Check out the handheld gaming PC "GPD WIN 5" in person. Usability appears to have changed significantly from previous models [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/409/G040961/20250926023/
Editorial Department: Chiba Daisuke | 2025/09/26 03:18 (UTC)
At the GPD booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025, a new model of the handheld gaming PC series “GPD WIN,” titled GPD WIN 5, was on display. This latest version marks a significant departure from previous models, notably eliminating the physical keyboard that had been a hallmark of the GPD WIN series and switching to an external battery design. This article features photos of the actual unit.
The GPD WIN 5 is a handheld gaming PC announced by Shenzhen GPD Technology (hereafter, GPD) in August 2025 and currently running a campaign on the crowdfunding site Indiegogo. The standard and early bird pricing are as follows:
- CPU: Ryzen AI Max+ 385, Main Memory: 32GB, Built-in Storage: 1TB, Standard Price: $1,598 (~¥239,300), Early Bird Price: $1,448 (~¥216,900)
- CPU: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Main Memory: 32GB, Built-in Storage: 2TB, Standard Price: $1,849 (~¥277,000), Early Bird Price: $1,650 (~¥247,100)
- CPU: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Main Memory: 64GB, Built-in Storage: 4TB, Standard Price: $2,267 (~¥339,500), Early Bird Price: $2,119 (~¥317,400)
- External Battery: Standard Price: $103 (~¥15,400), Early Bird Price: $93 (~¥14,000)
- Dedicated Docking Station: Standard Price: $103 (~¥15,400), Early Bird Price: $93 (~¥14,000)
When viewing the actual GPD WIN 5 unit, it feels considerably larger than its predecessor, the GPD WIN 4. The display size increased from 6 inches in the GPD WIN 4 to 7 inches in the GPD WIN 5, giving it a notably longer horizontal profile.
GPD WIN 5 is wider than previous models Thumbnail image No.002 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］
Comparing the specified dimensions, while the GPD WIN 4 measures 220 (W) × 92 (D) × 28 (H) mm, the GPD WIN 5 is 267 (W) × 116.3 (D) × 24.21 (H) mm—nearly a 50mm increase in width. The elongated body gives it a form reminiscent of the PlayStation Portable or PlayStation Vita.
The change in case size has significantly affected the gamepad as well. Previously, GPD’s gamepads across its product line featured small analog sticks and buttons, which could be difficult to operate for users with larger hands. However, on the GPD WIN 5, these components have been notably enlarged, making them much more comfortable to use—this is a positive improvement.
Analog sticks and buttons are now significantly larger compared to earlier models Thumbnail image No.003 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］ Thumbnail image No.004 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］
The removal of the iconic physical keyboard, a defining feature of earlier GPD WIN models, inevitably affects usability. Typing long texts was never practical on previous GPD WIN keyboards anyway, but since Windows’ software keyboard is not user-friendly, inputting IDs or passwords may be manageable—but typing even short passages would still be challenging.
Despite the larger case size, the specified body weight remains nearly unchanged: around 590g for the GPD WIN 5 compared to approximately 598g for the GPD WIN 4. This is likely due to shifting the battery outside the main unit. When using it connected via AC adapter and external battery cables, performance feels comfortable.
A major feature of the GPD WIN 5—the detachable battery—is just barely fitting in one hand, with a capacity of 80Wh.
External battery for GPD WIN 5 Thumbnail image No.005 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］
The GPD WIN 5 connects to the external battery via a dedicated connector Thumbnail image No.007 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］
As mentioned, the external battery can be connected via a dedicated cable or attached directly to the back of the GPD WIN 5 unit. However, the standalone battery weighs about 350g—adding up to approximately 940g when combined with the main unit—making it as heavy as typical thin-and-light laptops. Handling it feels quite substantial; using it for extended periods would likely be impractical. It’s better used like a power bank: placing it on a desk or in a bag and connecting via cable.
Additionally, users must be careful not to accidentally disconnect the cable during operation. Unlike standard handheld gaming PCs or Android game consoles that continue running after unplugging their AC adapters, the GPD WIN 5 immediately powers off when disconnected—requiring users to treat it more like a desktop PC.
The GPD WIN 5 uses AMD’s laptop-oriented APU, either the “Ryzen AI Max+ 395” or “Ryzen AI Max+ 385.” Although we didn’t have time for full performance testing, GPD has published results showing that many major titles can run above 60fps even with graphics settings at “Medium” or “High.”
GPD’s official performance test results for the GPD WIN 5 Thumbnail image No.008 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］
However, the GPD WIN 5’s CPU has a standard TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45W—quite high. The cooling system combines two air-cooling fans and heat pipes, indicating significant thermal output from the processor. During gameplay, warm air continuously blows out from the exhaust vents—an aspect worth noting.
Two fans visible from the back Thumbnail image No.009 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］
The top side features a USB4 port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, a 4-pole 3.5mm mini jack headset port, and a power connector Thumbnail image No.010 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］
The bottom side includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and a Mini SSD slot Thumbnail image No.011 / Check out the handheld gaming PC “GPD WIN 5” in person. Its usability has changed drastically from previous models ［TGS2025］
According to Sky, a retailer specializing in GPD products, domestic release is scheduled for autumn 2025. This new model represents a complete redesign from past GPD WIN series units and warrants careful hands-on evaluation.