Forums

Topic: GPD Win 2: The Most Powerful Handheld Ever Made

Posts 1 to 20 of 170

JaxonH

Untitled

For those who don't know, GPD has been making PC-based handhelds for years. They are a team of expert hardware designers in China chasing the dream of AAA gaming on the go. The first GPD Win was an impressive device, but it had its shortcomings. It wasn't quite powerful enough to run Dolphin, and could only barely manage to run a few select 7th gen games at 30fps (Dark Souls, Fallout New Vegas, etc). The battery life was barely over 2 hours. A design oversight with regard to the heatsink meant heat dissipation was poor, and owners of the device often complained about how hot it would get. It would also inadvertently turn the screen on when the lid was closed because it would press against the keyboard keys.

All of these issues have been addressed for the new GPD Win 2. Here's some information about GPD Win 2.

  • The most powerful handheld ever, the appearance design was developed by a German Red Dot Award winning team.
  • The product supports more than 1,000,000 internet games. Enjoy gaming the second you open the box.
  • The WIN 2 is equipped with a 6-inch touch screen from Sharp Corporation with a viewing angle up to 178°. The screens area has been increased by 9% compared to the previous generation WIN. It utilizes In-Cell full lamination technology and fourth generation Corning Gorilla Glass. With a screen resolution of 1280×720, it has a PPI 2.53 times greater than that of a typical 24-Inch desktop monitor. The WIN 2 also has a capacitive touch screen.
  • Featuring a seventh generation Intel®️ Kaby Lake Core™️ m3-7Y30 processor, with performance close to that of the Intel®️ Core™️ i7-3770K. With its CPU-Z single-core performance score of 1244 points, there is no stutter running the latest AAA-class games when using low game effects.
  • Complimenting the m3-7y30 CPU cores, the m3-7y30 also features 9th generation Intel®️ HD Graphics 615 with 24 EU execution units and a maximum dynamic frequency of 900MHz. Game frame rates have increased by a facor of 2.2 times compared to the previous generation GPD WIN. Games are smoother and more realistic.
  • The device features a M.2 2242 port, with extremely high read/write speed capability. Game loading is 4 times faster compared to a mechanical hard disk or eMMC.
  • Equipped with 2×4900mAh large-capacity and high-density polymer lithium batteries. The GPD WIN 2 has a maximum game play battery-life of over 6 hours. Our product is also the first game handheld to support PD 2.0 fast charge, allowing the battery to be charged to half full within 45 minutes.
  • Brand new Gamepad design with two 3D joysticks from ALPS Japan, featuring built-in dual-vibration motors to ensure you get immersed in the game. Even the slightest vibration can still be sensible, making you more comfortable than your imagination.
  • Designed with a novel PC-class cooling solution, featuring a high-power turbofan which can adjust rpm dynamically from 2000~10000rpm. When the temperature of the CPU core is between 20 ℃~80 ℃, the 60-speed dynamic temperature control will kick in to best balance efficiency.

The GPD Win 2 can run DOOM at 507p resolution at 40-50fps ... and that's on higher difficulties. Definitely beyond what the Switch version runs at. Now, part of that is likely due to ID Tech 6 and Vulcan- they couldn't get it running nearly this good with OpenGL, but it's impressive nonetheless. That's without a dynamic res that's dropping and actual low settings as opposed to sub-low with Switch. It means Wolfenstein II will also likely run at 30fps minimum. For other games it seems to be right about on par with Switch. Skyrim Special Edition looks to be equivalent, as does Rocket League (runs full 720p without shadows, but doesn't quite hold 60fps, so it's give and take from the Switch version). But the fact we have a device on par with Switch (technically more powerful but due to PC being less optimized results are about on par) that can run any PC game is incredible. It also runs Dolphin. Metroid Prime, Super Mario Galaxy, Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn, Xenoblade Chronicles... all confirmed running on GPD Win 2. Some of them at high settings.

It comes with a 128gb Solid State Drive, which can be easily upgraded via the removable panel on the back, and you can upgrade up to 1 TB. It also comes with a microSD slot thanks to consumer demand (they were going to get rid of it but they didn't). So you could slap a 400 GB microSD in for GameCube, Wii and PS2 games, leaving 1TB for Steam and PC gaming. It also comes with a standard USB-A 3.0 port, and mini-HDMI out. Oh, and it uses USB-C PD just like Nintendo Switch 🎶 Hallelujah!!! 🎶

DOOM

Skyrim Special Edition

Rocket League

Metroid Prime

Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn

Zelda Twilight Princess

Dragon Quest VIII

Ultra Street Fighter IV

Final Fantasy XIII

Fallout 4

Edited on by JaxonH

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

1UP_MARIO

@JaxonH future looks bright

We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.

6ch6ris6

awesome piece of technology. wonder how much it will cost. if they'd advertise this it would probably even sell really good

EDIT: metroid prime still looks amazing ! such a great game

Edited on by 6ch6ris6

Ryzen 5 2600
2x8GB DDR4 RAM 3000mhz
GTX 1060 6GB

JaxonH

@6ch6ris6

Unfortunately, it's going to be $699, and $599 for indiegogo backers in January. The price will ensure this device stays niche but for the enthusiasts who are willing to pay for a premium device... this thing is a dream come true. It's a portable GameCube, Wii and PS2 all in one, and portable Xbox 360 and PS3. And even runs some 8th generation games.

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

6ch6ris6

@JaxonH portable 360 and ps3? i thought there weren't any good emulators for those consoles on pc

Ryzen 5 2600
2x8GB DDR4 RAM 3000mhz
GTX 1060 6GB

JaxonH

@6ch6ris6
What I mean is, many if not most of those third-party games are on Steam. And it can run pretty much all of them.

So you're basically getting access to the entire 7th generation library on a handheld. Obviously PlayStation and Xbox exclusives will not be playable on this device.

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

Haruki_NLI

One little thing about your comment about DOOM and how it runs better here because of IdTech6 and Vulkan...

Switch uses IdTech6 and Vulkan too. NintendoOS for Switch is listed as Vulkan compliant, hence DOOM is possible as are many modern PC Ports.

The issue of how well it runs in this case on GPD better than Switch is purely down to raw specs.

Now Playing: Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Crash Bandicoot 4

Now Streaming: Sonic Lost World, Just Cause 3

NLI Discord: https://bit.ly/2IoFIvj

Twitch: https://bit.ly/2wcA7E4

JaxonH

@YummyHappyPills

Switch doesn't get the performance boosts you see with PC.

There's been a lot of debate about that and I think most people in the know have agreed DOOM on Switch is not getting any gains from Vulcan like you would on PC. It's why other games look right on par with Switch but this one blows the Switch version out of the water

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

Haruki_NLI

@JaxonH I suggest you start spelling the API Vulkan right

And its there. Its part of the OS. I dont see why it wouldn't be used unless Panic Button felt not to at which point thats not the fault of the system rather them.

And those people in the know are likely Digital Foundry right? These are people who once claimed a slow down effect in a battle was a frame drop.

Until I hear definitive proof that DOOM doesnt use Vulkan on Switch from Panoc Button or id Software, it stands to reason it does.

Edited on by Haruki_NLI

Now Playing: Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Crash Bandicoot 4

Now Streaming: Sonic Lost World, Just Cause 3

NLI Discord: https://bit.ly/2IoFIvj

Twitch: https://bit.ly/2wcA7E4

JaxonH

@YummyHappyPills

Why? Are you going to police the Internet for every misspelled word ever made? Get over it- if you know what I'm talking about then who cares.

I'm sure it is being used, but it's not getting the 35 percent gains PC is.

The proof is in the pudding. This version is running at twice the resolution and a 50 percent higher frame rate than on Switch, while other games are running right on par with Switch versions. That's your proof.

Edited on by JaxonH

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

JaxonH

@YummyHappyPills

This right here explains it

Vulkan give the game access to lower level APIs. Which the consoles had from the beginning. Vulkan helps by bypassing the driver overhead, which is an issue on PC but not on the consoles. Switch will see NO PERFORMANCE GAIN using vulkan.

So, what does the switch having native vulkan support mean? It means that porting vulkan supported games from PC is gonna become hell a lot easier and less work (less codes to write), other than that, practically no benefits.

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

Buizel

Looks really interesting but damn, the controls look uncomfortable.

It does make me wonder where the Switch and handheld gaming will be in 5 years. To be honest, I'd love to see pretty much all new games playable on the go.

At least 2'8".

Haruki_NLI

@JaxonH "The consoles" referring to...? If you mean PS4 and Xbox One I got some bad news for ya. Unless of course you mean low level APIs in general, at which point yes they do, just some not found on PC.

Switch and PC are listed as Vulkan Conformant. Xbox and PS4 are not due to existing prior to Vulkan being a thing, obviously not their fault.

And please source your stuff.

The proof would be in the pudding wouldn't it? But remember you said my view on how a game looks is irrelevant due to my vision issues, so how can I confirm that the proof is in the pudding?

Plus, yes you should spell Vulkan correctly as its the name of a product, thing or person. A proper noun.

Edited on by Haruki_NLI

Now Playing: Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Crash Bandicoot 4

Now Streaming: Sonic Lost World, Just Cause 3

NLI Discord: https://bit.ly/2IoFIvj

Twitch: https://bit.ly/2wcA7E4

JaxonH

@YummyHappyPills
I'm not interested in you correcting my spelling. It's a sleazy way for people to try to flex superiority over someone else. If you can't hold a conversation with me without trying to correct my spelling that I'm not interested in speaking to you.

And we don't need your vision to tell how a game is performing. The frame rate and resolution software test confirm the game is running far beyond Switch version. I don't care whether you confirm it or not, that's a fact.

And no one said anything about PS4 or X1 having Vulkan. He was talking about low-level APIs, if you read properly you would have understood that.

Edited on by JaxonH

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

Haruki_NLI

@JaxonH He is who? You still havent sourced anything.

And of course you dont need my vision. Its called poking fun. Get some Xmas cheer in ya.

Now Playing: Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Crash Bandicoot 4

Now Streaming: Sonic Lost World, Just Cause 3

NLI Discord: https://bit.ly/2IoFIvj

Twitch: https://bit.ly/2wcA7E4

JaxonH

@Buizel
I've played the original GPD Win, and the controls aren't bad. Better than 3DS or Vita, that's for sure. This one looks improved over the last one though. A better D pad, buttons moved to the inside, and the analogs are recessed in so they sit low, so that your thumb can easily reach over to the buttons.

It's not going to be as comfortable as holding a pro controller or something but as far as handhelds go I think it's about as good as you could reasonably expect.

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

Peek-a-boo

I’m definitely impressed with this, especially the specifications inside that clamshell-ish design.

Trouble is, it just looks so uncomfortable.

I fully understand that they were always going to put a keyboard on it however, it ‘pushes’ the buttons and analogue sticks up so high that it looks like a perfect demonstration of The Claw 2.0, which is the sequel to the way you (had no choice to) play Kid Icarus: Uprising.

I watched the video of Metroid Prime and good grief! It is still a remarkably impressive looking game.

Peek-a-boo

JaxonH

@YummyHappyPills
It's from a discussion on Reddit from people who clearly understand this issue more than you or I. I didn't post it as a means to show a "source" like its some official freaking statement or something. I posted it because it explains why you're wrong.

If you want to view the discussion for yourself there are several people who are explaining exactly what I posted to people like you who think Vulkan on Switch means performance gains, without actually understanding why it gives performance gains on PC. It's not some magic red button that mysteriously makes a game run 30% better. It's presence on Switch is solely for porting.

Now, if you can source somebody who knows about this subject who makes claims to the contrary, by all means share. But the only people I see claiming what you were claiming, are people who don't know what they're talking about.

I'd love to have Christmas cheer if I didn't have somebody constantly picking at me for arguments every where I post on the site.

Edited on by JaxonH

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

Haruki_NLI

@JaxonH Well as someone who studied game design for three years Id sure hope id know what I'm talking about.

However as you have noted I dont know that much with regards to low level APIs or optimisation because when I was taught, we were taught to brute force it. In fact there was very little programming. We covered 0 topics to do with optimising a game. No mention of APIs or anything.

Just brute force.

So as someone who is self teaching themselves all this content, thanks for your sources, Ill compare it to the other information Ive gathered and use it to further my knowledge.

And no, Im not picking at you for arguments. I thank you for respectfully disagreeing with and correcting me.

Now Playing: Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Crash Bandicoot 4

Now Streaming: Sonic Lost World, Just Cause 3

NLI Discord: https://bit.ly/2IoFIvj

Twitch: https://bit.ly/2wcA7E4

JaxonH

@YummyHappyPills

If you're truly interested on the subject here's another discussion on the topic.

@Peek-a-boo
As far as handhelds go, it's par for the course as far as comfort is concerned. Probably better than par for the course because it's certainly more comfy than a 3DS. Probably same as Vita, only with better analog sticks and a full button set. Although, instead of having analogues that click in, they have added an L3 and R3 shoulder button.

My experience was with the first one, but this one looks substantially improved over the first.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VGq9gSymxrE

I still think Switch is the best option for portable gaming. It's more comfortable and more versatile (console + handheld + portable console with detachable controllers) and it has a ton of exclusive games and you don't have to deal with settings and all that stuff. And it's half the price. But this is still a must-have device in my opinion. I'm going to get a bigger case that fits both Switch and GPD WIN 2 inside. They both use USB-C power delivery so they could share a charger.

Edited on by JaxonH

All have sinned and fall short of Gods glory. Wages of sin is death. Romans

God so loved the world He sent His only Son- whoever believes on Him has eternal life. Unless you believe, you will die in your sins. Whoever believes, rivers of living water flow within them. John

This topic has been archived, no further posts can be added.