MSI Claw Is The First Gaming Handheld With An Intel Core Ultra Processor

MSI has unveiled the Claw, marking its inaugural entry into the gaming handheld market and claiming the title of the first device featuring an Intel chip. Powered by the Meteor Lake Intel Core Ultra chips, the Claw distinguishes itself from competitors utilizing AMD chipsets. Promising flexibility, MSI hints at various configurations, highlighting the Core Ultra 7 155H with 6 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 2 low-power E-cores, boasting a maximum turbo clock of 4.8GHz and 24MB total cache.

The novel Intel Core Ultra chips incorporate Intel Arc graphics, with the 155H GPU running at 2.25GHz, supporting advanced rendering features like ray tracing and native XeSS support. Complementing the performance, the Claw includes 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and an M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD slot.

The device boasts a 7-inch, 1920×1080 resolution, 120Hz VRR IPS LCD touchscreen display with 100% sRGB coverage and up to 500 nits brightness. Connectivity options feature USB-C, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, while built-in 2x2W stereo speakers and an audio jack enhance the audio experience.

In the realm of power, the Claw houses a substantial 53Wh battery, leading the class, claiming a two-hour gaming battery life. Equipped with a 65W charger, it surpasses rivals with a higher power rating of 40W. The model, named Claw A1M, accommodates up to Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H, operates on Windows 11 Home (with a recommendation for Windows 11 Pro for business), and integrates Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth v5.4.

Measuring 294 (W) x 117(D) x 21.2(H) mm and weighing 675g, the Claw features a black color scheme and is set to run Windows 11 out of the box. It includes the MSI Center M app for device management and gaming, along with a dedicated button for quick access. Additionally, the MSI APP Player enables Android app and game emulation.

The MSI Claw will debut at $699, offering three variants, with the top-tier model featuring the 155H processor and 1TB storage priced at $799. Anticipated to hit the market in the first half of 2024, it aspires to make a significant impact in the gaming handheld landscape.