MSI Claw A1M Review: Is the World’s First Intel-Powered Gaming Handheld Worth It?

With the increasing competition in the mobile gaming market, MSI is entering the fray with the MSI Claw A1M, a gaming device that promises to bring the PC gaming experience to your fingertips. Powered by a robust Intel Ultra 7 155H processor and Intel Arc graphics, this device is positioned as a viable alternative to other mobile gaming devices on the market.

With its 7-inch FHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 53Wh battery, MSI aims to attract gamers who want to take their favorite games with them wherever they go without compromising on quality. In this comprehensive review, we’ll analyze every aspect of the MSI Claw A1M-239IT to determine if it’s truly worth the investment.

The Architectural Shift: Exploring the Intel Core Ultra Core

The heart of the MSI Claw A1M is undoubtedly its processor, a component that signifies the most radical change in Intel’s consumer chip design in nearly half a century. The device utilizes the Intel Core Ultra series, specifically the 155H and 135H variants, which are built on the Meteor Lake architecture. This isn’t a traditional single-chip design; instead, it uses a “disaggregated” approach where different “tiles” or “chiplets” handle specific functions like processing, graphics, and input/output. This allows the MSI Claw A1M to operate with a level of efficiency previously unseen in high-performance portables, as it can shut down entire sections of the chip when they aren’t needed.

The flagship Intel Core Ultra 7 155H model is a multi-threaded beast, featuring a total of 16 cores and 22 threads. This is achieved through a triple-tier core structure. You have 6 Performance-cores (P-cores) for high-intensity gaming, 8 Efficient-cores (E-cores) for multi-tasking and background Windows services, and 2 Low Power Efficient-cores (LP E-cores) located on a separate low-power island. These LP E-cores are particularly crucial for a handheld; they handle basic tasks like video playback or background downloads while consuming a fraction of the power of the main cores, directly contributing to longer periods away from the wall outlet.

Beyond raw core counts, the integration of the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is what defines this as a “next-gen” device. Branded as Intel AI Boost, this dedicated hardware is designed to handle persistent AI workloads—such as background noise cancellation during voice chat or eye-tracking in supported applications—without taxing the CPU or GPU. In a handheld environment where every watt of power matters, offloading these tasks to a specialized, low-power engine is a masterstroke of efficiency. It ensures that your gaming performance doesn’t stutter because Windows decided to run an AI-enhanced background task in the middle of a firefight.

Graphical Prowess and the Magic of XeSS Upscaling

In the realm of handheld gaming, the GPU is often the bottleneck that dictates whether a game is “playable” or just a slideshow. The MSI Claw A1M addresses this with the integrated Intel Arc graphics, which features up to 8 Xe-cores. This iGPU is built on the same Alchemist architecture found in Intel’s dedicated desktop cards, bringing a suite of modern features to the portable space. This includes full hardware support for Ray Tracing and the AV1 codec, making the Claw not just a gaming machine, but a highly capable video editing and streaming tool for creators on the go.

However, the real “force multiplier” for the MSI Claw A1M is Intel XeSS (Xe Super Sampling). This is an AI-driven upscaling technology that uses the processor’s dedicated XMX (Xe Matrix eXtensions) hardware to reconstruct high-resolution images from lower-resolution frames. When you’re playing a demanding title like Cyberpunk 2077, you can set the game to render at 720p internally to save power and reduce heat, then allow XeSS to upscale it to a crisp 1080p for the display. Because it uses AI rather than simple spatial upscaling, the final image often retains a level of detail and anti-aliasing that is indistinguishable from native 1080p, but with a significantly higher frame rate.

The evolution of Intel’s graphics drivers has been a cornerstone of the MSI Claw A1M’s lifecycle. At launch, early benchmarks showed some inconsistency, but subsequent updates have provided massive leaps in stability and speed. For instance, driver version 31.0.101.5534 introduced gains of up to 30% in popular titles like F1 24. Intel and MSI have demonstrated a clear commitment to the platform, with cumulative updates resulting in an average performance increase of approximately 30% across the board since the device first hit the market. This means the MSI Claw A1M you buy today is fundamentally more powerful and compatible than the one that existed during its initial reveal, proving the long-term value of the Intel architecture.

Anthropometric Design: The Ergonomics of the MSI Claw A1M

When designing a handheld that weighs 675 grams, every millimeter of curvature matters. MSI’s engineering team applied the principles of “Anthropometry”—the study of human body measurements—to create what they call the Ergo-Gaming design. By analyzing thousands of hand samples from around the world, they developed a chassis that fits the natural contours of the palm, reducing fatigue during those marathon sessions where “just one more quest” turns into three hours of gameplay.

The weight distribution of the MSI Claw A1M is a masterclass in balance. While it is slightly heavier than some rivals, it feels remarkably “light” in the hand because the center of gravity is precisely aligned with the grips. The grips themselves are designed with a shallower depth than some competitors, which allows for a more natural reach to the triggers and bumpers, even for gamers with smaller hands. This focus on comfort extends to the material choice; the high-quality plastic shell feels substantial and premium, with a texture that provides a secure hold without becoming “sweaty” or uncomfortable during intense moments.

The aesthetics of the device are undeniably “MSI,” featuring a sleek black finish with aggressive lines that house the massive air vents needed for high-TDP gaming. Customizable RGB lighting encircles the analog sticks and sits beneath the translucent ABXY buttons, creating a vibrant, modern look that can be synced with your in-game music or personal style through the MSI Center M software. This isn’t just a utilitarian tool; it’s a piece of gaming hardware that looks as good as it performs, fitting perfectly into a high-end setup or looking professional in a carry-on bag.

Precision Control: Hall Effect Joysticks and Tactical Inputs

If there is one technical failure that haunts the handheld community, it is “stick drift”—the slow degradation of analog sensors that leads to ghost inputs and ruined games. MSI addresses this head-on by equipping the Claw A1M with Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers. Unlike traditional potentiometers that rely on physical carbon film contact and friction, Hall Effect sensors use magnetic fields to detect position. This means there is no physical wear and tear on the sensing components, effectively eliminating stick drift and ensuring that the controller remains as precise on day one thousand as it was on day one.

The precision offered by these magnets is a tangible advantage in competitive scenarios. Whether you’re lining up a long-range headshot in a shooter or modulating your throttle through a tight corner in a racing sim, the Hall Effect sensors provide a smooth, linear response that standard controllers simply can’t match. The analog sticks are rated for 5,000,000 directional cycles—2.5 times the industry standard—and the center push is rated for 2,000,000 cycles, four times the life cycle of traditional carbon film sticks.

Complementing the high-tech sticks is a suite of tactile inputs designed for speed. The ABXY buttons feature a satisfying click with a travel distance optimized for rapid actuation. The D-pad is designed with a focus on fighting games and retro titles, offering a clear “roll” between directions that prevents accidental inputs. On the back of the device, you’ll find two macro buttons (M1 and M2) that are perfectly positioned where your middle fingers naturally rest. These can be mapped to perform complex tasks—like reloading while jumping or activating a specific skill—allowing you to keep your thumbs firmly on the joysticks during critical moments.

Visual Excellence: The 120Hz VRR Display and Its Impact

The display on the MSI Claw A1M is more than just a 1080p panel; it is a specialized tool designed specifically for the unique challenges of handheld gaming. The 7-inch IPS-level touchscreen offers a 1920 x 1080 resolution, providing a high pixel density that makes text sharp and textures pop. With 500 nits of peak brightness and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, the display remains vibrant and legible even in well-lit environments, ensuring that you don’t lose the atmosphere of a dark, moody RPG just because you’re playing near a window.

The true “killer feature” of the screen, however, is the 120Hz refresh rate combined with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. In handheld gaming, frame rates are rarely perfectly stable; they often fluctuate between 45 and 75 FPS depending on the scene’s complexity. On a standard 60Hz or 120Hz screen without VRR, these fluctuations cause “stuttering” or “tearing” as the display and GPU fall out of sync. VRR solves this by dynamically adjusting the screen’s refresh rate to match the GPU’s output in real-time. This results in a much smoother, more fluid experience, making a game running at 48 FPS feel as smooth as a locked 60 FPS.

This high refresh rate is also a boon for cloud gaming and eSports titles. When playing fast-paced games like League of Legends or Overwatch 2, the 120Hz panel provides a competitive edge by reducing input lag and providing more “up-to-date” visual information every second. The touchscreen itself is covered in high-quality glass that is resistant to smudges and fingerprints, maintaining that premium look even after a long session of navigating the Windows 11 desktop or playing touch-based puzzle games.

Thermal Mastery: Cooler Boost HyperFlow and Intraflow Tech

Packing an Intel Core Ultra processor into a handheld requires an extraordinary approach to cooling. MSI answered this challenge with the Cooler Boost HyperFlow system, an evolution of the thermal engineering found in their award-winning gaming laptops. The system utilizes dual high-performance fans and two specialized heat pipes that efficiently whisk thermal energy away from the silicon. But the innovation goes deeper than just raw heat dissipation; MSI employs a “Revolutionary Intraflow” design that redirects a portion of the airflow to pass over internal components like the RAM and power delivery modules.

This secondary internal airflow ensures that the device doesn’t just keep the CPU cool, but maintains a stable temperature for the entire system, preventing the “heat soak” that can lead to performance degradation over long play sessions. The physical manifestation of this is the massive intake grille on the back of the device and the top-mounted exhaust vents, which are designed to be 50% larger than those of competitors to ensure maximum volume of air exchange. Despite this high volume of air, the fan profile is tuned for a low-pitched hum rather than a high-pitched whine, making it unobtrusive even when the device is running at its maximum 45W TDP.

Real-world thermal testing shows that the MSI Claw A1M manages its heat remarkably well. The points where the user’s hands contact the device—the grips and the back—remain cool to the touch, with the hot air being expelled exclusively from the top edge, away from the face and hands. Even under extreme stress tests, the front of the device typically reaches a maximum of only 41 degrees Celsius, with the internal components staying within safe operating ranges to ensure longevity. This thermal headroom is what allows the MSI Claw A1M to sustain higher performance levels for longer periods, providing a consistent gaming experience that doesn’t “choke” when the action gets intense.

The Software Ecosystem: MSI Center M and the AI Engine

The challenge of any Windows 11 handheld is bridging the gap between a desktop OS and a gaming interface. MSI Center M is the solution—a dedicated, lightweight software layer designed to be operated entirely with a controller. With the touch of a dedicated button on the left side of the screen, you are brought into a unified game launcher that aggregates your titles from Steam, Epic, Xbox, and more into a clean, easy-to-read grid. It isn’t just a launcher, though; it is a comprehensive system hub that allows you to update drivers, adjust BIOS settings, and customize your hardware without ever touching a mouse.

One of the most forward-thinking features is the MSI AI Engine. This intelligent system monitors your usage in real-time and automatically switches between “User Scenarios” to optimize your experience. If you’re playing a high-end AAA game, the AI Engine will engage “Extreme Performance” mode to maximize frame rates. If it detects that you’ve switched to a movie or a light indie game, it will automatically shift to “Super Battery” mode, lowering the TDP and adjusting the fan curves to extend your playtime. It even powers the “Noise Cancellation” feature, using the NPU to filter out background hums from your microphone during multiplayer matches.

For those who enjoy the mobile ecosystem, the pre-installed MSI App Player is a significant addition. It allows for a seamless Android gaming experience on Windows, providing optimized controller mapping for popular mobile titles. This turns the MSI Claw A1M into a truly multi-platform station, capable of playing everything from a retro emulator to the latest PC blockbuster to high-end mobile RPGs. The interface is designed for speed, ensuring that you spend less time navigating menus and more time playing, which is ultimately what a handheld is all about.

Connectivity and Expansion: Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7

The MSI Claw A1M is positioned as a device that can grow with your needs, thanks to its industry-leading connectivity options. It is one of the very few handhelds on the market to feature a full Thunderbolt 4 port. This is a massive advantage over standard USB-C ports, as it supports up to 40Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth. In practical terms, this means you can connect the Claw to an External GPU (eGPU) enclosure, transforming your portable handheld into a high-end desktop gaming rig with the power of a desktop graphics card when you’re at your desk.

Wireless networking is equally impressive, featuring the Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 module. Wi-Fi 7 is the latest evolution in wireless standards, offering significantly higher throughput and lower latency than Wi-Fi 6E. For gamers who rely on cloud services like GeForce NOW or those who frequently download 100GB+ game files, this translates to faster, more stable connections with less interference from other devices in the home. The device also supports Bluetooth 5.4, providing a rock-solid connection for wireless controllers, keyboards, or high-fidelity audio headsets.

For storage, the Claw includes a UHS-II microSD card reader, which is significantly faster than the standard readers found on many other devices. This allows you to expand your game library cheaply without sacrificing load times for less demanding games. If you need even more speed, the internal 2230 NVMe SSD can be upgraded, though the sophisticated cooling assembly means this is a task best left to confident enthusiasts. Rounding out the physical ports is a 3.5mm combo audio jack, ensuring that you can always use your favorite wired headset for a zero-latency audio experience.

Power Dynamics: Battery Performance and Charging Solutions

Battery life is the single most discussed topic in the handheld community. The MSI Claw A1M features a 6-cell, 53Whr battery, which MSI states is 36% larger than the industry average. In real-world gaming scenarios, this translates to approximately 2 hours of gameplay in heavy AAA titles at full power, or up to 4 to 6 hours in lighter indie games or when streaming media. While no x86 handheld can currently offer “all-day” gaming at high settings, the MSI Claw A1M provides a noticeable edge in endurance over competitors with smaller 40Whr cells.

Charging is handled via 65W Power Delivery (PD) through the Thunderbolt 4 port. Testing conducted by professionals shows that the device is highly compatible with a wide range of chargers and power banks. The included 65W adapter provides approximately 59W of sustained power to the device, while high-end 140W chargers can push this slightly higher to 61W or 63W. For gamers on the go, it is recommended to use a power source that can deliver at least 45W, as anything below 40W may not provide enough current to charge the device while it is in use.

To ensure the long-term health of the battery, MSI includes a “Battery Master” feature within the software. This allows you to set charge limits—for example, stopping the charge at 80% if you’re frequently playing while plugged in—which significantly reduces chemical wear on the battery cells over the years. The charging cable itself is a robust, laptop-style USB-C cord that is built to withstand the rigors of travel, though some users find the brick-style adapter slightly clunkier to carry than a standard phone charger.

Comparative Landscape: MSI Claw A1M versus the Competition

To truly understand where the MSI Claw A1M sits in the market, we must compare it to the “Big Three” rivals: the ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme), the Lenovo Legion Go, and the Steam Deck OLED. Each device has a different philosophy, but the Claw carves out a niche for itself by being the “spec-heavy” Intel alternative with superior long-term reliability in its controls.

While the ROG Ally is slightly lighter, the MSI Claw A1M offers a significantly larger battery and much more robust networking with Wi-Fi 7. The Lenovo Legion Go has a larger, higher-resolution screen, but its lack of VRR can make choppy frame rates feel more jarring than they do on the Claw. The Steam Deck OLED is unmatched in its user-friendly SteamOS experience and screen contrast, but it lacks the raw processing power and Windows compatibility needed for anti-cheat-heavy games or multi-purpose PC use. The MSI Claw A1M stands as the bridge between these worlds, offering the versatility of Windows with hardware that is more future-proof than many of its counterparts.

Real-World Performance: Benchmarks and User Experiences

Technical specifications are important, but how the device feels in the real world is what truly defines its success. Enthusiasts who have spent months with the MSI Claw A1M report that it has transitioned from a “promising newcomer” to a “reliable daily driver” thanks to consistent driver improvements. In titles like Doom Eternal, players can achieve 70-90 FPS at 1080p with ultra settings, which feels incredibly smooth on the VRR display. Even in massive open-world games like Baldur’s Gate 3, the use of FSR or XeSS allows for a playable 50-70 FPS range that makes the 7-inch screen feel like a window into a much larger world.

User feedback has highlighted a few specific areas of praise and critique. The front-firing speakers are frequently cited as “crazy good,” offering a level of clarity and bass that outperforms many laptops twice its size. The ergonomic grips are a consensus favorite, with users stating they can “play this all day” without hand fatigue. However, early software bugs—like a “German language glitch” in the noise cancellation menu or some initial stuttering in shader-heavy games—were noted by reviewers. Most of these issues have been addressed in recent BIOS and driver updates, but they serve as a reminder that the MSI Claw A1M is a “living” platform that continues to improve.

The community surrounding the Claw is smaller than that of the Steam Deck, but it is highly engaged. Users have shared tips for “Manual Mode” settings, suggesting that a 25W TDP is often the “sweet spot” for balancing performance and battery life. Others have found success using the device as a desktop replacement, connecting it to a Thunderbolt dock for productivity during the day and gaming at night. This versatility is the hallmark of the MSI Claw A1M; it isn’t just a toy, but a high-performance computer that just happens to have controllers attached to its sides.

Summary

The MSI Claw A1M represents MSI’s first interesting foray into the Windows gaming laptop market. It offers powerful components, an excellent display, and a comfortable design, but it suffers from some significant compromises, particularly regarding battery life and performance optimization for the latest games.

This device is ideal for those seeking a versatile solution that can function as both a gaming laptop and a mini Windows PC, and it can easily be left near a power source during extended gaming sessions. Its high price makes it a significant investment that may not be justified for all users.

Ultimately, the MSI Claw A1M is a promising product, but it needs some improvements, especially in power efficiency and software optimization, to fully compete with existing alternatives on the market.