MSI has entered the handheld gaming market with the Claw A1M, a device that showcases both promise and pitfalls. Priced at $800 for the Core Ultra 7 model, the Claw A1M aims to compete with established rivals such as ASUS and Lenovo. Despite its strong design and features, the Claw A1M struggles to justify its high price tag due to its performance and late entry into the market.
Design and Display: Straightforward but Effective
MSI has taken a familiar approach with the design of the Claw A1M, creating a device that closely resembles the ROG Ally but with a few notable tweaks. The Claw’s black exterior and more pronounced grips offer a comfortable hold, and the smaller rear paddles are less prone to accidental presses.
One of the standout features of the Claw A1M is its 7-inch 1080p IPS LCD display. The screen is colorful and reaches a brightness of approximately 450 nits, making it suitable for use in well-lit rooms. However, the lack of variable refresh rate and the inability to match the Legion Go's larger 8.8-inch OLED panel are drawbacks. Additionally, MSI missed an opportunity to include a case, which Lenovo provides with the Legion.
The Claw A1M includes thoughtful hardware elements like a built-in microSD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack, and a single USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support. While the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 is advantageous for connecting peripherals, having only one USB-C port limits accessory options.
Performance: Struggling to Keep Up
Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, Arc graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, the Claw A1M appears well-prepared on paper. However, real-world performance tells a different story. Despite MSI’s claims that the Claw would outperform AMD-based competitors by 20 to 25 percent, tests show it barely keeps up.