Since the success of Nintendo's hybrid device, the gaming tablet market has been flooded with Switch-style products. Most recently, we've seen the announcement of Valve's Steam Deck - a product that admittedly looks quite promising.
It seems the Chinese tech company GPD will soon be getting (back) in on the action - with the company recently revealing its plans for a new handheld gaming console, which will be running on Android. As explained by XDA Developers, it's called the GPD-XP and will feature 6GB of RAM, 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage (including MicroSD support), 4G support (with calls and SMS features disabled), and even a built-in mic.
Here's where it gets a bit more interesting. The standout feature is the right side of the system. While the left side has a fixed analog stick and control pad - including some physical buttons for home, task manager and back, over on the right side is a "customizable and modular" magnetic attachment.
This section of the device allows you to attach different types of controls, as can be seen in the images below. Depending on the type of game you're playing, you could essentially switch it up, to fit your needs.
The system also includes a wide aspect ratio 6.81-inch display - a screen you would normally find on a smartphone. There's even a built-in camera on the bottom left, and physical buttons can also be assigned to different areas of the screen - if you're playing a game with touch input.
The GPD-XP will be running on a 7000mAh battery and should last around 12 hours. As for the OS, it's apparently a custom build of Android, although the international release will apparently opt with Android 11 and include Google services. There's no word on what the price of the system is just yet or a release date, but it's expected to be higher in price than GPD's XD Plus, which was available for $250 USD.
Would a Switch-style device running on Android interest you? Tell us down below.
[source xda-developers.com]
Comments 84
This will be pretty cool until it breaks within six months.
Android. So... Basically a phone with built in controller grips? No thanks. They should be focusing on competing with valves new competitor to their win2.
@NEStalgia They already have released the GPD Win 3:
And they're releasing a new GPD Win Max (more of a handheld laptop) this year, and there'll likely be a GPD Win 4 next year.
Main problem with all of these Chinese devices is they're mad expensive. Valve can afford to sell at / near loss, as they have Steam to fall back on; these small Chinese companies don't have the same luxury.
I can live with my S10+. I don't need any new Android devices if I could just connect my pro controller to my phone.
Unless that thing will be below 250 dollars, lost cause then.
GPD makes some nice Intel based portable systems, but this thing even has a punchole for the camera while being a GAMING SYSTEM.
Why lost cause? Switch is better and not much more, and there is also Steam Deck which will crush this thing it's purpose for emulation, but also PC gaming.
And while some would say, but the Steam deck is more expensive, price vs performance ratio compared to this thing changes it all.
I would instead, if it really must be android based instead get a cheap smartphone (easy to find under 200 euro with good specs for emulation) with a loose controller + clip and call it a day.
Otherwise I already mentioned the other solutions.
Sorry, but the only Switch like console I'm looking at is The steam deck.
Android on the Switch itself is quite nice - it's a good form factor for streaming games via Steam Link, Moonlight and presumably Game Pass and PlayStation remote play. Downside is obviously that it's not official and needs to be installed using homebrew.
So I can definitely see the appeal of a device like this. Price is key though. For me, streaming games is most important so I would actually prefer a cheap low-powered handheld (that doesn't need to run games natively) over something capable and expensive.
This looks dumb af
Well if you want a portable more expensive Ouya on the go then this is it. Also what's up with the dongle with number buttons?
@Specter_of-the_OLED If it’s android biased, it’s open source and you can put emulators on that. This seems to be the thing people are missing here.
@yuwarite Well that's good because an Android unit is kinda useless.
But yeah, Chinese electronics used to be crazy cheap, look at the hifi world and how there's the really cheap Chinese brands with really good stuff. I think the real problem is more scales of economies. Valve is probably paying half the price on parts these guys are just from the volume they're buying. Nintendo probably pays half again.
This poor device though seems DOA.
@Specter_of-the_OLED MOBAs. Makes more sense when you consider the Asia market.
@faint The Ouya was also open source and could play emulators too, so was the Atari VCS. These things are nothing new. Emulators on Android are also scummy and buggy.
Ugh, I hate the Switch-like form factor
The DS/3DS clamshell is far superior!
I can stick it in my pocket and call it a TRUE handheld
What good is a super-wide aspect ratio that only a handful of games will support?
Stooopid.
@faint Same with the Switch.
@Specter_of-the_OLED But now it’s portable. Yes, you can find good emulators for android. Just like anything else, it requires a bit of research
"Most probably you already knew our new Android device."
@Moistnado I’m not sure which comment you’re addressing. If it’s the six months one, I’m still using my original I picked up at a toys r us on launch day. If it’s emulation, jail breaking and picking up something designed to allow emulation are different things.
I’m sure it will serve some purpose, perhaps for emulation. Still, this isn’t for me. Maybe this is for people who usually game on their phones, but want a dedicated game device for all their google play apps? It feels like a niche within a niche.
@faint Yeah 6 months. My first Switch is a Frankenstein of replacement parts. It is a very flimsy machine. My 3ds and GBAsp look newer, in spite of having much more use, and are clearly a sturdier design.
Broken English in the advertising doesn't inspire much confidence.
@Moistnado My lord! What did you do to it? I’ve flown mine across the country and back, threw it in my work bag countless times and my cats have knocked on to the floor (a 3 foot drop) at least a dozen times.
Cool to see the Switch influencing so many devices.
@faint Gentle use, I barely leave the house with it. They are not sturdy machines, less sturdy than a smartphone, and they are built to only last about a year.
Anyone know how to get a picture to show up on here?
Edit: I tried it above but it didn't work. 😭
A bigger phone with mobile games, what an amazing idea 😂
I own the win 2 win 3 and win max AMA if need be. I really like their devices a lot and I know some of the staff personally. they do a good job creating hardware.
What could that other pad w 4 vertical numbers possibly be used for that the normal, switch looking pad couldn't?
The only time I had anything like this was the GP32 which I still have, any handheld I've had since was always a dedicated gaming handheld that had plenty of games for it.
GPD is way too expensive.
I am going for the steam deck.
The hands on videos are amazing .
Steam deck is my next handheld.
@Moistnado Then why is mine still running so well. (And probably everyone else’s in this thread)
@faint you are very lucky. It is very unlikely that everyone's is running well. Everyone I know has had the drift and cracks in the plastic.
I'd imagine that the Steam Deck would take out a lot of these gamer-focused mobiles and emulation handhelds. This still has the advantage of better portability and SIM support, but it just seems like a much more limited and less ergonomic device. Not the kind of thing that I see either hardcore gamers or regular mobile customers going for. Maybe it has some appeal with the younger crowd who are really dedicated to mobile battle royale games?
Why are people hating on this? trust me - GPD know what they’re doing. Yes, their stuff is expensive - but that’s because they’re a small company relying on kickstarter campaigns.
I have an original GPD console and a win max. They are both superb and the Win Max is excellent - even able to emulate the switch with no problems. I’ve just been on an eight hour flight and used the max all the way. I played :
Mario kart DS (DS)
NSMB (DS)
R Type final on PS2
Motor storm on PS3
F Zero GX (GameCube)
NES remix 1 (Wii U).
All on my handheld, six hours of great gaming.
I say again - GPD know what they’re doing.
"Powered by android"
Eh...no, thank you.
@faint as long as 6 months?
But does it dock to TV? Not much of a 'Switch' if it's just a phone with controllers.
A phone with removable controllers is not "Switch-like", this is more a Gamevice-like device. (which is actually older than the Switch)
I still have my original GPDxd, the Android clamshell DS-alike, and it still happily runs all my emu's up to PS1. . It struggles with Dreamcast, but .. manages.. just about.
I'm 100% grabbing this one.
Will it run my Steam library?
With out any good exclusive titles the hardware will only
Float along and eventually sink. 🤷♂️
I previously said in a post, Steam is only the beginning of the competition in the handheld market.
It happens in lots of industries, a new product arrived (Switch) and it's only time before other companies launch a better one.
The Disney app is catching up with Netflix. China is now the biggest smartphone provider overtaking Samsung. And apart from Nintendo games which are getting fewer and far between, anything else on the Switch can be played on other consoles.
It's not the kids buying Switch Lites that would consider the competition, it's gamers unhappy with the limitations of the current Switch, the one shouting out for a pro.
Nintendo has been distracted with the Lite sales, but time will tell.
This just reminds me of the time the Wii struck gold and Microsoft and Sony followed suit. With Sony abandoning any handheld plans and Microsoft never have been in the game, we now see rise to Switch-a-likes with the first contender being Steam Deck. Though I think this is like the Wii, a fool's errand to emulate, just because of the install base the Switch is enjoying.
Even the Steam Deck... irks me, as there is an ease of just buying the software and knowing it runs on the hardware. Something that might not be the case for this things like Steam Deck or in this case GDP.
@NEStalgia Given the steamdeck was only announced a month ago...this has been in development long before they knew they had competition on that front. No company is ready to follow suite yet, though I'm sure plenty are starting projects we will hear about next year.
@Lemmy_the_Koopa
Steam Deck isn't emulating Switch. It doesn't have detachable controllers and doesn't come with a dock. It's a handheld PC, and both handhelds and PCs have been around for half a century.
Obviously many people like convenience and closed ecosystem consoles provide that. But PC isn't all tinkering. It's 80% as plug and play as consoles are nowadays. With Steam Deck powerful enough to run any game, there won't be any concerns of games not running. Even anti-cheat through Proton is being taken care of (with promising results already), though I suspect most handheld gamers are going to be playing single player games. Not all, but many.
And we needed Steam Deck. I've been waiting for a proper handheld that can run every AAA game in a playable state with at least 720p resolution with Gyro aiming and more than 90 minutes battery life for a very long time.
That aspect ratio looks like a parody
@JaxonH
1] The official page mentions there is a dock that is coming [though as you pointed out not included]: https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck and media reported on this, too. Which means Valve intends for it to be used in conjungtion with the dock to some extent.
While yes, the controllers are not detachable, you can still use controllers.
2] As someone that built a PC from scratch I still would disagree with you. While it might be able to run current titles of the steam library things in the future might be different. What irks me is that this is on the user to find out what works and not. Steam could circumvent with a little label on the page or a tag with Steamdeck". Maybe even some companies will work with Valve and introduce a Steam Deck profile. I put uo with that on PC, because I a] can specc my hardware b] this is also a workstation for me, if I would just need a gaming device, I would actually buy a console.
3] 90 minutes seems like a short session tbh and at that point the question is how viable is it really for gaming on the go. However if that is what you are enjoying, who am i to disagree. I never doubted that the Steam Deck will find it's audience, but I don't think it will please the masses as the NSW does. I am happy to be proven wrong though.
@Lemmy_the_Koopa
They mean it to be an option. And thats what PC is all about- options. USB-C docks were around long before Switch. In fact, where do you think Switch got the idea 😉
The fact it's PC means all games run. Even in the future, all games run. The power to lower settings, lower resolution if needed, etc, mean this thing is basically guaranteed to go at least a full gen without any issues. Thanks to consoles being static for the next decade, games will always have settings equal to consoles, and Deck runs games about the same as Series S, just at 720p and 30 fps. We're talking AAA here too. Many games aren't.
I never said Steam Deck was 90 minutes, I said it would be an improvement over the current 90 devices such as Win 2 get because they're not powerful enough and don't have a large enough battery. Steam Deck should match Switch, as Portal 2 is clocked at 4 hrs at full 720p 60 fps max settings, and 5-6 hrs at same settings but 30 fps. The low end is cited at 2 hrs, but OG Switch was cited with 2.5 at low end and wasn't pushing games nearly as hard. With adjustable settings that should be an easy 2.5 - 3 hrs for the top 5% of super demanding games, with 4-6 hrs for everything else. Which is a game changer for PC handhelds.
Speaking of which, PC isn't limited to just work. You buy a console for games. PC can play those same games PS/Xbox can play, PLUS Xbox exclusives PLUS Playstation exclusives, but here's the real kicker- with Gyro aiming and with hybrid advantage like Switch. Won't ever use another console again. There's a reason I only ever play Switch for 3rd party. It's got Gyro and I don't finish games stuck on the TV.
Steam Deck converts the entire PS/Xbox libraries, exclusives included, into hybrid gaming with Gyro aiming. That's a dream come true.
Doesn't matter if it "pleases the masses". That kind of discussion can be left for the fanboys and insecure purists who feel they need to stroke their own ego about their chosen plastic box's success. Unlike every other console, Steam Deck doesn't need mass success to succeed. Because unlike consoles, getting games isn't dependent on sales. It's PC. It's Steam. It automatically gets every game no matter what. The only thing that matters is the awesome experience. For 4 years I've been boasting about how amazing it is to play games on Switch where I can bounce between TV and handheld. A device finally makes that possible for the legion of AAA games Switch can't run. How could any self respecting Switch gamer not at least be intrigued by that.
2080 ti connected to TV, using a Dualsense for Gyro aiming, is a better experience than my PS5 (plus it offers VRR and Dolby Atmos for sound system which PS5 can't do). Games look as good if not better, and have Gyro. The one glaring shortcoming was no hybrid advantage like Switch. Deck makes that a reality. Cloud saves sync between TV PC and Deck just like they sync across my docked Switch and my Lite/OLED for handheld play. It's like a PS-Xbox all-in-one platform that works exactly like a Nintendo Switch + Lite combo and graphics on par with PS4/X1 in handheld. That's incredible!
@norwichred I do had to agree that they learn from their previous issues. Their last Android edition, the GPD XD, had sticky face buttons that tend to get stuck over time and the OS they use was very outdated. Very glad this one at least give you more rams so you could properly run emulators and apps smoothly. Also glad they are using their own custom Android OS and not lazily threw the mobile version on there.
The thing about the mobile Android version is that once you get firmware that harm your system it's really difficult to undo them without resetting the thing to factory condition, you'll always had to back things up via memory card. Still because this was meant to run games or watch media only, there are no camera of any kind built in so you won't be able to use it to take pictures or create videos like you would a normal Android phone or tablet would, even the GPD Win line of handhelds still lack built-in cameras.
@JaxonH Thanks for spreading the truth my friend.
Android? No thanks I'll stick to the Switch and Steamdeck
Calling this and Steam Deck, the latter of which won't be sold at retail (that matters more than gaming outlets let on), "competition" to the Switch is very charitable to both non-Nintendo devices.
In any case, this could be cool.
Competition is welcome and the device certainly looks better than the Steamdeck, but android games and emulators? Meh.
@Moistnado I'm with @faint on that one.
Drift, sure, that is an issue many people seem to have (though I would be interested to know what the percentage actually is)
But apart from that I have never heard of many issues. Some people have cracks in the launch version, many don't.
(If I remember correctly, the cracking issue was also fixed?)
My launch day Switch certainly is completely fine still, so it is for others I know.
But yes, I would agreed, that the Switch isn't as sturdy as previous Nintendo consoles. Doesn't mean it has that many issues though. Although that drift is already bad enough, of course.
@Kirgo so you acknowledge a cracking issue and drift but think it isn't common. Of the people I know that have a switch, they all have had an issue with small cracking, not massive cracks, on their launch switches and all have had joycon drift. I didn't think drift was a big deal until I got it. I only got drift recently on my launch switch. Maybe it's the humidity where I live or something. At least you agree that it isn't as sturdy as previous consoles. I got my money's worth with the switch but I don't expect to be able to play it in 10 years time like I can with my Gameboys.
Honestly I wish the Switch explored the modular potential of the joycon more. Still waiting on the Gamecube layout joycon and Gamecube games released on Switch Online. They could even make them with analogue triggers so their Mario Sunshine port would actually work correctly.
@Moistnado
I acknowledge that the drift issue is probably very common, considering how much we hear of it.
The cracking issue however, I remember being confirmed that it was because of a mistake made at a factory, mainly Switches comming from there and from a critical time frame (Mainly consoles from around launch) should have that problem.
Nintendos consoles have become less and less robust over the generations unfortunately, the DS could break relatively easily if it falls down and the 3DS had already an easy to break circle pad, even while using it normally.
Hopefully this trend won't continue in later consoles.
Ultra wide screen? For mobile games? 🤨
I rather have my SmartPhone for times when I need to make calls not waste battery and find one in a ^&)(Load of trouble and then wonder why can't I make or receive calls. If they want to compete make a dedicated gaming portable console.
@Kirgo I acknowledge that the drift issue is probably very common, considering how much we hear of it.
This is up for debate and without any documentation from drifters it's become hearsay at this point. And there was YT user that video that it took a CC size square matching under the Joy-Con stick to fix the issue. I had 1st launch before trade-in and had no cracking or drifting.
@Kirgo The cracking issue however, I remember being confirmed that it was because of a mistake made at a factory, mainly Switches coming from there and from a critical time frame (Mainly consoles from around launch) should have that problem.
This is not nor has this been confirmed by anything I read to say otherwise then the user caused. So if there is documented link independent of bias to tell us.
@flightsaber maybe but other than epic/tencent nobody else other than Big Tech is in a position to subsidize the hardware like a console vendor or valve. Tencents inevitable console worries me though.
Same old story...Nintendo does something revolutionary and everyone else rushes to catch up. Haha
@SwitchForce
1.
I acknowledge the drift issue solely based on the fact that this is being talked about all the time and by many different people. I did write however, that I would really be interested in a statisic about this, since I am not sure either how often this actually happens. However, from all I hear around the internet it seems to happen to a lot of people. Maybe that is wrong, but I can't make another assumption based on what I see.
2.
It's hard to find any concrete sources for that, which is why I mentioned that this is just something I remember. Most discussions about this issue are several years old, which is also why I think that this is less of a problem today, lining up with my memory about this.
Also, it almost has to be an manufacturing issue anyway, since, if it really is happening without an outside force being involved, it should happen to almost all units. There is no other difference besides manufacturing varaiation after all.
@JaxonH
> They mean it to be an option. And thats what PC is all about- options. USB-C docks were around long before Switch. In fact, where do you think Switch got the idea 😉
Okay, I never said the switch was an original idea, heck I don't think the Wii is it for the matter. Why you are banging me on that, I really don't know. What the Switch did though is making this format of a handheld device that can be docked popular, otherwise we probably would not see the docking option(even though it is not in the base package with the steam deck). Hence my moniker Switch-a-likes. The same way the Wii made motion controls popular, which was my initial point to begin with. That is why I also said "pleases the masses". This has nothing to do with a fanboy ego, just evidence that Nintendo made this format popular and other companies are (yet) seeing if thunder strikes twice. And I also don't think lesser of Valve, heck, if something shows there is a clear market for it and I can deliver on that device, heck, count me in.
I really don't see why you get worked up like this. I have my reservations on the steam deck and that is all, why you trying to prove a point for someone that is clearly not in the market for a Steam Deck is baffling. I like my PC and that I can change parts and have the option to play games on a resolution and further tinker with graphical and I don't need those games around while I am on the go. I like my Switch for specific titles and titles I selected I want to have on the go and run good with it. If you want have other titles and the Switch does not deliver, that is a justified point on your side.
tl;dr If you like it, that is cool with me; and more power to you. I just made a statement that switch popularized someone is understandably trying to take the idea to a different market.
@faint Still longer than joycons last lmao.
@Lemmy_the_Koopa
I wasn't banging you. I was just clarifying that options are PC's strength.
I'm also not worked up. I'm actually rather confused how you have somehow concluded I'm 1 banging you, 2 worked up. Neither are the case. I'm just having a friendly discussion. No idea where all this other stuff is coming from.
I'm not trying to sell you on Steam Deck. I have no interest in what you personally do or don't do. I'm just explaining why it deserves more respect than "oh its just copying Switch, it won't be as popular, it'll have all these other problems". I'm clarifying that handhelds aren't really copying Switch. Especially PC handhelds which were selling before Switch was even an NX code name. It also doesn't need massive success to get content, and for the most part it'll function just like a dedicated handheld (especially thanks to SteamOS), though with much more freedom to customize to prioritize framerate, battery, resolution, etc.
I do agree Switch popularized the hybrid concept and it gets major props for that. I'm a massive Switch fan and have preached its merits for years, and still do. Normally I don't play other systems because they don't offer Gyro and they don't offer hybrid play. But I'm not loyal to Nintendo to the extent I won't be interested if another company makes a device which caters to my needs.
So far, Sony has failed in doing so (but their controller is top notch, with a magnometer that solves Gyro drift), Xbox has failed, and while PC has at least offered Gyro, lack of hybrid play means I just won't finish games. The Deck changes that. Its literally a gamechanger for me. It doesn't replace Switch. I'm not looking to replace Switch. I have 2 OLED models pre-ordered as we speak.
But it will compliment Switch perfectly, finally making all those games Switch can't run equally viable with Gyro and hybrid play. Not hybrid in the docking sense. I'll never play Deck in a dock. But hybrid in a cloud saves way. Power PC connected to TV, auto syncs to Deck for handheld. Same way I use Switch with cloud saves syncing to Lite (and soon OLED).
I'm a massive fan of hybrid gaming. I love Switch for what it offers. Why wouldn't a device that can do the same thing but for AAA games Switch can't run, with graphical fidelity in the ballpark of PS4, be of interest? If Deck had Nintendo's name behind it I'd be going coocoo for Coco Puffs over it. At the end of the day, these are just tools we use to enjoy video games. Any tool that offers the same hybrid freedom and Gyro aiming Switch offers, but for modern games I can't currently enjoy in that manner... is of immediate interest.
@Lemmy_the_Koopa I'm sure Valve has already planned ahead. Anyways all PC games are made scalable. As for Switch, half the games are running at 576p sub 30 now.
Come on video game industry. I am getting so sick of copy cat crap.
@NEStalgia Right now, the can't. Valve is using a custom APU that's not going to be available until late 2022 for other manufacturers. Right now, they have the Win3 and the Win Max 2021 refresh that are the kingpin, for now.
IDK why people see this in a negative light. GPD has done android devices for a very long time and this is just their newest version. It's been their cheapest handheld and super popular. Shame they changed from clamshell XD Plus to this eh PSP design.
Sorry only Switch styled handheld I’m interested in is the actual Switch.
@liveswired @Lemmy_the_Koopa yeah lol. The games may run, but only barely sometimes. I love the switch but I also love the idea of playing Jedi Fallen Order in a decent resolution on a handheld.
It must be so gratifying for Nintendo that in the last 40 years they've always done their own thing and the rest of the market is constantly trying to copy them lol
Who is GPD?
Exactly.
The controller variants are a novel idea but i don't think GPD is big enough to pull it off, and I doubt that game devs will jump on it.
Remember that things similar to the Nintendo Switch existed before it was revealed, many of Nintendo's innovations are not things they actually invented, they just made the first example that worked well, became a success, turned the idea into a trend, and then big companies like Sony, Microsoft and Valve decide to follow on the idea.
@victordamazio many of Nintendo's innovations are not things they actually invented, they just made the first example that worked well, became a success
That's still the more reasons they figure it out faster and did it better. Innovations comes from somewhere and they like you said did it better at putting 1+1=2 better. And it's not really a example but full working production Console. Using example is dismissing the success of the Switch even if they put into one package.
They're Emulation handhelds really, and the best at that.
Not gonna lie, the build quality already looks awful.
turn it sideways, and it kind of looks like a phone...
Are people actually going to buy this GPD has been releasing failures for years? They haave all been vastly overpriced with a cheap build quaality, especially once you consider you pay near $600-900. Stream Deck just means this will be a bigger failure than the rest of them.
@victordamazio They didn't invent everything, but they have invented before, they also constantly innovate and lead the market constantly, which is just as important. There is a reason why PS controllers have four face buttons, D-pad, shoulder buttons, analog sticks, rumble, wireless, motion, and now HD rumble and that was just what they copied from Nintendo controllers. The only innovation Sony brought to controllers was doubling the N64 Analog controller (which was smart) and adaptive triggers.
Nintendo is not Apple, sure they have a lot of fanboys, but not enough to influence the market. Nintendo influences the market because they make rock solid console/controller innovations and they become standard because they did it better. Not sure what you are trying to say? Nintendo isn't perfect, far from it, but to claim it just gets lucky by throwing together already existing technology is ignorance.
Tap here to load 84 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...