While the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is getting all the critical acclaim these days, let's not forget the gaming handheld that helped set the blueprints for its success — the MSI Claw A1M.
This debut hardware in MSI's Claw series still holds up today from when it launched in 2024, thanks to its Intel Core processor, Hall Effect sensors, and other advanced features.
Why should you buy the MSI Claw A1M?
While MSI Claw A1M may not have a vast accessory compatibility or a budget-friendly MSRP compared to its rival, the ASUS ROG Ally, it's still got plenty of cool features going for it that make it fit for gaming on the go in 2025.
It features an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, an Intel Arc Graphics Card, 32GB of RAM, and support for XeSS upscaling and VRR, so this gaming handheld can run spec-hungry AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring at medium settings with 1080p resolution and 60fps.
The MSI Claw A1M also includes comfortable ergonomic grips, an SSD containing 1TB's worth of space, and Hall Effect sensors for the triggers and analog sticks to increase their durability and responsiveness (along with preventing stick drift on the sticks).
The only things holding this gaming handheld back are its short battery life of 2 hours when running high-demanding AAA games, and its high markup price of $749.99.
Fortunately for us, the latter has been briefly elevated thanks to Best Buy's early Black Friday 25% discount, which has it down to a more modest price of $564.99 for a limited time.
FAQ
How is its performance for games?
The MSI Claw A1M 7 initially didn't run certain games very well when it first launched in 2024. However, the handheld's performance has greatly improved thanks to receiving over a year's worth of continous driver and BIOS updates.
Does it feature Hall Effect Sensors?
Yes, the MSI Claw A1M 7 includes Hall Effect sensors in its triggers and analog sticks.
What is the battery life like?
The MSI Claw A1M 7 has a battery life of 1 to 2 hours when running graphically demanding AAA games before needing to recharge. Yet when running less graphically intense 2D games or watching videos, its battery can instead last from 3.5 to 7 hours.
It is possible to extend the battery life by activating the handheld's "Super Battery Mode", turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and lowing the brightness, resolution, and framerate settings in a game's graphics option menu.
Does it support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)?
Yes. The MSI Claw A1M 7 supports Variable Refresh Rates, so it can reduce a game's screen tearing (a glaring visual artifact where it looks like the screen has tears in it).
Does it support performance-enhancing features?
The MSI Claw A1M 7 includes several performance-enhancing features like an "Extreme Performance" with an "Over Boost" setting, an auto-optimizing AI engine, Intel Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) tech, and Cooler Boost HyperFlow thermal tech.
When does Black Friday start?
Black Friday will kick off on November 28, 2025, and will last until it's replaced by Cyber Monday on December 1, 2025.
However, you shouldn't wait until then for deals, as retailers are already releasing massive discounts on various products throughout the month.
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