The MSI Claw A1M has finally joined the handheld gaming arena. But with tough competitors like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, is this device worth your time? Let’s dive into the details!
Key Points:
- Introduction:
The gaming handheld market has been heating up with several Windows-based devices launching. MSI Claw A1M enters the scene to challenge existing giants like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. But does it stand a chance?
Design & Build Quality
- Dimensions: 294mm x 117mm x 21.2mm
- Weight: 675g
- Color: Black
Bold, yet familiar? That’s the MSI Claw A1M. The device looks strikingly similar to the ROG Ally, but it’s on the heavier side. Though the ergonomic design makes it comfortable for extended gameplay, it lacks uniqueness. The buttons are responsive but lack flair, and the RGB lighting tries to brighten up the otherwise dull aesthetics.
Display – Small but Mighty
- Screen Size: 7 inches (IPS-level touch display)
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
The 7-inch display shines where it matters—gaming. It delivers crisp visuals and decent brightness (up to 500 nits). However, don’t expect much if you’re gaming outdoors under direct sunlight. Pro Tip: Carry a microfiber cloth; this screen loves fingerprints!
Software Issues – Windows Woes
If you’re hoping for a console-like experience, think again. The Claw A1M runs Windows 11 Home, which can be cumbersome on a handheld. Updates, driver issues, and bugs will often interrupt your gaming bliss. On top of that, MSI’s Center M software feels more like a chore than a benefit, with laggy controls and constant crashes.
Performance – Mixed Results
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 / 7
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
- Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics
The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor delivers solid performance in lightweight games, but triple-A titles? Not so much. Expect inconsistent frame rates, especially with more demanding games. While older or indie titles like Portal 2 run smoothly at over 100fps, modern games like Ghost of Tsushima dip to 30-50fps at High settings.
Battery Life – Barely Hanging On
- Capacity: 53Whr
- Charger: 65W PD adapter
With heavy gaming, don’t expect more than an hour of battery life. If you’re playing an indie game on lower settings, you might stretch it to two hours, but that’s pushing it. Pro Tip: Keep the charger nearby!
Verdict – A Pale Imitation
While the MSI Claw A1M offers decent hardware, it falls short in crucial areas like performance consistency and battery life. For a first-gen device, it feels rushed, especially with rivals like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go delivering more polished experiences.
Pros:
- Crisp display
- Decent haptics and audio
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Inconsistent performance
- Short battery life
- Buggy software
- Generic design
Rating (out of 10):
- Design: 6
- Display: 7
- Software: 4
- Performance: 6
- Battery life: 6
- Value for money: 5
- Overall: 6
FAQs
- Is the MSI Claw A1M worth buying?
For the price, it struggles against competitors like the ROG Ally. It’s not a strong recommendation. - How is the performance on the Claw A1M?
Performance is inconsistent, especially with demanding games. It excels in indie and older titles. - What is the battery life like?
Expect around one hour of gaming with demanding games, up to two hours with lighter titles.
