MSI Claw A1M Review: Intel-Powered Handheld Gaming PC
MSI · 2024-03-01
The MSI Claw A1M is a Windows-based handheld gaming device powered by Intel Meteor Lake processors and Intel Arc graphics. It features a 7-inch 1080p IPS touchscreen, up to 1TB NVMe storage, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 53Wh battery. With dual cooling fans, Hall effect triggers and joysticks, and Wi-Fi 7, it aims to compete in the portable gaming market.
Overview
The MSI Claw A1M is MSI's entry into the handheld gaming PC space, running Windows 11 and powered by Intel's Meteor Lake processors (Core Ultra 5 135H or Core Ultra 7 155H) with integrated Intel Arc graphics. It features a 7-inch 1920x1080 IPS touchscreen with a 60Hz refresh rate, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and storage options of 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD, expandable via microSD. The device weighs 675 grams and has a plastic chassis with dimensions 294 x 117 x 21.2 mm. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C video output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also includes dual stereo speakers, dual heat pipe active cooling, vibration, a fingerprint sensor, and Hall effect triggers and joysticks. The battery capacity is 53 Wh.
Key Specs Highlights
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 135H / Ultra 7 155H (14 cores, 18 threads, up to 4.8 GHz)
- GPU: Intel Arc (up to 2.25 GHz)
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512 GB / 1 TB NVMe SSD + microSD slot
- Display: 7.0-inch IPS touchscreen, 1920x1080, 60Hz, ~319 PPI
- Battery: 53 Wh
- Weight: 675 g
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C video out, 3.5mm audio
- Other: Fingerprint sensor, Hall effect triggers and joysticks, dual cooling fans
Who It Is For
The MSI Claw A1M is for gamers who want a Windows-based handheld PC for playing PC games on the go. It is suitable for those who prefer Intel hardware and need a device that can handle emulation up to PS2, Wii, and 3DS, as well as less demanding PC titles. However, it may struggle with some modern AAA PC games due to GPU limitations. It also appeals to users who want a familiar Windows environment with full desktop compatibility.
Buying Notes
Pricing starts at $699 for the Core Ultra 5 model and $799 for the Core Ultra 7 model, with higher storage configurations available up to $2000. The device was released in March 2024. Consider your gaming needs carefully: the Intel Arc GPU may not match the performance of competing handhelds with AMD or dedicated graphics for demanding games. The 60Hz display and plastic build are trade-offs for its price point. Ensure you check current market prices and availability before purchasing.
| CPU | Intel Meteor Lake |
|---|---|
| GPU | Intel Arc |
| Name | MSI Claw A1M |
| Brand | MSI |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5 |
| Weight | 675 g |
| Battery | 53 Wh |
| Cooling | Dual heat pipe active cooling fan |
| Storage | Built-in 512 GB / 1 TB (NVMe), external TF card slot |
| Speakers | Dual stereo |
| Grip Type | Horizontal |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 135H / Ultra 7 155H |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Body Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 294 mm x 117 mm x 21.2 mm |
| Screen PPI | 319.26 |
| Price Range | $700 - $2000 |
| Screen Size | 7.0 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS touchscreen |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Release Date | 2024 / 03 |
| Screen Ratio | 16:9 |
| Video Output | USB-C video output |
| CPU Frequency | 700 MHz - 4.6 GHz / 700 MHz - 4.8 GHz |
| Other Sensors | Fingerprint recognition, Hall effect triggers and Hall effect joysticks |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Starting Price | $699 (Core Ultra 5) / $799 (Core Ultra 7) |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 2.2 GHz, 2.25 GHz |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 14 cores 18 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | Up to NGC, Wii, 3DS, PS2; some PC games run poorly |