks and buttons adds a touch of flair.
Display: The 7-inch Full HD IPS display is vibrant and sharp, with good colors and wide viewing angles. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, particularly in less demanding titles. While it reaches a respectable 500 nits of brightness, direct sunlight can still be an issue, and the screen is prone to fingerprints.
Performance: This is where the Claw has had a mixed reception. Early reviews indicated that the Intel Core Ultra processors and Arc graphics lagged behind competitors like the ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme). However, MSI has released numerous driver and BIOS updates that have significantly boosted performance, making many AAA titles playable, albeit often requiring resolution scaling (like XeSS or FSR) and lower graphics settings to achieve stable frame rates. CPU-intensive games tend to fare better on the Claw.
Cooling and Noise: The Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology does an admirable job of keeping the device cool, even under load. The fans, while active, are generally unobtrusive and less audible than some rivals, which is a definite plus for an immersive gaming experience.
Battery Life: Despite packing a larger 53Whr battery, the Claw’s battery life has been a point of contention. Its higher power consumption often means real-world endurance is comparable to or only slightly better than devices with smaller batteries, and it still falls short of some expectations for extended portable gaming.
Software Experience: Running Windows 11 provides immense flexibility, allowing users to install any PC game or application. However, Windows itself can be cumbersome to navigate on a small touchscreen, and MSI’s custom “MSI Center M” software, while designed for handheld use, has been described as less refined than competitors’ overlays.
Value: The initial pricing of the MSI Claw A1M was seen as high given its performance at launch. However, recent price adjustments have made it a more competitive option, especially if found on sale. Its value proposition has improved with the ongoing performance enhancements through software updates.
Overall Score | 3.5/5
MSI Claw A1M: Portable PC Gaming in the Palm of Your Hand
Hardware and Design
The MSI Claw A1M sports a 7-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp visuals and smooth motion. Its ergonomic design, complete with textured grips, ensures a comfortable gaming experience even during extended play sessions. The built-in speakers offer decent sound quality, although headphones are recommended for a more immersive experience. The handheld also features haptic feedback and RGB lighting, adding to the overall gaming atmosphere.
Performance and Software
Powered by an Intel Core i5-135H processor and Intel Arc A370M graphics, the Claw A1M delivers impressive performance for a handheld device. It can handle demanding games at respectable frame rates, though some tweaking of graphics settings might be necessary for optimal performance. The device runs on Windows 11, giving you access to a vast library of PC games through platforms like Steam.
Battery Life
The battery life of the MSI Claw A1M is a mixed bag. While it can last for several hours of light gaming or media consumption, demanding games will drain the battery much faster. Expect around 2-3 hours of intensive gameplay, which might not be ideal for long gaming sessions away from an outlet.
Cooling and Noise
Under heavy load, the Claw A1M can get quite warm, and the fans can become noticeably loud. This might not be a significant issue for most users, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to heat or noise.
Connectivity and Storage
The Claw A1M offers various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a Thunderbolt 4 port. It comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, which should be enough for most users. If you need more storage, the device supports expandable storage via microSD cards.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful performance for a handheld | Short battery life under heavy load |
| Ergonomic design | Can get hot and noisy |
| 7-inch 120Hz display | No built-in controller mapping |
| Wide range of connectivity options | Limited game compatibility |
Overall Assessment
The MSI Claw A1M is a promising handheld PC gaming device with impressive performance and a comfortable design. However, its short battery life under heavy load and potential heat and noise issues might be drawbacks for some users. If you’re looking for a powerful and portable way to play PC games on the go, the Claw A1M is worth considering, but be aware of its limitations.
Summary Table
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch 1080p IPS, 120Hz |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-135H |
| Graphics | Intel Arc A370M |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD (expandable via microSD) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Thunderbolt 4 |
| Battery | Up to 3 hours of intensive gaming |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
MSI Claw A1M: Specifications
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-135H or Intel Core i7-137H |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Display | 7-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD (expandable via microSD) |
| Battery | 53 Whr |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4 |
| Audio | Dual speakers, 3.5mm combo jack |
| Dimensions | 294 x 117 x 21.2 mm |
| Weight | 675g (with battery) |
Key Features:
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with 13th Gen Intel Core processors, the MSI Claw A1M delivers smooth gameplay and responsive performance for AAA titles.
- Immersive Display: The 7-inch Full HD touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures crisp visuals and fluid motion.
- Ample Storage: The 512GB SSD provides plenty of space for your games and media, expandable via microSD for added flexibility.
- Long Battery Life: The 53 Whr battery offers extended playtime for gaming on the go.
- Versatile Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 support enables high-speed data transfer and connection to external displays and accessories.
- Comfortable Design: The ergonomic design and textured grips ensure a comfortable grip for extended gaming sessions.
Software and Gaming Experience:
- Windows 11 OS: The Claw A1M comes pre-installed with Windows 11, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface for gaming and productivity.
- MSI Center M: This dedicated interface provides easy access to system settings, game optimizations, and performance monitoring tools.
- Xbox Game Pass: Enjoy access to a vast library of games with a subscription to Xbox Game Pass, expanding your gaming options on the go.
Key Takeaways
- The MSI Claw A1M is a cutting-edge portable gaming device with a focus on high performance and visual quality.
- It features Intel® Core™ Ultra processors and Intel® XeSS technology to handle AAA titles effortlessly.
- The device boasts a high refresh rate screen and offers various configurations, including a model with a 1TB SSD for extensive storage needs.
Overview of MSI Claw A1M
The MSI Claw A1M sets the stage for hand-held gaming with its ergonomic design and cutting-edge technology. This device integrates high-performance hardware with a full HD display to deliver an immersive gaming experience that caters to serious gamers on the go.
Design and Comfort
The MSI Claw A1M is structured with gamers in mind. It boasts an ergonomic design that makes prolonged gaming sessions comfortable. Its form factor fits naturally in your hands, reducing fatigue during long hours of gameplay.
Display and Visuals
Equipped with a 7-inch FHD IPS-Level panel, the MSI Claw A1M provides stunning visuals. The 120 Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth display, critical for fast-paced gaming, and with a 100% sRGB color gamut, the color accuracy is precise for an immersive visual experience.
Performance and Hardware
At its core, the Claw A1M houses next-gen hybrid performance with the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H, combining high-efficiency P-cores and low power E-cores for lightning-fast processing speeds. This processor is designed for AAA titles, delivering a powerful and seamless gaming experience.
Battery and Power Efficiency
The device’s 53Whr battery is built to last, offering what’s called best-in-class battery life. It provides a significant amount of playtime, with the power efficiency to last 50% longer than typical handheld gaming devices.
Connectivity and Expansion
Connectivity options on the Claw A1M are generous, with Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt™ 4 allowing for easy expansion and fast data transfer. An audio jack is also present, alongside other essential ports for peripherals, ensuring you can build a comprehensive gaming setup even when you’re away from your main station.
Audio and Controls
With dual 2W speakers bearing Hi-Res audio certification, the Claw A1M provides clear and detailed sound for an immersive and true audio experience. Hall Effect triggers and joysticks ensure precise controls, giving gamers a competitive edge.
Gaming Experience Enhancements
The MSI Claw A1M features MSI Center M software, providing a tailored experience for ease of use. RGB lighting and intuitively placed ABXY buttons enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the device, making it both a high-performer and a visual standout.
Portable Gaming Ecosystem
The Claw A1M is more than just a handheld gaming device; it’s a portable gaming ecosystem designed to support a wide range of AAA titles. Its accessories and ergo-gaming science of comfort ensure that players enjoy hours of gaming without compromising on performance or comfort.
Technical Specifications
The MSI Claw A1M packs advanced hardware to deliver a premium portable gaming experience, featuring top-tier processors, ample storage, and high-quality display specifications. It comes in various configurations tailored to meet gamers’ needs and preferences.
Processor and GPU
The heart of the MSI Claw A1M is its processor, with options like the Intel Core Ultra 5-135H known for balancing power and efficiency. For graphics, it integrates Intel’s XeSS technology, capable of handling intensive AAA games with ease.
Storage and Memory
Gamers have the choice between configurations that offer either 512GB SSD or 1TB SSD, providing swift data access and ample room for games and media. The system memory aspect is critical for multitasking performance in gaming and other demanding applications.
Display Characteristics
The MSI Claw A1M features a 7-inch FHD (1920×1080) display, which is capable of a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This high refresh rate allows for smooth visuals, making it particularly appealing for genres that benefit from quick on-screen movements.
Control and Input Features
Input features include a traditional D-Pad, analog sticks, ABXY buttons, triggers, and a menu button, ensuring familiar and comprehensive control for a variety of game genres. This setup aims to provide a comfortable and responsive gaming experience.
Operating System and Software
Running on Windows 11 Home, the Claw A1M offers a familiar PC-like experience with the addition of gaming-focused features. It includes an app player for mobile games and other software solutions to enhance your gaming sessions.
Physical Attributes
The Claw A1M has been designed keeping both weight and anthropometry in mind to ensure comfort during extended play sessions. Moreover, it incorporates the Intraflow Thermal Design to manage heat efficiently, maintaining performance without causing discomfort to the gamer.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section aims to answer common inquiries about the MSI Claw A1M gaming computer, providing clear and precise information about its specifications, comparisons, availability, and pricing.
What are the specifications of the MSI Claw A1M gaming computer?
The MSI Claw A1M comes equipped with advanced features suitable for top-tier gaming. It boasts Intel® Core™ Ultra processors and Intel® XeSS technology to support hard-hitting gaming sessions. The model features 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, which helps in handling games efficiently.
How does MSI Claw A1M compare to ASUS ROG Ally in terms of performance?
The MSI Claw A1M is designed to deliver a powerful gaming experience similar to ASUS ROG Ally. However, specific performance metrics such as processor clock speeds, RAM configurations, and graphical processing capabilities would be needed to compare the two directly.
What is the release date for the MSI Claw A1M?
The official release date for the MSI Claw A1M has not been publicized as of yet. Potential buyers should stay tuned for announcements from MSI for the latest information regarding the release.
Can the MSI Claw A1M be purchased at Best Buy?
Availability details for the MSI Claw A1M have not been fully disclosed. It’s anticipated that prominent retailers like Best Buy will carry it; however, confirmation from the retailer is awaited.
How does the GPU performance of MSI Claw A1M compare to Legion Go?
The MSI Claw A1M, with its Intel® Arc integrated graphics, strives to provide similar GPU performance to that of comparable gaming handhelds like the Legion Go. Detailed comparisons would be dependent on tests under similar conditions and game settings.
What is the price range of the MSI Claw A1M?
The MSI Claw A1M’s price range has not been definitively set. It’s expected that there will be varying prices for different models, depending on the specs like processor types and storage space. Customers should look for pricing updates closer to the release date.
