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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →MSI has released MSI Center M v2.0.2509.0201 for five Claw product groups. It fixes the TDP Slider (PL2) issue specifically identified for the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+, while adding Quick Settings fixes, Key Mapping 2.0, and a separate power-control change for the Claw A8.
The important qualification is that MSI lists all five models as supported, but does not say the broken TDP slider was fixed on every model.
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What MSI Center M v2.0.2509.0201 changes
According to MSI’s release notes, the update includes:
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- A fix for occasional display errors in Quick Settings.
- A fix for the TDP Slider (PL2) issue on the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+.
- General stability improvements.
- Key Mapping 2.0, including multifunction mapping, keyboard shortcuts, Windows functions, and full M1/M2 mapping while retaining macro support.
- A reduction of the Claw A8’s minimum Manual Mode SPL from 15 W to 13 W.
TDP controls a handheld’s power target, affecting potential performance, heat, fan noise, and battery drain. MSI labels this control as PL2, Intel’s term for a higher short-term CPU package power limit. A slider that is greyed out, fails to apply, or produces no observable change can prevent owners from selecting the intended power level.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
MSI does not provide benchmark results or define every symptom covered by the “TDP Slider (PL2) issue.” The release should therefore be treated as a fix for the documented software problem, not a guarantee that every power-management complaint will disappear.
Supported Claw models
| Model | Included in .0201 | PL2 fix explicitly named? | Other documented change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claw A1M | Yes | No | Key Mapping 2.0 and stability changes |
| Claw 7 AI+ A2VM | Yes | Yes | TDP Slider/PL2 fix |
| Claw 8 AI+ A2VM | Yes | Yes | TDP Slider/PL2 fix |
| Claw 8 AI+ A2VM Polar Tempest Edition | Yes | Covered cautiously by the Claw 8 AI+ wording | Key Mapping 2.0 and stability changes |
| Claw A8 BZ2EM | Yes | No explicit PL2 fix | Manual Mode minimum SPL reduced to 13 W |
The Polar Tempest Edition is listed separately by MSI, while the TDP note refers to “Claw 7 / Claw 8 AI+.” It is reasonable to treat the edition as part of the Claw 8 AI+ family, but MSI does not separately name it in that sentence.
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.
Firmware requirements
MSI lists these minimum firmware versions for the Key Mapping 2.0 upgrade:
- Claw A1M: firmware 1.70
- Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+: firmware 2.21
- Claw A8: firmware 3.11
These are stated as requirements for Key Mapping 2.0, rather than explicitly as universal prerequisites for every change in the Center M release. The Claw A8’s 13 W Manual Mode minimum has its own requirement: BIOS E1T8KAMS.104 or later.
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.
How to install the update
MSI initially delivered v2.0.2509.0201 through Live Update and said it would later appear on official support pages. The safest route is to use Center M’s built-in updater:
- Connect the Claw to reliable Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Plug in the charger, especially if a BIOS or firmware update is also offered.
- Open MSI Center M.
- Go to News and Update → Update → Scan.
- Select the available MSI Center M update and let it finish.
- Keep the application open during installation, then restart Windows.
- Return to Live Update and check for the required firmware or BIOS update.
MSI’s Claw guide documents the menu path. Its Live Update guidance also recommends a stable network connection and restarting after updates complete.
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
Check whether the slider works
- Open MSI Center M and switch to Manual mode if necessary.
- Move the TDP/PL2 slider and apply the setting.
- Reopen Quick Settings and confirm that the selected value remains available.
- Test a game or monitoring tool under load.
- Repeat the check on battery and while plugged in, since power behavior can vary by power source and profile.
Do not treat one CPU package-power reading as conclusive proof. Power can fluctuate with workload, temperature, firmware limits, charger capacity, battery state, and GPU activity.
If the slider is still unavailable
- Confirm that the handheld is in Manual mode.
- Restart Windows after installing Center M.
- Check that the model’s required firmware or BIOS version is installed.
- Verify which Center M build is installed; the available release may be newer or older than .0201.
- Determine whether the problem is a Quick Settings display issue rather than the specific PL2 defect described by MSI.
- If you use third-party tuning software, temporarily test without it. This is a troubleshooting possibility, not a cause MSI identifies in the release notes.
MSI’s release page lists known issues as “N/A.” That means MSI reported no known issues for the release; it is not independent confirmation that every hardware revision, Windows installation, or configuration is trouble-free.
Best Value
- 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.
Is .0201 still the latest version?
Not necessarily. MSI also lists the later MSI Center M v2.0.2509.1201. Its notes mention stability improvements, fixes for AI Engine lighting behavior, more situations in which loading screens are hidden, and a shortcut that opens Windows Task View when the Quick Settings button is held.
Owners should install the newest compatible version offered by Live Update rather than searching for .0201 or downgrading unnecessarily. MSI also warns users to update MSI Center M before installing the BIOS associated with the later release; installing the BIOS first may cause Quick Settings to malfunction.
What this update does not prove
MSI’s notes do not promise a general FPS increase, and there are no quantified performance results attached to the release. Any improvement in gaming performance would come indirectly from restoring the intended power-control behavior.
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Likewise, the A8’s reduction to a 13 W minimum Manual Mode SPL is a separate adjustment—not evidence that the A8 received the same TDP-slider repair as the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: MSI Center M v2.0.2509.0201 is a genuine update for the listed Claw models, but the documented TDP/PL2-slider fix is specifically for the Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+. Check Live Update for the newest build, install the required firmware, and restart before testing the control.
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