This gaming handheld’s external battery is smarter than you think

The GPD Win 5 handheld's unique external battery boosts gaming power but challenges portability.

: GPD introduces the Win 5, a handheld gaming device praised for its unique battery design and impressive performance capabilities. The battery, almost the size of its 7-inch screen, attaches externally and offers a 5,170mAh capacity, enabling RTX 4060-level graphics performance. Despite skeptics questioning its portability, GPD insists the battery is vital for desktop-level gaming potential on-the-go. With cutting-edge AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chips, the Win 5 blurs the line between handheld consoles and gaming laptops but comes with potential cost concerns.

A newly introduced handheld gaming PC, the GPD Win 5, breaks from tradition by eliminating an internal battery altogether. Instead, it uses a detachable 80 Wh external lithium-ion battery that can be clipped onto the device or carried separately, offering users multiple ways to power the handheld. This unconventional approach enables more efficient space management inside the unit and allows the device to remain slim and cool during operation.

The external battery is not just a workaround—it’s a key part of the device’s modular strategy. Users can hot-swap batteries mid-session or run the handheld while plugged into a power source, making it ideal for extended gaming without the need to shut down. The battery pack also integrates seamlessly with docking setups, giving desktop-like convenience to a handheld form factor.

Under the hood, the GPD Win 5 is powered by AMD’s Strix Halo platform, featuring high-end Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 385 APUs. These chips deliver impressive performance, comparable to desktop-class GPUs like the RTX 4060. Despite the focus on power, the design does not compromise thermals thanks to the battery being separated from the core hardware, though its rear position may still impact airflow.

While performance is lauded, the ergonomic trade-offs are evident. Carrying a large external battery or wearing it in a backpack with a cable connection may not appeal to users who prioritize portability. Reviewers note that while the idea is innovative, the added complexity and bulk may hinder its usability on the go compared to more integrated designs.

Overall, the GPD Win 5’s external battery solution redefines what handheld gaming PCs can be by prioritizing performance and modularity. It reflects a shift toward treating handhelds more like modular consoles, capable of scaling up power and cooling as needed, even if it means sacrificing traditional portability norms.

Sources: PC Gamer, Tom's Hardware

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