PC is undoubtedly the most popular platform in the world. But owning a portable handheld game console capable of running AAA games such as GTA 5, has always been the dream of many gamers. But even the best handheld consoles on the market like the PSP and PSV struggle to run these games as expected.
GamePad Digital, a hardware startup, previously released a handheld device and 7-inch pocket PC based on Intel’s Atom mobile chipset called GPD WIN, which became an instant hit. It was one of the most successful innovations in the field of PC gaming which gave players the best AAA games with the comfort of a portable device. On Monday, the company announced the Indiegogo campaign for the second-generation version, the GPD WIN 2.
The new device, which nearly sold out of the initial stock of 1,000 units within the first two hours of availability, improves substantially on the original model:
- The processor has been upgraded from Atom x7-Z8350 to Core m3-7y30 — a similar model as the Surface Pro’s m3, but a newer generation.
- The memory has been switched from eMMC to m.2-2242 (SATA 6Gb/s). It comes with 128GB installed but, but users can upgrade it easily.
- It has a microSD card slot (in addition to a m.2 drive).
- It has 8 GB RAM LPDDR3-1866 (the previous generation ran either at 1333 or 1600 speed, depending on mode and BIOS version.)
- The rear layout of the ports has been rearranged.
- There’s now joystick controls and rumble motors.
- It has a Gorilla Glass 4 touchscreen.
- The battery has been increased by nearly 50 percent from a single 7,000mAh cell to dual 4,900mAh batteries.
Undoubtedly the GPD WIN 2’s real draws are its ability to run the full version Windows 10 and play PC games at a decent frame rates, but the only drawback is that they run on low settings. Thanks to GamePad Digital’s optimizations, games that previously scuffled to achieve a stable frame rate on Intel’s Atom platform are perfectly playable on the GPD WIN 2 — as said by the company,Grand Theft Auto V runs at 38 frames per second (fps) on maximum settings, Overwatch on low settings at 50 – 70 fps, and Skyrim at an average of 53 fps.
Below is some test footage of GPD WIN 2 provided by GamePad Digital
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Another drawback of the GPD WIN 2 is the price. The Windows 10 clamshell starts around Rs. 41555, which is Rs. 16000 more than the original. And that’s just the limited-time promotional price — GamePad Digitial says it’ll retail for around Rs. 57560 later this year. The provided prices are much higher than a decent laptop of good specifications. Still, if you’re looking for the ultimate in portable PC gaming, there may be no substitute.
For more information about the GPD WIN 2, head over to GamePad Digital’s Indiegogo campaign or the announcement post on its forum.