Table of Contents
The MSI Claw is the first portable console on the market to feature an APU developed by Intel. With its ergonomic design, a stunning 120 Hz display, and regular updates to continually enhance its performance, this device is the ideal companion for on-the-go gaming.
Unveiled at CES 2024, the MSI Claw made waves with its design and the choice to use an Intel chip instead of AMD. Released a few months later, it is finally available to gamers seeking a powerful and practical portable console. Could this be your ultimate gaming solution for summer vacations? Now might be the perfect time to grab one, as the device is currently on sale.
A Portable Console with Impressive Features
The MSI Claw stands out with its refined design and high-end technical specifications, making it a top choice for mobile gaming. It promises comfort, performance, and autonomy.
Robust Technical Components
While competitors often use AMD chips in their portable consoles, MSI has opted for an Intel APU for the Claw. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H in the most powerful version of the MSI Claw features an architecture with six performance cores, eight energy-efficient cores, and two low-power cores. This setup ensures a balanced performance-to-energy consumption ratio.
Additionally, an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) offloads certain tasks from the processor. Frequent updates enhance the console’s performance over time, as demonstrated by various BIOS and GPU driver patches that have significantly improved the MSI Claw’s user experience.
The inclusion of Intel’s XeSS technology is another testament to MSI’s ongoing support for its console. This image scaling feature allows the console to render game images at a lower resolution to save resources and achieve a higher frame rate. The image is then upscaled using AI to the target resolution, providing gamers with the same visual quality but with much smoother gameplay.
High-Quality Display
To fully enjoy these technical advancements, a high-quality display is essential. The MSI Claw boasts a seven-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) IPS screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. This IPS panel offers bright, comfortable viewing with rich color accuracy, covering 100% of the sRGB color space.
The touchscreen feature facilitates navigation in certain scenarios. The MSI Claw runs on Windows 11 but features a specially optimized interface for this type of device. The gaming and user experience is akin to that of a home console like the PS5 or Xbox Series, with the MSI Center M software tailored for portable consoles enabling quick and easy settings adjustments.
Ergonomic Design
The MSI Claw is a lightweight portable console with an ergonomic design that ensures a comfortable grip—one of the most crucial aspects of such a product. The device’s design has been engineered to offer continuous comfort during long gaming sessions.
The console’s contours are shaped to fit naturally in the hands, with carefully positioned grips and joystick resistance designed for the most enjoyable gaming experience.
The joysticks and triggers are equipped with Hall effect sensors, known for their robustness and precision. The MSI Claw is the only console on the market with these high-end controls, catering to the most demanding gamers. These controls resist drift issues, a common problem in portable consoles and gaming controllers.
The LED RGB backlighting on the joysticks and ABXY buttons gives the MSI Claw a gaming aesthetic. The lighting effects are customizable in the settings.
Immersive Gaming for Hours
Despite its lightweight design, the MSI Claw is equipped with a 53 Wh battery, the largest in this industry. This powerful battery allows for high performance and extended playtime without compromising on image quality and smoothness, all without needing frequent recharges. MSI claims 50% more battery life compared to the market average.
The MSI Claw features a cooling system that directs part of the airflow towards the internal components to keep them at optimal temperatures. This technology not only prevents overheating but also improves battery life and boosts the console’s performance by avoiding processor throttling during heavy use.
Lastly, the console offers Wi-Fi 7 compatibility for the best speeds and low latency in online games, along with a Thunderbolt 4 port for fast transfers and peripheral connections.
Conclusion
The MSI Claw is a groundbreaking portable gaming console with its Intel APU, high-quality display, and ergonomic design. With regular updates and robust technical components, it promises to deliver an exceptional gaming experience on the go. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or simply looking for a powerful and practical gaming solution, the MSI Claw could be the perfect choice. And with the current sales, there’s no better time to make it yours.
4o