MSI’s latest handheld gaming PC, the MSI Claw A1M, aims to take on the likes of the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Released in a market that’s already buzzing with AMD-powered devices, the MSI Claw A1M, powered by Intel’s Meteor Lake processors, feels a little late to the party. But is it a worthy competitor, or does it struggle to find its footing?
Design: Familiar but Functional
At first glance, the MSI Claw A1M bears a striking resemblance to the Asus ROG Ally, particularly the ROG Ally X. Weighing 675g, it is slightly heavy but remains comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. The all-black plastic construction provides a solid, durable feel, but it lacks a design flair that makes it stand out. The buttons, while clicky and responsive, lack color coding, and the D-pad and bumpers feel less satisfying to use. Overall, the design is functional but doesn’t push boundaries in the gaming handheld space.
Display: A Highlight with Minor Setbacks
The MSI Claw A1M features a 7-inch Full-HD IPS touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming on the go. The screen delivers bright, crisp visuals with good color reproduction. However, it’s prone to fingerprints and smudges, which detract from the experience, especially when using it in touchscreen mode. While it shines indoors, outdoor visibility can suffer, especially in direct sunlight. Despite these drawbacks, the display is one of the Claw’s stronger points, offering smooth performance for both indie titles and more demanding games
Performance: Lags Behind Rivals
Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Intel Arc graphics, the MSI Claw A1M promises strong gaming performance, but in practice, it often falters. While it can handle modern AAA titles like Ghost of Tsushima at medium to high settings, frame rates can fluctuate, leading to inconsistent performance. The handheld performs better with less demanding titles, but even then, it struggles to match the stability offered by competitors like the ROG Ally. Furthermore, software bugs and unreliable power modes hinder the gaming experience, making it difficult to recommend for serious gamers
Battery Life: Insufficient for Long Sessions
With a 53Whr battery, the MSI Claw A1M falls short in terms of battery life. In performance mode, it barely manages an hour of gaming on demanding titles, and even in power-saving modes, it struggles to last beyond two hours. For a handheld gaming device, this is a significant drawback, especially when compared to rivals offering better endurance. You’ll find yourself tethered to a charger more often than not, detracting from the portability that’s supposed to define this category.
Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
The MSI Claw A1M tries to carve a niche for itself in the handheld gaming market but ultimately falls short. Its solid display and decent design are overshadowed by inconsistent performance and disappointing battery life. With rivals like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go offering more for less, the MSI Claw A1M struggles to justify its place in the competitive handheld market.
Pros:
- Solid display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Sturdy build quality Crisp audio
Cons:
- Inconsistent gaming performance
- Poor battery life
- Software issues
- Uninspired design
- Overall Rating: 6/10