MSI CLAW officially with Intel Core CPU, graphics powered by Arc
MSI has officially unveiled its first handheld gaming device, the CLAW. Distinguishing itself from competitors, this system marks the debut of a first handheld gaming device powered by Intel’s Core Ultra series, featuring Xe-LPG (Arc) graphics.
The pricing for the handheld starts at $699, equipped with Core Ultra 5 135H, 512GB storage, and 16GB RAM. Alternatively, a higher-spec variant is available for $799. The top-tier configuration is confirmed to feature Core Ultra 7 155H. MSI has clarified that the CLAW utilizes LPDDR5-6400 memory.
CLAW AM1, Source: MSI
Worth noting that the system is equipped with WiFi-7 and Bluetooth 5.4, features not available with ROG Ally or Legion GO.
Claw – A1M Features
- Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H
- Windows 11 Home
- Ergonomic design for an optimal gaming experience.
- 7″ FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz Refresh Rate, Touch Screen, 100% sRGB (Typical), 500nits (Typical), IPS-Level panel.
- Hall Effect triggers and joysticks built to last with microscopic precision.
- Best-in-class 53Whr battery capacity.
- Revolutionary Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology redirects airflow to cool internal components.
- Exclusive Macro Keys cast your ult with just one click.
- Swift transfers and extensive connectivity with Thunderbolt™ 4.
- MSI Center M provides dedicated interface designed for handheld devices with easy-to-use settings.
- MSI AI Engine adjusts various system settings automatically that best fit your needs.
CLAW AM1, Source: MSI
MSI confirms that the console’s 7-inch 120Hz IPS panel with 1080p resolution delivers a brightness of up to 500 nits. The display supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
Weighing in at 675g and equipped with a 53Wh battery, the CLAW should feature two-hour battery life under full load, thanks to the efficiency of the Intel architecture. MSI is saying that the handheld has 50% larger air vent system compared to rival products, highlighting the efficiency of its cooling system.
CLAW AM1, Source: MSI
The MSI CLAW is scheduled for release in the first half of the current year, with the exact launch date yet to be confirmed by MSI.
| Handheld Gaming Consoles | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VideoCardz | MSI Claw | Lenovo Legion Go | ASUS ROG Ally | Valve Steam Deck |
| Picture |  |  |  |  |
| Architecture | Intel Redwood Cove, Crestmont, Xe-LPG | AMD Zen4 & RDNA3 | AMD Zen4 & RDNA3 | AMD Zen2 & RDNA2 |
| APU | Core 5 Ultra 135H 14C/18T up to 4.6 GHz or Core 7 Ultra 155H 16C/22T up to 4.8 GHz | Ryzen Z1 Extreme 8C/16T up to 5.1 GHz or Ryzen Z1 6C/12T up to 4.9 GHz | Ryzen Z1 Extreme 8C/16T up to 5.1 GHz or Ryzen Z1 6C/12T up to 4.9 GHz | AMD Van Gogh 4C/8T up to 3.5 GHz |
| SoC GPU | Arc Graphics 8 Xe-Cores @ 2.25 GHz 7 Xe-Cores @ 2.20 GHz | AMD iGPU 12CU @ 2.7 GHz (Z1E) 4CU @ 2.5 GHz (Z1) | AMD iGPU 12CU @ 2.7 GHz [1] 4CU @ 2.5 GHz [2] | AMD iGPU 8CU @ 1.6 GHz |
| SoC TDP | 28W | 9-30W | 9-30W | 4-15W |
| External GPU | Thunderbolt 4 | USB4 | ROG XG Mobile (up to RTX 4090) | Not officially |
| Memory Capacity | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 16GB LPDDR5X-7500 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 16GB LPDDR5-5500 |
| Storage Capacity | 1TB/512GB | 1TB/512GB | 512GB[1]/256GB[2] | 256GB/512GB SSD 64GB eMMC |
| Storage Type | TBC | M.2 NVMe 2242 SSD PCIe 4×4 | M.2 NVMe 2230 SSD PCIe 4×4 | M.2 NVMe 2230 SSD PCIe 3×4 eMMC PCIe Gen2x1 |
| Display | 7″ 1920×1080, 120Hz, 500 nits, VRR | 8.8″ 2560×1600 IPS, 144Hz, 500 nits | 7″ 1920×1080, 120Hz, 500 nits, 7ms | 7″ 1280×800, 60Hz |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2 | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5 |
| Battery | 6-Cell 53 Battery (Wh) | 49.2 Wh, 900 mAh (controllers) | 40 Wh, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion | 40 Wh |
| Weight | 675 g | 854g / 1.87 lbs | 608g / 1.34 lbs | 669g / 1.47 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 29.4 x (?) x 1.17 cm | 29.9 x 13.1 x 4.1 cm 11.8 x 5.2 x 1.6 in | 28.0 x 11.3 x 3.9 cm 11.0 x 4.5 x 1.5 in | 29.8 x 11.7 x 4.9 cm 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9 in |
| Default OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Steam OS/Win 11 |
| Retail Price | $799 (Core 7U+16G+1TB) $699 (Core 5U+16G+512GB) | $699/€799(Z1E+16G+512GB) $749/€799(Z1E+16G+1TB) | $599/€699 (Z1+16G+256GB) $699/€799 (Z1E+16G+512GB) | $399/€419 (16G+64GB) $529/€549 (16G+256GB) $649/€679 (16G+512GB) |
| Release Date | 1H 2024 | October 31, 2023 | June 2023 [1] September 2023 [2] | February 2022 |
