Is The Msi Claw Handheld Pc Powerful Enough To Replace Your Gaming Console

The line between portable gaming devices and traditional home consoles has never been thinner. With the arrival of the MSI Claw, a Windows-based handheld gaming PC powered by Intel’s latest Arc graphics and Core Ultra processors, gamers are asking a pivotal question: Can this device truly replace a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X for everyday use? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on how you play, what you play, and where you play.

Unlike dedicated consoles, the MSI Claw runs full Windows 11, giving it access to Steam, Xbox Game Pass, EA Play, Ubisoft Connect, and more. It supports local multiplayer via Bluetooth controllers, cloud gaming through GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud, and even game streaming from your desktop. But raw flexibility doesn’t guarantee replacement-level performance. Let’s examine whether the MSI Claw is powerful enough—and practical enough—to become your primary gaming machine.

Performance Under the Hood: How Does the MSI Claw Stack Up?

The MSI Claw A1M comes equipped with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H processor and integrated Intel Arc graphics—a significant leap in mobile integrated GPU technology. Unlike older handhelds relying on AMD APUs, the Claw leverages Intel’s Xe-LPG architecture, which supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and AV1 encoding. On paper, this puts it ahead of previous-gen handhelds like the original Steam Deck in terms of graphical fidelity and modern API support.

However, “modern” doesn’t always mean “console-equivalent.” While the Core Ultra 7 is efficient and capable, its peak TDP is capped at around 30W—far below the 200W+ draw of a PS5 or Xbox Series X. This means the Claw must balance performance with thermal constraints and battery life. In real-world testing, the device delivers smooth 60fps gameplay at 1080p in esports titles like Valorant, Rocket League, and CS2. AAA games such as Starfield and Alan Wake 2 run at medium settings with DLSS-like upscaling (Intel XeSS) enabled, typically achieving 30–40fps at 720p–900p resolutions.

Tip: Lower resolution scaling and frame rate caps can dramatically improve battery life and reduce heat buildup during extended sessions.

For comparison, the PS5 runs Alan Wake 2 at a dynamic 4K with ray tracing at a locked 30fps using a dedicated RDNA 2 GPU. The Claw won’t match that output, but it offers something consoles don’t: the ability to tweak every setting, apply community mods, and upscale via third-party tools like FSR or XeSS.

A Direct Comparison: MSI Claw vs. Modern Consoles

Feature	MSI Claw A1M	PlayStation 5	Xbox Series X
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H	Custom AMD Zen 2 (8-core)	Custom AMD Zen 2 (8-core)
Graphics	Intel Arc (8 Xe-cores)	Custom RDNA 2 (10.3 TFLOPS)	Custom RDNA 2 (12.15 TFLOPS)
RAM	16GB LPDDR5	16GB GDDR6	16GB GDDR6
Storage	512GB/1TB NVMe SSD	825GB Custom SSD	1TB NVMe SSD
Resolution Support	Up to 1080p native	Up to 4K	Up to 4K
OS	Windows 11 Home	Proprietary OS	Custom Windows core
Portability	Fully portable	Home console only	Home console only
Battery Life	1.5–3 hours (gaming)	N/A	N/A

The table makes one thing clear: the Claw trades raw power for portability and versatility. It will not deliver 4K gaming, nor sustain high frame rates in demanding titles without compromise. But it brings full PC functionality—something neither Sony nor Microsoft offer in their closed ecosystems.

When the MSI Claw Shines: Scenarios Where It Outperforms Consoles

While the Claw may fall short in pure graphical horsepower, it excels in scenarios where flexibility matters more than frames per second. Consider these real-world advantages:

• Cloud Gaming Integration: With built-in Wi-Fi 6E and low-latency input response, the Claw runs Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW exceptionally well. You can stream Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p/60fps from a remote server—something no current console allows natively.
• Backward Compatibility: Unlike consoles limited to curated backward-compatible titles, the Claw runs any PC game from the last two decades, including DOS-era classics via emulators.
• Mod Support: Want to play Elden Ring with enhanced textures or custom NPCs? The Claw lets you do that. Consoles restrict modding to select titles and official marketplaces.
• Productivity Use: After gaming, you can switch to browsing, video editing, or document work—all on the same device. No console offers this dual-purpose capability.

“Handheld PCs like the MSI Claw represent the next evolution of personal gaming—not just more power, but more freedom.” — Adrian Wu, Senior Analyst at TechPlay Insights

In households where space is limited or multiple users share a TV, the Claw becomes a compelling alternative. One user can game silently on the handheld while another watches Netflix on the main display—no input switching, no remote conflicts.

Real-World Example: Can the Claw Replace a Console Long-Term?

Take the case of Jordan Lee, a 32-year-old software engineer and avid gamer from Portland. Jordan owned a PS5 but found himself rarely using it after purchasing an MSI Claw. “I live in a small apartment,” he explains. “My partner works from the living room, so turning on the PS5 meant interrupting her Zoom calls. The Claw lets me game in bed, on the couch, or even outside. I stream most of my AAA games via Xbox Cloud now, and for local play, I’ve optimized my Steam library with lower settings. I haven’t touched my PS5 in four months.”

Jordan uses the Claw for about 1.5 hours daily. He pairs it with a portable 10,000mAh USB-C battery pack for extended sessions and connects it to his 4K TV via HDMI when he wants a big-screen experience. “It’s not as loud or immersive as the PS5 with its 3D audio and haptic feedback,” he admits, “but the convenience outweighs the trade-offs for my lifestyle.”

This scenario highlights a growing trend: for many users, the definition of a “primary” gaming device is shifting from performance-centric to lifestyle-centric.

Limitations and Trade-Offs to Consider

No device is perfect, and the MSI Claw has notable limitations that prevent it from being a universal console replacement:

• Battery Life: Gaming drains the 53Wh battery quickly—typically 90 minutes for AAA titles, up to 3 hours for indie games. This pales against a console’s unlimited runtime when plugged in.
• Thermal Throttling: During prolonged sessions, the Claw’s fan ramps up significantly, and performance dips as the CPU/GPU reduce clock speeds to manage heat.
• Controller Ergonomics: While the build quality is solid, some users find the triggers slightly stiff and the analog sticks less precise than DualSense or Elite controllers.
• Lack of Exclusive Titles: You can’t play God of War Ragnarök or Halo Infinite campaign natively unless they’re available on PC—which many, but not all, are.

Additionally, Windows on a handheld introduces potential instability. Background updates, driver issues, or bloatware can disrupt gameplay—issues rarely encountered on streamlined console operating systems.

Tip: Disable automatic updates and set Windows Power Mode to \"Best Performance\" before gaming sessions to minimize interruptions.

Step-by-Step Guide: Optimizing the MSI Claw as Your Main Gaming Device

If you’re considering replacing your console with the MSI Claw, follow this optimization plan:

1. Install Essential Software: Download Steam, Xbox App, GeForce Experience, and Display Driver Uninstaller (for clean GPU driver resets).
2. Update Firmware and Drivers: Visit MSI’s support site to install the latest BIOS, chipset, and graphics drivers for optimal stability.
3. Adjust Graphics Settings: For each AAA title, set resolution scaling to 70–80%, enable XeSS, cap FPS at 40, and lower shadows and ambient occlusion.
4. Enable Cloud Gaming: Sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and configure cloud saves to stream high-end games seamlessly.
5. Connect to External Displays: Use a USB-C to HDMI 2.1 cable to mirror gameplay to your TV. Pair with a Bluetooth headset for audio.
6. Manage Battery Usage: Carry a high-wattage power bank (65W+) to recharge on the go and avoid deep discharges.
7. Create Profiles: Use MSI Center to save performance profiles for different game genres (e.g., “Indie Light,” “AAA Balanced”).

With proper setup, the Claw transforms from a niche gadget into a reliable, multi-environment gaming hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MSI Claw run the same games as a PS5?

Only if those games are available on PC. While major franchises like Spider-Man and Horizon have made their way to PC, exclusives like Returnal or Tears of the Kingdom remain platform-locked. Always check PC compatibility before assuming parity.

Is the screen good enough for long gaming sessions?

The 7-inch 1080p 60Hz LCD is sharp and color-accurate, but lacks the vibrancy and contrast of OLED screens found on premium handhelds. It performs best in low-light environments. Gamers sensitive to motion blur may prefer higher-refresh devices, though 60Hz is standard for console ports.

Does it support external controllers?

Yes. You can pair DualShock 4, DualSense, Xbox Wireless Controllers, or even a Razer Kishi via Bluetooth. This allows for personalized ergonomics and enhances compatibility with emulators or non-Steam games.

Final Verdict: A Replacement for Some, a Companion for Most

The MSI Claw is not universally powerful enough to replace a gaming console—but for a growing segment of players, it already has. Its strength lies not in matching console-level specs, but in redefining what a gaming device can be: portable, open, adaptable, and deeply personal.

If your gaming revolves around AAA blockbusters at maximum settings and you prioritize audiovisual immersion above all, a PS5 or Xbox Series X remains the superior choice. But if you value mobility, access to thousands of PC titles, modding freedom, and the ability to game anywhere without monopolizing the TV, the MSI Claw isn’t just a viable alternative—it’s often the better one.

As cloud gaming improves and Intel’s Arc GPUs evolve, the gap between handheld PCs and consoles will continue to narrow. Devices like the MSI Claw aren’t just bridging that gap—they’re reshaping expectations.

🚀 Ready to rethink your gaming setup? Try running your favorite console-style games on the MSI Claw—even if just for a week. You might find you don’t miss the HDMI cable after all.