By Kazuki Watanabe
MSI Claw Handheld PC Launches with Intel Meteor Lake
The portable gaming market is abuzz with the recent launch of the MSI Claw handheld PC, featuring Intel’s Meteor Lake architecture. Priced at $699, this device aims to compete with popular options like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
Official MSI Claw render
Features and Specifications
The MSI Claw handheld PC boasts a 7-inch 1080p, 120 Hz IPS display, similar to the ROG Ally. It offers hall-effect triggers and RGB joysticks for enhanced durability, along with ergonomic back handles for comfortable gaming sessions.
In terms of performance, the MSI Claw stands out by utilizing full Intel internals, a departure from the AMD APU designs commonly found in handheld gaming devices. The lineup includes three models, all equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM:
- MSI Claw A1M-052US: Entry-level model priced at $699, featuring Core Ultra 5-135H and 512GB NVMe storage.
- MSI Claw A1M-051US: Mid-range model priced at $749, equipped with Core Ultra 7-155H and 512GB NVMe storage.
- MSI Claw A1M-050US: High-end model priced at $799, featuring Core Ultra 7-155H and 1TB NVMe storage.
Performance and Competition
While benchmark comparisons between the Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 are not yet available, early indications suggest that the performance difference may be more CPU-centric than GPU-bound. Intel’s latest architecture has shown competitive results in prior testing, but some previews hint at potential underperformance in low-TDP handhelds compared to AMD alternatives.
Experts advise waiting for comprehensive benchmarking of the MSI Claw before considering it over established options like the Deck OLED or ROG Ally. The gaming community eagerly anticipates real-world performance tests to determine the device’s true capabilities.
Stay Informed with Tom’s Hardware
For the latest updates on the MSI Claw handheld PC and other cutting-edge gaming tech, trust Tom’s Hardware to provide expert insights and in-depth reviews. Join our community of enthusiasts to stay ahead of the curve in the world of portable gaming.
