All three models of the MSI Claw are now available for pre-order, and the base model can now be bought directly from MSI. We give you all the latest on the handheld, including price, specification, and more.
Since the launch of the Steam Deck, handheld gaming has skyrocketed in popularity. Some of the biggest names in tech have sought to get involved in the hype, releasing their own devices in the hopes of competing with Valve’s portable dream machine.
The MSI Claw faces stiff competition not just from the Steam Deck, but also from the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and the myriad of handhelds from smaller companies like Ayaneo. MSI might be able to get a head start, however, considering it already has a solid reputation for producing gaming laptops.
The MSI Claw was initially revealed at CES 2024, and at least the device is available for order. We give you all the currently available details on the device so you can make your own decision.
Where to buy the MSI Claw
The Base version of the MSI Claw is now available for order from the MSI website and Newegg. The higher-tier versions will be made available for order on both the MSI official site and Newegg on March 12, 2024. The base model can also be bought from Newegg, with the other two versions available for pre-order. These versions of the device come with a game code for Skull and Bones in addition to a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass. Best Buy will also be selling all three models of the MSI Claw
MSI Claw price
According to the MSI website, the MSI Claw will cost $799.99, $749.99, and $699.99 at launch.
The 1TB version of the upcoming handheld is understandably the most expensive of the lot. Meanwhile, both 512GB versions of the Claw will cost slightly less. The 512GB versions of the MSI device don’t differ much in specs, with the price difference coming down to the processor being used. The Claw A1M-051US utilizes an Intel Core Ultra 7-155H, as opposed to the Claw A1M-052US which uses an Intel Core Ultra 5-135H. This difference in processing power accumulates to approximately $50.
MSI Claw release date
The base model of the MSI Claw was launched on March 8, 2024 and is now available for order from the MSI website and Newegg. The higher-tier versions will be made available for order on both the MSI official site and Newegg on March 12, 2024.
Best Buy will also be selling all three models of the MSI Claw, and these versions will be shipped by April 4, 2024.
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MSI Claw specifications
| Model | MSI Claw A1M |
| CPU | Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| Graphics | Intel Arc |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5 Dual Channel |
| Display size | 7-inches |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz |
| Storage slot | 1x 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 x 4 |
| Battery | 53Whr with 65W fast charging |
| Connectivity | 1 x Thunderbolt™ 4 / DP/ USB Type-C (w/ PD 3.0 Charging)1 x microSD Card Reader1 x Audio combo jack1x Power button with Finger Print SensorIntel Killer Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth v5.4 |
| Audio | 2 × 2W Speakers |
| Dimensions | 294 (W) x 117(D) x 21.2(H) mm |
| Weight | 675g |
| Color | Black |
The MSI Claw is powered by an Intel Meteor Lake processor, utilizing the power of the Core Ultra 7 155H’s 16 total cores and 22 threads. Alongside its Intel processing power, the Claw benefits from XeSS, with the upscaling technology producing higher frame rates, smoother gameplay, and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM.The handheld is equipped with a 53Whr battery capacity, allowing the MSI Claw to last up to two hours with a full workload, and comes integrated with MSI Cooler Boost Hyperflow thermal technology, for better airflow. This branded cooling technology helps cool down the handheld internals, which means no hot hands while gaming.
MSI Claw design
The MSI Claw features a design reminiscent of the ASUS ROG Ally. The upcoming handheld features two analog sticks with RGB a, D-pad, ABXY button layout, and shoulder buttons. There is no trackpad as seen on other handhelds like the Ayaneo Kun, somewhat disappointingly.
Its 7-inch full HD touchscreen display comes equipped with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, and a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. That refresh rate will make it excellent to play smaller or less demanding titles, allowing you to make use of the screen.
The 53Whr battery will allow for around two hours of battery life, which is again, somewhat of a disappointment as newer handhelds are either packing in more battery or being downright more efficient. We’ll just have to wait for independent benchmarks to see just how much the Core Ultra’s efficiency can give you in a handheld form factor.
Intel Arc is the big gamble
The Intel Core Ultra’s Arc graphics are the big question mark we have about this handheld as of the time of writing. The system’s drivers are less mature than those offered by AMD or Nvidia, meaning that compatibility and performance in some titles are yet to be seen. The same goes for performance in certain emulators, should you wish to load them onto your device.
Considering that this might be one of the first gaming handhelds using Intel Arc, we’re tentatively waiting for the benchmarks to arrive to see just how powerful the MSI Claw ends up being.
Stay locked onto this page for more updates on MSI’s new handheld as we gather more details as the devices closes in for launch.
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