A Windows Based Handheld Computer

The GPD Win Max is a Windows based handheld computer that is the successor to the GPD Win 2. It is manufactured by Chinese company Gamepad Digital (GPD), and crowdfunded just as its predecessor was. Announced in the first quarter of 2020, the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign officially kicked off on May 18, 2020 at a price of $779, and concluded on July 1, 2020 with over 3500 backers contributing over $2.8 million dollars.

The GPD Win Max is rated to run AAA video game titles and emulate consoles from the sixth generation and earlier, with some support for consoles up to the eighth generation.

History[edit]

Following the GPD Win 2 in 2018, and the larger GPD Pocket 2 in 2019, GPD announced their largest device yet as the GPD Win Max. This device is the size of a Netbook, and retains GPD's signature embedded controller. The Win Max was leaked and received media coverage as early as April 2019, with conclusive coverage coming in April, 2020.

After the conclusion of the Indiegogo campaign on July 1, 2020 the price of the Win max rose from $779 to $800 while remaining on sale via Indemand until July 15.

Specification[edit]

Design[edit]

With the Win Max being GPD's largest gaming device as of release, there was room for additions such a scissor switch keyboard which would support touch typing, similar to what is available on their GPD Pocket Range, as well as a touchpad, and an 8" screen. This unit also introduces GPD's first instance of clickable analog sticks, one of which has been moved inside the ABXY buttons, as well as buttons with a very similar style to the PlayStation Vita (with a layout and markings similar to the Xbox). The Win Max speakers have been moved underneath the unit towards the user. Access to the M.2 drive has been reduced, as the unit must be disassembled to change this drive. An ethernet port has been added to the right side of the device, which would prevent a user from effectively holding the console while this port is in use.

This increase in size has also allowed an increase in cooling potential of the Max with dual fans and Heat pipes.

Otherwise, the Win Max maintains a similar design to previous units with a milled magnesium aluminum alloy chassis and an ABS plastic shell. With the far side of the device providing access to two USB-A ports, four shoulder buttons, a USB-C port as well as a Thunderbolt 3 port, and a small reset button. The back panel also includes another change: the win series' first full-size HDMI port.