An Intel-based handheld is quite interesting. Let’s see how that plays out.
Above is the MSi Claw A1M, another handheld Windows-based console. This is MSi’s answer to Lenovo’s Legion Go and ASUS’ ROG Ally, and their belated response to the Steam Deck. And hello, what is this? It’s not a Ryzen chipset we’re seeing? It’s an Intel? That’s a first. We’re quite intrigued to see how far this console fairs.
The console has a lot to share with the ROG Ally it is competing against, using a similar 7-inch FullHD+ (1920x1080px) IPS LCD screen with up to 120Hz refresh rate. Like every other console, it comes with a D-Pad, Shoulder triggers, XYAB buttons (with RGB lighting by the way), and a pair of joysticks. Its design is also pretty similar but the Claw is much bigger and therefore, should be much more comfortable to hold. It also comes in a black colour scheme instead of white.
While AMD has pretty much monopolized this industry, Intel has long to come up with its own gaming chips as handheld Windows-based consoles are rising in demand. This is a first for the company, and the MSi Claw comes with either an Intel Core Ultra 5 or an Ultra 7. Both of these chipsets use Intel’s Arc integrated GPU which can become a challenge for developers as this chip use different sets of drivers versus AMD’s.
A review from Engadget said that, even though Intel’s handheld drivers aren’t as well-tested as its competitor, games opened up smoothly on the first try, and performance is surprisingly snappy. MSi Center is built-in but it is not yet fully optimized. According to an MSi spokesperson, the Claw can run games 20-25 frames higher than the AMD Z1. That’s a big claim if you ask us.
Now, going back to that Intel Core Ultra CPU. This CPU seems to be modified from the i5 and i7 respectively. The CPU uses a 6+8+2 layout, for a total of 16 cores. There are 6 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 2 low-power cores. The chip also comes built-in with Intel’s own NPU.
Inside is MSi’s ventilation system called Hyperflow. You will also be able to find a 53Whr battery inside. This is 13Whr larger than the Ally and 4Whr bigger than the Lenovo Legion Go. It charges at the same rate, 65W. The charger is supplied for every purchase.
In terms of ports, there are only two. A single USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port and a MicroSD Card reader. That Thunderbolt port is where everything happens. From transferring data, to connecting an external display, and even to charging the console. The console does have Windows Hello support thanks to its physical fingerprint scanner.
It has two 2W stereo speakers and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity as well as Bluetooth 5.4.
Micro-Star International Philippines (MSi Philippines) is yet to announce to us about its official Philippines price. There are two variants: 16/512 and 16/1TB. The former has Intel Core Ultra 5 inside while the latter has Intel Core Ultra 7 155H instead.
Source: MSi
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