MSI Claw: discover the first portable console powered by a Meteor Lake processor

MSI launches its new portable game consolethere MSI Claw. Equipped with an Intel chip, it promises to run all its games in good conditions, on a good quality screen and from anywhere.

Playing video games on the go will never again be the same with the release of the MSI Claw, the first portable console from the renowned computer and gaming equipment manufacturer MSI. To carry with you everywhere, it allows you to play your AAA titles comfortably when you’re on the move. More practical than a laptop PC, more efficient and ergonomic than a smartphone, the MSI Claw aims to be the ideal compromise for mobile gamers.

An Intel processor, a first

MSI is the first manufacturer on the market to integrate an APU designed by Intel into a portable gaming console. The MSI Claw features a latest generation Meteor Lake processor. Two configurations are available: one with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, the other with Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, ensuring high performance of the device.

This choice allows the MSI Claw to benefit from Intel Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) technology. This super-sampling function boosted by artificial intelligence is very useful for significantly improving in-game performance. Thanks to XeSS, the portable console will calculate the images in a definition lower than that targeted, granting a significant gain in images per second. The image is then rescaled to its original quality, avoiding compromises between graphics and fluidity.

MSI has developed an optimized cooling technology, the MSI Cooler Boost Hyperflow. By helping to direct the air flow towards the internal components of the terminal, it prevents overheating of the console and the throttling phenomenon, causing a slowdown in performance.

For storage, the brand has opted for an M.2 2230 PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD. Such a solution helps improve system fluidity and reduce in-game loading times.

A smooth, Full HD display

The visual experience of the MSI Claw is entrusted to a 7-inch IPS touch screen offering Full HD definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a good compromise for a portable console. Typical brightness reaches 500 nits, while the display covers 100% of the sRGB color space.

Audio is delivered by two speakers of two watts each. For more immersive gaming sessions, it is also possible to connect a wired headset or earphones via the integrated jack port or wirelessly. The portable console is compatible with the Hi-Res audio standard, ensuring support for lossless audio formats.

The connection consists of a Thunderbolt 4 / DP / USB Type-C socket with PD 3.0 charging function and a microSD card reader. The power button houses a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication combining security and speed.

High-end requires, the MSI Claw supports the latest wireless communication protocols. With Wi-Fi 7, it benefits from the best speeds and reduced latency for online gaming, while the connection to accessories and peripherals is delivered via Bluetooth 5.4.

Between hardware and software, everything is designed for gamers

Portable consoles often have difficulty offering both suitable performance and autonomy, the MSI Claw raises the bar on this point. Its large capacity 53 WHr battery gives it an endurance of two hours with performance mode. The device can, however, be more durable by activating the energy saving mode, which has the advantage of allowing long gaming sessions without having to worry about finding a power source.

The design of the portable console has been studied for comfortable handling. The asymmetrical joysticks, button placement and triggers on the back give pleasant control over the device. The RGB LED lights reflect a gamer aesthetic with the most beautiful effect. The Mystic Light Halo backlight can be customized, whether it’s the colors or the rhythm of the lighting, and the user can program three different profiles to change on the fly.

MSI has also taken care of the software part of its portable console to make the experience complete and intuitive. Based on Windows 11, it integrates the brand new MSI Center M user interface. This is an overlay designed to facilitate navigation and obtain direct access to the most essential functionalities and parameters for this type of machine.

The MSI Center M, for example, provides a fast game launcher, as well as an instant access platform. The objective is to simplify the download and installation processes as much as possible, to get closer to what we find on a home console, rather than on a PC. In addition, the MSI App Player allows you to play your Android mobile games directly on the MSI Claw. You benefit from the superior performance, display and ergonomics of the console compared to those of a smartphone.

Availability

The MSI Claw A1M-042FR is available with Intel Core Ultra 5 135H APU, 32 GB of LPDDR5-6400 RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage at a price of 799 euros.

The MSI Claw A1M-043FR features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H APU, 32 GB of LPDDR5-6400 RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. It is sold at 899 euros.