If you’re looking for a small portable gaming device, you might want to consider the GPD WIN. The handheld offers a full keyboard, gaming controls, and is powered by Windows 10.
Making things portable usually means there is some form of compromise. But having a portable device also means expanding the ways you use technology. Although laptops and tablets have existed for over a decade now, there is still space for something that walks the fine line of offering the best from both components in a nice little package. That’s where the GPD WIN comes into play as it’s a small clamshell device that has the full power of Windows 10 with a touchscreen display and physical inputs like a keyboard and game controller. So where does the WIN land in the gamut of devices available today?
The GPD WIN has a fairly unique design when compared to other Windows 10 devices that I have reviewed to date. The exterior is made from plastic and offers a nice sheen but isn’t fully glossy. When closed, the majority of the attention will focus on the rear of the device since it houses the ports — USB Type-C, mini HDMI, microSD, USB 3.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, and four trigger buttons (two on each side). Beyond that, there are slits for ventilation on the front, speaker grills on the right and left sides, and a switch to control fan speed on the bottom.
The real interesting part happens when you open up the device to reveal its 5.5-inch 720p touchscreen display, gaming controls, and QWERTY keyboard. There is also a toggle switch to customize the way the thumbsticks function. While it might not be the most flamboyant device, everything seems fairly well designed and laid out. This is expected since GPD has been producing Android devices in a similar style for quite some time. All in all, this is a very comfortable device to hold for hours on end and can still be stowed in a small bag or maybe in a larger pant or coat pocket.
Although the WIN offers a full keyboard, the unit is clearly a gaming device first, and everything else second. So, let me start by saying that the gaming controls feel comfortable. They are all positioned fairly well with exception to the secondary set of triggers, which in my opinion would have worked better stacked. But, that’s a compromise I think is necessary in order to keep the device compact.
As for the thumbsticks and buttons, they have good movement and travel. One thing that I did not like about the thumbsticks is that they are covered with a silicone material that provides good grip but also tends to attract lint and other particles. There is also the concern with durability, as the applied coat feels a little thin. Those that have a heavy reliance on the D-pad will be sorely disappointed with the WIN’s offering as it is not very good. While on first impressions it feels okay, there is a lack of tactile feedback when it comes to the diagonal corners.
