MSI Claw A1M: The Cheapest Steam Deck Rival With 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM
▼ Summary
– The MSI Claw A1M-016 handheld gaming PC is on sale for £379.99, a significant discount from its original £799.99 price, making it a budget-friendly option.
– This specific model features high-end specs, including an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 7-inch 120Hz IPS display.
– Post-launch BIOS and driver updates have improved the device’s gaming performance, making it a more competitive rival to the Steam Deck.
– The integrated Intel Arc GPU can deliver playable frame rates at 720p and sometimes 1080p with medium settings, aided by XeSS frame generation technology.
– The device runs Windows 11 with Xbox mode support, offers Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and provides approximately one to two hours of battery life during gameplay.
Finding a powerful gaming handheld for under £380 that arrives before the holidays feels almost too good to be true. Yet, that’s precisely the opportunity presented by a significant price cut on the MSI Claw A1M. This portable PC now offers a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck, packing superior hardware specifications at a cost that rivals the base model of Valve’s popular device.
For a limited time, the high-end MSI Claw A1M-016UK model is available for just £379.99, a dramatic reduction from its original £799.99 price tag. This configuration is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a spacious 1TB SSD. The device features a 7-inch IPS display with a smooth 120Hz variable refresh rate, providing a responsive visual experience for gaming on the go.
On paper, the specifications are impressive. The Intel chip houses 16 cores, including six dedicated Performance cores optimized for gaming tasks. While initial reviews noted some performance gaps at launch, consistent BIOS and driver updates from MSI and Intel have substantially improved its competitiveness. These ongoing optimizations have helped refine the experience, making it a more viable rival in the handheld market.
One of the chip’s noted strengths is its integrated Intel Arc graphics. Benchmarks from systems using this architecture have shown it can deliver playable frame rates at 720p, and sometimes even at 1080p, when using medium graphical settings. This capability is further enhanced by support for Intel’s XeSS upscaling technology, which uses AI to boost frame rates in supported titles, similar to NVIDIA’s DLSS.
The generous 1TB of built-in storage is a major advantage at this price, offering ample space for a large game library without immediate need for expansion. The vibrant screen is bright at 500 nits, though users may find that for the most demanding games, switching the resolution down to 720p yields the best balance between visual fidelity and smooth performance.
Connectivity is robust, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensuring fast wireless connections for online play and peripherals. The handheld runs Windows 11 and includes a dedicated full-screen Xbox mode to simplify navigation. Battery life is typical for the category, generally lasting one to two hours during intensive gaming, but it supports pass-through charging via USB-C for uninterrupted play.
The combination of post-launch software refinements and this aggressive price reduction transforms the MSI Claw into a standout value proposition. For shoppers seeking a capable, well-equipped handheld gaming PC that can arrive in time for the holidays, this deal represents an exceptionally budget-friendly entry point with premium specs.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
