MSI Claw A1M: A Handheld Gaming Misfire?

Though technology often seems to progress linearly, trends frequently take a cyclical turn. Devices such as flip phones, instant cameras, and record players have returned to popularity. Now, the focus shifts to handheld gaming devices. While Nintendo has consistently maintained a presence in the handheld market, Windows-based portable gaming devices have surged in visibility over the past few years, prompting major manufacturers to rush their products to consumers.

Among these manufacturers is MSI, which recently introduced the MSI Claw A1M, an Intel-powered handheld gaming PC, breaking into a market primarily filled with AMD-powered competitors showcased at CES 2024. The device launched globally before making its official debut in India in March, where it faced initial availability challenges. Now, the Claw A1M is offered in three configurations in India. The base model features an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor with 512GB of SSD storage, while a mid-tier version is equipped with a Core Ultra 7 chipset, and a high-end model boasts 1TB of SSD storage.

The base variant of the MSI Claw A1M originally launched at Rs. 88,990, with the Core Ultra 7 models priced at Rs. 96,990 and Rs. 99,990 for the 512GB and 1TB versions, respectively. Following its debut, MSI slashed the prices significantly, with the base model now costing Rs. 59,990, and the Core Ultra 7 variants priced at Rs. 66,990 and Rs. 69,990.

However, does the Meteor Lake-powered MSI Claw A1M stand up as a viable contender against devices from Asus and Lenovo powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 series processors, specifically designed for gaming handhelds? After an extensive testing period, it is clear that while the Claw has its strengths, it also exhibits significant shortcomings. Competing against the likes of the ROG Ally and the Legion Go, the MSI Claw often grapples with its own deficiencies.

The MSI Claw exhibits a robust design, outsize a Nintendo Switch

MSI Claw A1M Design: Balancing Comfort and heft

Dimensions – 294mm (width) x 117mm (depth) x 21.2mm (height)
Weight – 675g
Colour – Black

Pick up the Claw and you might mistake it for an Asus ROG Ally if not for the distinct MSI branding. Released shortly after the Ally, the Claw draws noticeable design inspiration from its competitor. The handheld’s construction is predominantly black plastic, giving it a durable feel, while the angular curves of the grips allow for a comfortable hold during extended gaming sessions, even despite its heavier weight of 675g.

However, the Claw A1M’s design lacks standout features, rendering it visually generic. Its ABXY buttons aren’t color-coded, relegating the RGB lighting to enhance the otherwise monotonous aesthetic. While the face buttons and Hall-Effect analogue sticks provide a responsive experience, the D-pad and bumpers deliver less satisfying feedback. The quick action buttons positioned alongside the display receive the same treatment, lacking the useful tactile response gamers expect.

The MSI Claw shares a notable resemblance to the ROG Ally

MSI Claw A1M Display: Adequate Performance

Size – 7-inch “IPS-level” touch display
Resolution – Full-HD (1,920×1,080 pixels)
Refresh Rate – 120Hz

The Claw A1M features a 7-inch touch-enabled panel which stands out positively. Despite being slightly small for extensive Windows use, it serves gaming well, especially for indie titles and platformers. The display can achieve up to 500 nits of peak brightness, making it satisfactory outdoors but less effective under direct sunlight. Managing brightness effectively indoors and at night is advisable for better battery conservation.

The screen provides crisp visuals with good color accuracy and responsive touch functions. Navigating the Windows interface was manageable through a combination of using the left analog stick and touchscreen inputs. However, the display tends to accumulate fingerprints quickly, warranting a screen protector for maintenance.

The top of the Claw features a microSD card slot, USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack

MSI Claw A1M Software: A Windows-centric Experience

Operating on Windows 11 Home, the MSI Claw A1M embodies several common challenges associated with handhelds running this OS. While Windows provides versatility, it lacks the intuitive feel for a 7-inch touchscreen. Frequent updates and driver installations can interrupt gameplay, transforming the handheld into a device requiring constant maintenance rather than immediate use.

Unique issues also surface in the Claw A1M during typical tasks. Instances of the taskbar obstinately remaining within gameplay or persistent notification alerts for pending updates highlight the frustrating user experience. While these nuisances may seem minor, they accumulate and detract from the overall enjoyment. Convenience is paramount for a handheld gaming device, which should allow for quick gameplay without fuss — a quality the Steam Deck’s SteamOS offers more effectively.

Ongoing Windows updates can lead to frustration during use

Manufacturers typically provide proprietary software to enhance the user experience on Windows-based handhelds. For instance, Asus includes Armoury Crate SE in its ROG Ally, while Lenovo features Legion Space on the Legion Go. These interfaces allow users to launch games from various services, adjust settings, and remap controller inputs. Such software helps mitigate the frustrations inherent with Windows.

MSI’s answer is the MSI Center M, but it ultimately complicates the experience. When functioning properly, the software performs adequately, yet frequent bugs had it lagging and failing to respond to inputs, leading users to resort to restarting devices regularly. This unreliability diminished its overall utility.

Issues plagued the MSI Center M software throughout testing

The MSI Quick Settings overlay also proved problematic, often failing to display promptly. Touch inputs within the overlay would sometimes register interactions with the background window instead, leading to unintended actions during gameplay.

The Claw allows users to switch between Desktop and Gamepad modes for different tasks. However, the Claw A1M struggled to seamlessly transition between modes, leading to controller inputs that often didn’t function properly. In such cases, users resorted to navigating games through the touchscreen, or rebooting the device, which could lead to frustration.

Transitioning between control modes proved to be inconsistent

MSI Claw A1M Performance: Fluctuating Results

Processor – Up to Intel Core Ultra 7
RAM – 16GB of LPDDR5-6400
Storage – Up to 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 + M.2 2230 SSD slot for additional storage
Graphics – Intel Arc graphics

Before evaluating performance, it is essential to note that the review unit received had prior software installed, potentially skewing results compared to a new unit. The performance of the Claw A1M remained inconsistent, despite several updates aimed at improvement.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 functions across a TDP range of 20-35W on battery and 20-40W when plugged in. Users have the option to customize these settings and select from five predefined power profiles. Playing Ghost of Tsushima, for instance, yielded frame rates between 40-45 fps on high settings, dropping to the lower 30s during intense action. Conversely, medium settings saw frame rates closer to 45-50 fps while lower settings maintained averages around 50 fps, utilizing Intel’s XeSS upscaling at 1080p resolution.

Performance suffered when switching to the Super Battery profile, where frame rates dropped significantly, often falling below 30 fps on more demanding graphical settings. Testing with the device plugged in showed minimal improvement, regardless of the chosen profile.

Gaming quality on the MSI Claw varied significantly

While the MSI Claw A1M can handle triple-A titles at acceptable frame rates, it often suffers from stutters and lag. Though performance improved since its initial launch, delays remain evident. However, the Claw performs admirably with less intensive or retro games, such as the well-optimized Portal 2, which maintained frame rates above 100 fps. Even with demanding older titles like Dying Light, performance remained solid, hovering between 80-90 fps at high settings.

Audio quality on the Claw is commendable, with front-firing speakers delivering clear and robust sound, contributing positively to the immersive gaming experience. The incorporation of haptics and audio elevates the overall feel during gameplay.

Speakers deliver impressive audio clarity

MSI Claw A1M Battery: Lacking Endurance

Capacity – 53Whr
Charger – 65W PD adapter

When fully charged and used unplugged, the Claw A1M struggles to remain operational for more than an hour while playing demanding titles. Even in a Super Battery profile, it rarely exceeds two hours of usage. For optimal battery life, playing less demanding indie games, with lower graphics settings in the Super Battery mode is advisable, providing up to two hours of use.

Following the Claw A1M’s launch, Intel introduced an Endurance Gaming feature designed to balance frame rate and power consumption, potentially extending battery life during gaming sessions.

The MSI Claw excels with indie titles but struggles with longevity

MSI Claw A1M: Final Thoughts

Overall, the MSI Claw A1M feels like a first-generation device, resembling a rushed entry into a competitive market opened by the likes of the Asus ROG Ally. Its inconsistent performance and inadequate battery life raise concerns over its viability in current gaming landscapes. With newer processor technology emerging, the Claw A1M may soon feel outdated.

Asus is actively advancing its offerings with the ROG Ally X, while the Lenovo Legion Go showcases innovative features, rendering the Claw A1M less appealing. Competing with established or lower-priced alternatives like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED, it struggles to find a foothold.

It is also noteworthy that MSI has already transitioned its focus to developing next-gen Claw handhelds running on newer technology, leading one to wonder why consumers should invest in the current model.

Pros

Good display
Audio performance
Responsive haptics
Sturdy construction