The MSI Claw A1M is a handheld gaming computer developed by Micro-Star International (MSI), released in March 2024.

MSI Claw A1M
MSI Claw A1M with illuminated sticks and buttons
DeveloperMSI
ManufacturerMSI
Product familyClaw
TypeHandheld gaming computer
Release date
  • WW: March 8, 2024
 (512 GB, Intel Core Ultra 7 155H)
  • WW: March 15, 2024
 (1 TB, Intel Core Ultra 7 155H)
  • WW: March 15, 2024
 (512 GB, Intel Core Ultra 5 135H)
Introductory price
  • US$699.99 (Intel Core Ultra 5 135H model-Claw A1M-021SG) (512 GB)
  • US$749.99 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H model-Claw A1M-020SG) (512 GB)
  • US$799.99 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H model-Claw A1M-020SG) (1 TB)
MediaDigital distribution
Operating systemWindows 11 Home (Core Ultra 5 & 7 models) or Pro (Core Ultra 7 model only)
CPU
Memory16 GB LPDDR5-6400, Dual-channel 64-bit (128-bit), 102.4 GB/s
StorageNVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2230 512 GB (Core Ultra 5 & 7 models) or 1 TB (Core Ultra 7 model only) SSD (expandable)
Removable storagemicroSD/SDHC/SDXC via UHS-II
Display7-inch, 1920 × 1080 FHD Touchscreen IPS LCD @ 120 Hz, 16:9, 500 nits (SDR) with 48-120 Hz with VRR
Graphics
  • Intel Arc (Alchemist-based) Xe-HPG (High Performance Graphics), 8 Xe cores up to 2.2 GHz, up to 4.5 TFLOPS (Intel Core Ultra 5 135H) or up to 2.25 GHz, up to 4.6 TFLOPS (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H) [c]
Sound2 × 2W Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio ready
Input
  • RGB ABXY buttons
  • 2x RGB 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 button (M1/M2)
  • HD haptics
  • Armoury Crate button
  • Volume +/− buttons
  • Power button with fingerprint scanner
TouchpadTouch Screen (10-point multi-touch)
Connectivity
Power6-Cell, Li-Polymer, 53Whr / 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0
Dimensions294 (W) x 117(D) x 21.2(H) mm
Mass675 grams (1.488 lb)
WebsiteOfficial website

Technical features

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It has a 7-inch 120HZ LCD IPS display, and is powered by a Meteor Lake-based Intel Core Ultra 5 135H or Ultra 7 155H, with 8 Xe GPU cores and 12 CPU cores (4 performance + 8 efficiency, 135H) or 14 CPU cores (6 performance + 8 efficiency, 155H). Other hardware includes a 53 watt-hour Li-ion battery and 16 GB of RAM, based on information from previews.[1][2][3][4]

The Claw comes with Wi-Fi,[5] two speakers, a Thunderbolt 4-capable USB Type-C port, HDMI output and an audio jack. It runs Windows 11 Home and MSI Android App player. It weighs 675 grams and has a black outer coating.

Reception

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The device was criticized by reviewers for high power draw and lower performance than competing handheld PCs.[6]

Wired called the hardware outdated and battery life poor next to competitors.[7]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Meteor Lake with 4 nm process, 14-cores/18-threads, 18 MB cache, 0.7 GHz to 4.60 GHz boost
  2. ^ Meteor Lake with 4 nm process, 8-cores/16-threads, 24 MB cache, 0.7 Ghz to 4.80 GHz boost
  3. ^ each Xe core has 16 Xe Vector Engines or XVEs & each XVE has 8 ALUs

References

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  1. ^ "MSI Claw is a rumored Steam Deck rival with a twist – it'll use an Intel CPU, and that might be a key advantage". TechRadar. January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  2. ^ "MSI's Steam Deck competitor has leaked, and it's powered by an Intel Meteor Lake chip". The Verge. January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  3. ^ "MSI Claw leaks as fierce competition for portable PC gaming handheld consoles". Windows Central. January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  4. ^ "MSI Gaming Teases Its Own Steam Deck Competitor". GameSpot. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  5. ^ "MSI Unveils World's First Gaming Handheld with Core™ Ultra at CES 2024". MSI. January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  6. ^ https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/20/24106945/my-expectations-for-the-msi-claw-have-hit-rock-bottom
  7. ^ https://www.wired.com/review/msi-claw/