The handheld console war has a new contender. MSI has launched the Claw A1M, a device that breaks tradition by featuring an Intel Core Ultra processor instead of the typical AMD. With this move, the company is directly targeting Valve's Steam Deck and Asus's ROG Ally, seeking a foothold in a market that continues to grow.
Intel Core Ultra: MSI's technical bet to compete 🎮
The heart of the MSI Claw is the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, a 16-core, 22-thread chip that integrates the new Meteor Lake architecture. This allows it to use integrated Intel Arc graphics, promising solid performance at 1080p. The 7-inch IPS touchscreen reaches 120 Hz, and the 53 Whr battery aims to extend gaming sessions. MSI is betting on Intel's efficiency to stand out, although the driver ecosystem and game optimization for this platform are still under development.
The Claw and the eternal question: can it run Steam? 🔥
The big dilemma of the MSI Claw is whether it can run modern titles without sounding like a hair dryer. For now, early reviews show that the Intel Core Ultra performs well, but it consumes a lot of power when you push the accelerator. MSI fans are already placing bets: some say it's the end of the AMD era, others say it's a portable oven with a screen. What is clear is that if you want to play without carrying a radiator next to you, you'll have to keep the charger handy at all times.