MSI is the latest big name to enter the handheld market with the MSI Claw. Unlike the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go the Claw will be using the Intel Core Ultra platform instead of the AMD’s more established chips.
MSI’s handheld can be equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra 155H that comes with 8 Xe cores for its graphics. Intel Arc supports XeSS allowing for upscaling on games to boost framerates. The new chipset will also come with AV1, H.265, and VP9 codec support for improved streaming Its internals are cooled with the brand calls HyperFlow cooling system.
Much like their laptops, the Claw will have a larger-than-average 53Whr battery. It will also support Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and presumably will be able to use external graphics for better graphical fidelity especially on more demanding games.
Its buttons are in an XBOX-style layout with the left and right analog sticks using Hall Effect sensors for durability. There are two assignable grip buttons at the back for macro and additional controls. The MSI Center M Button quick launches MSI Center M UI to access key features and settings plus a game launcher.
Check out its specifications below:
| Processor | Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics |
| Display | 7-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080, 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 500 nits |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Storage | 1x PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD 2230 |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Connectivity | WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| I/O | 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x MicroSD Card Reader, 1x 3.5mm Combo Jack |
| Controls | A B X Y Buttons, D Pad, L & R Hall Effect Analog Sticks, L & R Bumpers, View Button, Menu Button, MSI Center M Button, Quick Settings Key, 2x Assignable Grip Buttons |
| Battery | 6-Cell 53Whr Li-Polymer, 65W PD 3.0 |
| Audio | 2x 2W Speakers, Hi-Res Audio Ready |
| Others | Power Button with Fingerprint Sensor, 6-Axis IMU Vibration Motor |
| Dimensions | 294 x 117 x 21.2mm |
| Weight | 675g |
| Colors | Black |
Pricing and availability for the MSI Claw are yet to be announced. For reference, the Legion Go and ROG Ally launched starting at USD 599 and USD 699, respectively. We should know more about MSI’s new entry in the handheld space in the coming months.
