David Bridges
As we eagerly anticipate the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and the next generation of more powerful gaming handhelds, I find myself pondering the fascinating directions portable gaming could take if designers embraced a more innovative approach. The China-based company GPD, renowned for creating unique laptops that blend business and gaming functionalities, has introduced a handheld PC that is both captivating and utterly unconventional. Remarkably, it’s the battery that distinguishes this device, both in terms of size and functionality.
The GPD Win 5 handheld PC strikingly mirrors the design of the iconic PlayStation Portable. In contrast to the Win 4’s slide-up keyboard reminiscent of the T-Mobile Sidekick, the Win 5’s most eye-catching feature is its external battery. Yes, you read that correctly. This device boasts one of the largest batteries we have encountered in a handheld, nearly matching the size of its impressive 7-inch screen. Users can either attach the battery to the back of the device or opt to play with the battery externally connected. For those seeking an even more unconventional experience, the Win 5 includes a tray similar to a SIM card slot that accommodates an SSD, allowing for easily swappable storage options.
During its presentation at the ChinaJoy tech conference in Shanghai, GPD claimed that this device can deliver graphics performance comparable to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. However, we have yet to test this assertion ourselves. The substantial battery pack features a capacity of 5,170mAh and is rated for an impressive 80Wh. Additionally, GPD has developed a docking station designed for the handheld, utilizing the bottom USB-C connection. This allows users to connect the battery to the dock and link a monitor, transforming the device into a full desktop experience.
Beyond its resemblance to a more mature PlayStation Portable, the GPD Win 5 stands out as the most extravagant handheld I’ve encountered recently, surpassing even devices styled as a Nintendo DS and the dual-screen OneXSugar Sugar 1 device featuring folding arms. Equipped with 32GB of RAM, the Win 5 is expected to house an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip, which has proven to be a highly capable APU (accelerated processing unit) for demanding tasks like gaming. Similar high-performance chips can be found in premium gaming tablets such as the top-tier Asus ROG Flow Z13 and compact PCs like the Framework Desktop. In the context of a handheld, the Ryzen AI Max represents a game-changing leap in performance, akin to fitting a rocket engine into a child’s cardboard spaceship.
Online discussions quickly arose, critiquing the necessity of the high-end APU and the additional battery requirement. Many questioned how a device could be considered truly portable if it requires users to carry an extra battery. In a post on X, GPD clarified that the device’s power consumption exceeds 70W, which is significantly higher than what most contemporary handhelds can support. The company asserted that “an internal battery alone would not suffice.” Essentially, GPD is indicating that for users who desire desktop-level performance from their handheld, a creative battery solution is essential.
Here’s a response to some of the topics everyone has brought up regarding the Win5:
Design Philosophy of the Win5
The WIN5 is a bar-form handheld gaming console designed with maximum performance in mind. Its form factor is similar to traditional handhelds like the Steam Deck and…— GPD Game Consoles (@softwincn) August 6, 2025
If there’s one significant obstacle for mobile devices, it is undoubtedly the battery. High-performance XR headsets like the Apple Vision Pro necessitate users to discreetly carry a wired battery in their pocket while using the device. We anticipate that the upcoming Samsung Project Moohan Android XR headset will face similar battery challenges. Such devices require advanced chips to handle high-resolution image processing, which in turn demands larger batteries to accommodate higher TDP (thermal design power). If these batteries were integrated into the headsets themselves, they would become excessively heavy.
Handheld devices generally operate at lower resolutions compared to typical high-end PCs. Users seeking to game for extended periods often need to run them at reduced wattages. This situation is less concerning when investing $550 in a Steam Deck OLED. However, the limited graphics capabilities of a handheld such as the Asus ROG Ally X can be frustrating, especially when it costs nearly $1,000. While the GPD Win 5 may not be the most portable handheld on the market, it should be viewed more like a gaming laptop with integrated gamepad controls. The docking station will likely become essential for using the handheld as a plug-and-play gaming console. This device is designed with performance as the primary focus, and prospective buyers should approach it with that mindset. Although we do not yet know the pricing, it is reasonable to expect that it will be on the higher end when it eventually launches.
Ethan Carter
