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Yes—with an important qualification. At CES 2024, MSI described the original Claw A1M as the “world’s first gaming handheld with Core Ultra.” It was the first prominent commercial handheld launched around Intel’s new Core Ultra platform, but that historical distinction did not make it the fastest or best-value handheld. Its Meteor Lake processor, Intel Arc graphics, 120Hz VRR screen and Windows compatibility were genuinely significant; launch reviews nevertheless found weaker low-power gaming performance and immature software than AMD-based rivals.
What “first” means here
MSI announced the Claw on January 8, 2024, at CES 2024 and used the phrase “World’s First Gaming Handheld with Core Ultra” in its announcement. The claim is best understood as a manufacturer-attributed launch distinction: the first widely announced and commercially positioned gaming handheld built around Intel Core Ultra processors.
That wording does not prove that no prototype, regional device or small-batch computer preceded it. Nor is it a current claim that the Claw remains the only Core Ultra handheld. MSI now sells newer Claw models, and other Intel-powered handhelds have appeared since 2024. The original distinction belongs to the A1M’s 2024 launch.
MSI’s official announcement is the primary source for the “first” wording.
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- High-Performance Computing: Harness the power of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor to effortlessly handle demanding tasks. Enjoy reliable, high-performance computing wherever you go.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- 8-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 8-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
Which MSI Claw was the first?
The subject is the MSI Claw A1M, not the later Claw 7 AI+, Claw 8 AI+ or Claw 8 EX AI+. US launch configurations used Intel’s first-generation Core Ultra mobile chips, code-named Meteor Lake:
- Core Ultra 5 135H with 512GB storage.
- Core Ultra 7 155H with 512GB storage.
- Core Ultra 7 155H with 1TB storage.
US launch pricing was approximately $699.99, $749.99 and $799.99 respectively, depending on processor and storage. Those were launch prices, not a reliable indication of what a used, refurbished or new unit should cost today. Retailer, region and SKU can change the specification and price.
MSI Claw A1M specifications
| Component | Original Claw A1M |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 135H or Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake) |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Arc graphics |
| Display | 7-inch, 1920×1080 touchscreen, up to 120Hz with VRR |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB or 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, depending on SKU |
| Battery | 53Wh |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home on consumer configurations |
| Expansion | microSD and USB-C/Thunderbolt connectivity; verify the exact regional specification |
| US release | March 8, 2024 |
Check the MSI specification page for the exact regional model. MSI’s product brochure also documents the 53Wh battery, PCIe Gen 4 storage and Windows configuration.
Rank #2
- AI-Powered Performance: Harness the capabilities of the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor to effortlessly manage demanding tasks. Extend your productivity with the most powerful and reliable performance on the go.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- 8-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 8-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
Why Intel Core Ultra mattered in 2024
Core Ultra was more than a renamed CPU tier. Meteor Lake combined a hybrid CPU design with integrated Intel Arc graphics and a dedicated Intel AI Boost neural-processing unit. The Core Ultra 7 155H has 16 cores—six performance cores, eight efficiency cores and two low-power efficiency cores—while the Core Ultra 5 is a lower-tier configuration.
The important industry change was Intel entering a premium handheld category then dominated by AMD-based systems such as Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. The Claw tested whether Intel’s new Arc graphics architecture, drivers and power management could work inside a battery-powered gaming PC. Features such as Intel’s XeSS upscaling were potentially useful, but only in games that support them.
“Core Ultra” is a processor-family label, not a performance guarantee. In a handheld, GPU design, memory bandwidth, cooling, firmware, drivers and the selected power limit can matter as much as the CPU name.
Rank #3
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258V – AI-Powered Efficiency: Next-gen Series 2 processor delivers 50% better GPU performance and 40% higher efficiency. 47 NPU TOPS accelerate local AI tasks – from Copilot+ to real-time game optimization.
- 8" 120Hz VRR Touch Display: FHD+ IPS screen with 500 nits sunlight readability. 16:10 golden ratio and VRR support eliminate tearing. Perfect for AAA gaming, streaming, or productivity on the go.
- 80Whr Battery + Fast Charge: Massive 80Whr capacity beats most handhelds. Fast charge gets you back in action quickly. Game longer, worry less – whether on a flight or a long commute.
- Revolutionary Intraflow Cooling: Redesigned airflow keeps internal components cool, preventing thermal throttling. Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers offer drift-free, microscopic precision – built to last.
- Unlimited Expansion: Connect external GPU for desktop-class graphics, dual 4K displays, or high-speed storage. Wi-Fi 7 delivers 5.8 Gbps and 2ms latency – lag-free cloud gaming and downloads.
Was it faster than AMD handhelds?
Not consistently. MSI marketed the Claw as a strong alternative to AMD systems, but independent launch coverage generally found that the Meteor Lake model struggled to turn its newer platform into a clear gaming advantage at handheld power levels.
GamersNexus described the launch product as difficult to recommend after examining gaming performance, battery behavior, thermals, charging and software. Digital Trends likewise judged it more expensive than competing handhelds while delivering weaker performance and battery life in its review assessment. Engadget characterized the software and performance as a work in progress.
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These conclusions need context. A result at 30W or while plugged in cannot be compared directly with a 15W battery test. Frame rates vary by game, resolution, upscaling mode, memory use, thermal limits and driver version. The evidence supports “historically notable Intel entrant,” not “performance leader.”
Rank #4
![EXCaliberPC [2025] MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM-001US (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, 8' FHD+ 120Hz, Windows 11) Gaming Handheld](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413pN5OZb5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Display: 8" FHD+ (1920x1200) 120Hz 100% sRGB IPS-level Touch Screen
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7-258V 8 Cores (2.2GHz-4.8GHz, 12MB Intel Smart Cache)
- Graphics Card: Intel Arc Graphics 140V
- RAM: 32GB (Onboard) LPDDR5x-8533MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB NVMe SSD Gen4x4 2230
- OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Home | Warranty: 1-Year MSI USA Warranty Parts & Labor (include 1 Year Global Warranty) + Lifetime Tech Support from EXCaliberPC
Battery capacity was not the same as battery life
The A1M’s 53Wh battery was larger than some competing handheld batteries. MSI claimed roughly two hours under a full-workload test, a manufacturer figure rather than a standardized AAA-game result. Actual endurance depends on the title, frame-rate target, brightness, refresh rate, power profile, driver, Windows background activity and whether the Core Ultra 5 or Core Ultra 7 model is installed.
Higher power limits can improve frame rates while shortening play time. Conversely, an older or lighter game at a restrained wattage may last substantially longer. Battery capacity is a hardware measurement; endurance is a test result with conditions attached.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Software and drivers shaped the launch experience
The Claw ran Windows 11, providing broad PC-game and launcher compatibility but requiring more setup than a console-like SteamOS device. MSI Center M supplied handheld controls and power profiles, while Intel graphics drivers and MSI BIOS updates influenced game behavior.
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- Exposure: 8" FHD (1920 x 1200), Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB (Typical), 500 Nits (Typical), VRR, IPS Level Panel
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
- Hall effect analog activators and sticks built to last with microscopic precision
- RAM: 24GB (Onboard) LPDDR5x-8533MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB NVMe Gen4x4 2230 SSD
- Revolutionary Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology redirects airflow to internal cooling components.
Launch reviews should not be treated as a permanent software verdict. Later BIOS and Arc driver releases may change performance, stability and compatibility, but results from a patched unit should not be projected backward as launch-day behavior. There is no single universal “latest” driver: versions vary by model, region and date, so use the exact MSI support page for an A1M before troubleshooting.
Original A1M versus newer Claw models
| Model | What changed | Relation to the 2024 “first” claim |
|---|---|---|
| Claw A1M | Meteor Lake Core Ultra 5 135H or Core Ultra 7 155H, 7-inch display, 53Wh battery | The original product and the historical first |
| Claw 7 AI+ | Later Core Ultra generation, newer efficiency focus, XeSS positioning and Thunderbolt 4 | Successor; not part of the original launch distinction |
| Claw 8 AI+ | Core Ultra 7 258V, 8-inch display, 32GB memory, 80Wh battery and 1TB configuration in the cited specification | Later product with substantially different hardware |
| Claw 8 EX AI+ | Announced at Computex 2026 with Intel Arc G3 Extreme graphics | A 2026 successor, not the A1M |
See MSI’s Claw 7 AI+, Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 8 EX AI+ pages for their distinct specifications.
Should you buy the original MSI Claw now?
It makes sense when
- The price is substantially below the original $700–$800 US launch range.
- You specifically want Intel hardware, Windows compatibility, Hall-effect controls, a 120Hz VRR display or expandable storage.
- You have checked battery health, SSD health, BIOS version, warranty and the regional charger on a used or imported unit.
- Your games are known to run well at the intended power limit, including any XeSS support you plan to use.
Look elsewhere when
- The A1M costs close to a newer, faster handheld.
- You want maximum performance per watt, strong out-of-box compatibility or the simplest console-like interface.
- You prefer SteamOS, or do not want to manage Windows updates and handheld software.
- You are comparing it with an AMD Z1 Extreme handheld and assuming the Core Ultra name guarantees higher frame rates.
Before buying, compare the exact A1M price and condition with current Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Legion Go models. Also check whether the listing is new, open-box, refurbished or used; those categories carry different battery, warranty and support risks.
Bottom line on the “first” claim
The MSI Claw A1M was a historically important first: at CES 2024, MSI positioned it as the world’s first gaming handheld with Intel Core Ultra, and it brought Intel Arc integrated graphics into a prominent commercial handheld. That novelty mattered to Intel and to the market, but it was not a shortcut to superior gaming performance. Independent launch reviews found the A1M expensive and inconsistent against AMD rivals, making today’s value depend mainly on discount, software state and your reasons for choosing Intel.
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