Microstar International (MSI) debuted the new Claw A1M gaming handheld at CES 2024 and has now unveiled its pricing. Additionally, confirmation of support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), enhancing gameplay smoothness, has been announced. We’ll delve into the specifications and cost of the MSI Claw A1M, explore the significance of VRR support, and provide details on its expected availability.
The MSI Claw represents the company’s inaugural foray into portable gaming handhelds, poised to rival devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. Until the potential release of the Steam Deck 2 by Valve, the Claw A1M is anticipated to be among the top gaming handhelds of 2024, boasting the latest Core Ultra processors.
Notably, MSI has outlined plans for future iterations of the Claw as part of its handheld product roadmap. Asus has also confirmed their development of a second-generation Ally, adding to the anticipation surrounding upcoming gaming handhelds (Source: Techlusive). The emergence of numerous new gaming handhelds promises an exciting future for portable gaming enthusiasts.
MSI Claw A1M: Specs & Price
MSI has confirmed pricing details for the Claw, with the base model, Claw A1M-052US, starting at $699.99. This model is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H processor, boasting 14 cores & 18 threads, paired with Intel Arc graphics. The device comes with a 512GB NVMe Gen 4 SSD without DRAM cache.
Priced at $749.99, the Claw A1M-051US offers an upgraded Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, providing enhanced performance. While both models feature the same storage capacity, the premium variant delivers a superior processor.
The highest-end variant, MSI Claw A1M-050US, is priced at $799.99 and shares the same processor as the previous model. However, it boasts a larger 1TB NVMe Gen 4 SSD, doubling the storage capacity for increased convenience and flexibility.
The MSI Claw handheld, whether equipped with the Core Ultra 5 or 7 processor, boasts a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-level display with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Featuring touch input capability, the screen offers 99% sRGB coverage and up to 500 nits of brightness.
All models come with 16GB of LPDDR5 4800MHz RAM and support Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 for wireless connectivity, complemented by Bluetooth v5.4. Charging is facilitated by a 65W power delivery adapter. Additionally, the onboard Core Ultra processor integrates Intel’s Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI processing.
Despite being an integrated-style GPU, the Intel Core Ultra with new Arc graphics is anticipated to deliver sufficient performance for running the latest games. The handheld is powered by a 53Whr battery and incorporates MSI’s ‘Cooler Boost HyperFlow’ technology for efficient cooling. Moreover, MSI’s AI Engine dynamically adjusts system settings as required.
The handheld’s controllers feature Hall-effect triggers and joysticks, offering superior precision compared to traditional designs. Audio is delivered through dual 2W speakers, while the controllers also support MSI RGB Mystic Light. Furthermore, the Type-C port on the handheld offers Thunderbolt 4 support.
MSI Claw Confirms Support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
The 120Hz 7-inch Full HD display on the MSI Claw will support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) settings within Windows 11, as confirmed by the company’s marketing team, according to a recent report by The Verge.
Having experienced the screen dynamically adjusting its refresh rate based on gameplay during my ROG Ally review, I can attest to the significance of this technology, particularly for handheld devices. It’s surprising that the Steam Deck does not incorporate it. A VRR screen with lower FPS (at least 48+) offers smoother visuals compared to a non-VRR screen even with higher FPS, such as 55.
The inclusion of VRR greatly enhances visual smoothness. Both AMD and Nvidia offer their exclusive technologies, FreeSync and GSync respectively, which achieve similar results.
MSI Claw A1M: Release Date
MSI has yet to confirm the release date for its Claw A1M gaming handheld, but rumors suggest it could hit the market before March 2024. Speculation points to a launch sometime before the end of the second quarter of 2024, which aligns with the anticipated release of many Core Ultra-based laptops.
Having been showcased at CES 2024, there’s hope for an imminent launch, although specific availability details remain unclear. We’ll keep you updated as soon as official information becomes available from MSI. With the pricing already revealed, you can start considering which model of the MSI Claw you’re interested in purchasing.
What are your thoughts on the new MSI Claw gaming handheld powered by Intel Core Ultra processors? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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