handheldcompanion

MSI Claw 8 Support

Added 2025-03-21 21:57:35 +0000 UTC

The title says it all, we've officially started working on MSI Claw 8 support over Handheld Companion. With support from beta testers and Antheas from Bazzite project, we're undergoing code/protocol analysis on the Claw 8 to figure out how it works. I'll be sharing some of our progresses below.

WMI

WMI is the protocol used by MSI to manage some of the device features like TDP (power control) and FAN control. I'm happy to report we've already reverse engineered several WMI functions:

Set_Data

Get_Data

Get_AP

Get_WMI

Therefore, we now have power control and fan control fully supported. We anticipate fan control to be backward compatible with the Claw.

Gamepad

MSI has implemented several gamepad modes within the Claw and Claw 8 from DInput to XInput and Desktop. We have implemented the function allowing us to switch between these mods at any given time. It seems DInput is exposing the back buttons at the cost of losing rumbles. We'll most likely implement an advanced setting on Device Page for users to pick their preferred input method for HC to capture them.

Gyroscope

Claw 8, as opposed to the first Claw has an inertial measurement unit embedded in the controller alongside the one within the chassis. The issue right now is that the IMU within the chassis only has a gyrometer and no accelerometer which is not offering the best experience for aiming. We're still trying to figure out how to force the controller to expose its IMU details for best-in-class movement detection.