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MSI Claw A1M · Photo source
MSI · Claw
Claw A1M
A Windows gaming handheld with Intel Core Ultra processors, a 7-inch touchscreen, Hall effect sticks and triggers, and Thunderbolt 4 for peripherals.
- Type
- Handheld
- Output
- –
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB – 1 TB
- Weight
- 675 g
What reviewers say
GamersNexus and WIRED's 2024 reviews find gaming performance inconsistent and the launch price difficult to justify against AMD rivals, criticising stuttering, battery endurance and software problems. Engadget praises comfort and reports improvements after updates. GamersNexus also finds charging fast, although its software and button feel draw criticism.
From gamersnexus.net, wired.com and engadget.com
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specPerformance
- Type
- Handheld
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 5 135H or Core Ultra 7 155H
- GPU
- Intel Arc Graphics (integrated)
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB, 1 TB
- Disc drive
- No
- CPU
- UK models use Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or Core Ultra 5 135H, with Intel AI Boost NPU. MSI lists up to 4.8 GHz for the 155H and up to 4.6 GHz for the 135H in its US configuration table.
- GPU
- Integrated Intel Arc Graphics with shared system memory; MSI lists 8 Xe cores for both US processor variants and supports Intel XeSS upscaling
- Memory detail
- 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 on-board dual-channel memory in the listed UK and US models. The current global page states a maximum of 32 GB, but does not identify a matching configuration.
- Storage detail
- One NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 2230 SSD slot; MSI's US table confirms Core Ultra 5 with 512 GB, and Core Ultra 7 with 512 GB or 1 TB. Configuration availability varies by market. First US sale on 8 March 2024 is documented by GamersNexus; dates differed by region.
- Storage expansion
- microSD card reader
Display and video
- Built-in screen
- 7″ LCD, 1920 × 1080, 120 Hz
- Built-in screen
- IPS-level touchscreen, 1920 × 1080 at 120 Hz; MSI states typical 100% sRGB coverage and typical 500 nits brightness
- Video output
- Thunderbolt 4 USB-C supports DisplayPort; MSI's separately sold Nest docking station provides HDMI 2.0 at 4K 60 Hz
- Audio
- Two 2 W speakers with Hi-Res Audio support, array microphone and 3.5 mm microphone/headphone socket
Design and power
- Weight
- 675 g
- Battery life detail
- 53 Wh six-cell lithium-polymer battery. MSI's January 2024 announcement claims two hours under full workload, without publishing the game or test conditions.
- Power use
- 65 W USB-C Power Delivery adapter. While running or sleeping, MSI states charging support from 45 W at 20 V to 65 W; charging speed and performance depend on power source and battery state. Cooler Boost HyperFlow uses dual fans and heat pipes.
- Colours
- Black; 294 × 117 × 21.2 mm and 675 g including battery
- In the box
- 65 W power adapter; accessories vary by country. MSI sells its travel case, Nest dock and screen protector separately.
Connections
- Ports
- One Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port with DisplayPort and Power Delivery 3.0; one microSD reader; one 3.5 mm audio combo socket
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750 and Bluetooth 5.4; wireless performance depends on configuration and local spectrum availability
- Controller
- Hall effect analogue sticks and triggers, D-pad, RGB ABXY buttons, left and right bumpers, View and Menu buttons, MSI Center M and Quick Settings buttons, two rear macro buttons and HD haptics
- Backward compatibility
- Windows 11 Home with MSI Center M and supported PC game stores; MSI App Player supports compatible Android games. The current maker page also offers Xbox Full Screen Experience for Claw models.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Hall effect joysticks and analogue triggers
- Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery
- 120 Hz touchscreen and fingerprint reader
Cons
- One USB-C port handles charging and peripherals
- On-board memory cannot be upgraded
Closest rivals
Model | Type | Output | Memory | Storage | Weight | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld | – | 24 GB | 1 TB – 2 TB | 678 g | Jul 2024 | |
| Handheld | – | 16 GB | 512 GB | 608 g | Jun 2023 | |
| Handheld | – | 16 GB | 512 GB | 670 g | Oct 2025 |
Newer model: Claw 7 AI+.
Sources
- uk.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-A1MX/Specification
- us.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-A1MX/Specification
- msi.com/Handheld/Claw-A1MX/Specification
- uk.msi.com/Handheld/Claw-A1MX
- msi.com/news/detail/MSI-Unveils-World-s-First-Gaming-Handheld-with-Core--Ultra-…
- gamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs/msi-claw-mess-gaming-handheld-cant-compete-review-…
- msi.com/Handheld/Claw-A1MX/Gallery
Photo: storage-asset.msi.com
- MSI Claw A1M, front view: storage-asset.msi.com/global/picture/product/product_1777259637bbaf6b7fa643bebc…
- MSI Claw A1M, rear three-quarter view: storage-asset.msi.com/global/picture/product/product_17047058056518bb1f030ae316…
- MSI Claw A1M, top-edge view: storage-asset.msi.com/global/picture/product/product_170470580603f7cea89ba58b80…
- MSI Claw A1M, angled top-edge view: storage-asset.msi.com/global/picture/product/product_1704705808c7758e3a29fd578f…
