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MSI announced the Claw A1M at CES on January 9, 2024, with a top configuration powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H. The Claw is a Windows gaming handheld with a 7-inch 1080p, 120 Hz touchscreen, but not every A1M uses the Ultra 7: MSI also lists Core Ultra 5 135H models, and storage varies by regional SKU.
What is the MSI Claw?
The MSI Claw A1M is a Windows 11 handheld gaming PC. MSI introduced it as the company’s first gaming handheld powered by Intel Core Ultra. Its launch specification describes a 7-inch touchscreen, Intel Arc graphics, a 53 Wh battery and a weight of 675 g. MSI cautions that specifications and appearance can vary by model and country.
MSI’s January 9, 2024 announcement is a historical launch announcement, not a new 2026 product launch. Current product specifications and US model listings are available on MSI’s Claw A1M specification page and MSI’s US specification page.
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What processor does the MSI Claw have?
The processor depends on the exact Claw A1M configuration. MSI’s original announcement highlighted a top model with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, while MSI also documents configurations using the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H. The US comparison lists four SKUs across those processor options; check the complete model number and region rather than relying on the Claw name alone.
#1 Best Overall
- AI-Powered Performance: Harness the capabilities of the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 processor to effortlessly manage demanding tasks. Extend your productivity with the most powerful and reliable performance on the go.
- 7-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 7-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- MSI Center M provides dedicated interface designed for handheld devices with easy-to-use settings.
In MSI’s US comparison, the listed models have 16 GB of LPDDR5-6400 memory and either a 512 GB or 1 TB M.2 2230 Gen4x4 SSD. Those storage capacities describe the listed US configurations, not every Claw sold worldwide. See MSI’s US SKU comparison for its model-by-model entries.
What are the MSI Claw A1M specs?
| Feature | MSI-listed detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch touchscreen; 1920 × 1080 resolution; 120 Hz refresh rate |
| Graphics | Intel Arc graphics |
| Memory | 16 GB onboard dual-channel LPDDR5 in the launch specification; US SKU listings specify LPDDR5-6400 |
| Storage | One M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4 slot; US configurations list 512 GB or 1 TB SSDs |
| Battery | 53 Wh |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 in the launch specification |
| Ports and expansion | Thunderbolt 4 over USB-C, with DisplayPort and USB-C power delivery; microSD reader |
| Controls and cooling | Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers; MSI Cooler Boost HyperFlow design with dual fans and heat pipes |
| Operating system and weight | Windows 11; 675 g |
| Power adapter | 65 W PD adapter listed on MSI’s specification page |
These are manufacturer specifications, and some details—including memory speed and installed storage—are tied to the listed configuration or regional page. MSI says the product’s specifications, functions and appearance may vary across models and countries and may change. The dated launch details appear in MSI’s January 9, 2024 CES announcement; the current model details are on its specification page.
Rank #2
- PROCESSOR: Powered by Intel Core Ultra processor for exceptional gaming performance and efficient power management
- GAMING TECHNOLOGY: Features Intel XeSS technology for enhanced graphics and smoother frame rates in demanding games
- PORTABILITY: Handheld design optimised for on-the-go gaming, bringing console-quality gaming experiences anywhere
- COMPATIBILITY: Capable of running AAA gaming titles with impressive visual quality and responsive gameplay
- GAMING EXPERIENCE: Advanced thermal design and optimised controls ensure comfortable, extended gaming sessions
What did MSI claim about gaming performance?
MSI said the Claw’s Intel Arc graphics, with up to eight Xe cores and XeSS, enable gameplay at 1080p resolution and medium settings. That is MSI’s launch claim, not an independent benchmark. The available information does not establish game-by-game frame rates or how the Claw compares with other handhelds under controlled testing, so the claim should not be read as a guarantee for every game.
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MSI’s CES announcement described the 53 Wh battery as offering “an impressive 2-hour battery life under full workload.” That is the company’s stated claim, not an independent test result.
Rank #3
- AI-Powered Performance: Harness the capabilities of the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor to effortlessly manage demanding tasks. Extend your productivity with the most powerful and reliable performance on the go.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- 8-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 8-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
A separate MSI Japan release lists up to seven hours of video playback and eight hours at idle under JEITA 3.0 conditions. Those are different usage conditions from a full workload, so the figures cannot be treated as a direct comparison or combined into a single expected runtime. The regional figures and accessory announcement are in MSI Japan’s March 14, 2024 release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What accessories fit the MSI Claw?
MSI Japan announced a dedicated pouch and screen-protector glass kit alongside its local launch. That establishes the existence of a Japan-market kit, not universal availability or fit for any third-party accessory. Before buying a pouch or screen protector, verify that the listing names the Claw A1M, fits its dimensions and is sold for your region.
Rank #4
- Designed for MSI Claw A1M 7" 2024 : Portable protective case cover back shell for MSI Claw A1M 7" 2024 PC Gaming Handheld Console.
- High quality flexible TPU : Flexible TPU case to protect your MSI Claw A1M 7" PC Gaming Handheld from dropping,scratching and other damages. Durable and last long to protect your MSI Claw A1M 7" PC Gaming Handheld.
- Ergonomics grip design : Protector cover for MSI Claw A1M 7" PC Gaming Handheld with ergonomics and anti - slip grip design, provide better gaming fun for MSI Claw A1M 7" PC Gaming Handheld.
- Accurate cutouts for easy controlling : Accurate cutout for easy access to all the buttons and ports, no need to take the case off even your MSI Claw A1M 7" PC Gaming Handheld is standing or on charging.
- Package contains : TPU Protective Case only, the MSI Claw A1M 7" PC Gaming Handheld is not included.
The Claw has a microSD reader and one M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4 slot, so compatible memory cards or SSDs are possible expansion options. Confirm the exact device SKU and drive capacity before purchase; the listed installed SSD capacity varies between US models.
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