PC gamers can now enjoy the handheld gaming revolution with numerous options to choose from. Among these options lies the GPD Win 4, which provides a unique and interesting gaming experience with its PS Vita-like design and a hidden slide-out keyboard. The Win 4 feels like a true pocket PC and is more affordable at $799, making it a great option for game enthusiasts on the go. The device has a few drawbacks that you need to consider when weighing your personal gaming experience.
GPD Win 4 – Design and Features
The GPD Win 4’s design is strikingly similar to 2012’s PlayStation Vita, with everything from the shape to the buttons being a callback to the Vita, although it is slightly bigger in every dimension. The device features a Ryzen 7 6800U processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and up to 1TB of NVMe storage, making it a full-fledged gaming PC with the performance chops to prove it. It also comes with a full, bloat-free Windows 11 installation, meaning every game or app that runs on your normal Windows gaming PC will work.
The device is unique in design and feels closer to a laptop than its peers from the Ayaneo line-up, which also runs on Windows 11. It comes with a built-in keyboard, and with a proper docking station, monitor, and peripherals, it can easily be used as your daily computer, eliminating the need for a bulky tower.
GPD Win 4 – Control Set
The Win 4 has a control set similar to an Xbox controller, and the face buttons are tactile and easy to press accurately. The D-pad is accurate and works well even with demanding fighting games. The bumpers act like mouse buttons, and the analog triggers have enough throw to feel good and work well in racing games and shooters. Start, Select, and Menu and a fingerprint reader below the D-pad also feature on the device’s face, with two programmable buttons on the rear of each grip for game and Windows shortcuts.
GPD Win 4 – Inputs and Outputs
The device boasts a generous assortment of inputs and outputs, with a pair of USB Type-C ports on the top and bottom, and a full-size USB Type-A port on the top for connecting a hub or peripherals. The device also has a power button, volume rocker, headphone jack, and a high-speed microSD slot on the left that supports cards up to 160 MB/s.
GPD Win 4 – Screen and Sound
The screen is nice and bright at 400-nits, offering crisp visuals with a 1920 x 1080 native resolution, though setting games to 720p is recommended for the best performance. The device’s speakers are surprisingly loud, though clarity is limited beyond 60%. The speakers work well for gaming and the occasional YouTube video but using headphones offers the best experience.
GPD Win 4 – Software and Battery Life
Configuring the GPD Win 4 uses GPD’s MotionAssist software. The app is functional, but not explained at all, with tabs for TDP, setting up and testing gyro controls, hotkeys, and general device settings. The device has seven TDP settings ranging from 5 watts to 28 watts, which can be one-click activated, allowing you to find the perfect balance for the games you’re playing to improve performance without impacting battery life. The Win 4 features a 45.6 watt-hour battery, making it more than both the Steam Deck and Ayaneo Air but a hair behind the Air Plus.
Overall, the GPD Win 4 is a great handheld gaming PC, providing a unique combination of a handheld gaming device and a laptop. It’s a powerful and proven combination allowing you to enjoy modern games at medium to high settings, with every game or app that works on your normal Windows gaming PC will work. The device’s control set is solid, while its layout, features, and inputs provide a great gaming experience. The Win 4 may have a few drawbacks, but it is an affordable and unique option that is worth considering for game enthusiasts.