GPD Introduces Strix Halo Handheld PC with Unique External Battery Design

GPD has introduced an innovative handheld gaming PC, notable for integrating AMD's high-performance Strix Halo APU. This device, however, adopts an unconventional approach to power management: its substantial battery is designed to be carried externally, either in a backpack or a pocket, rather than being housed within the unit itself. This design choice aims to mitigate the challenges of battery life and thermal dissipation typically associated with powerful processors in compact handheld form factors. While the core unit boasts a significantly reduced weight compared to its rivals, the necessity of a tethered external power source presents a unique user experience that deviates from the conventional self-contained portability of handheld consoles.

A recent video demonstration from GPD showcased the external battery's connection mechanism and its purported pocket-friendliness. The battery, with a capacity of 80.4Wh—surpassing many laptop batteries—connects to the handheld via a white extension cable secured with screws, preventing accidental disconnections during use. Despite the manufacturer's efforts to illustrate its portability, the battery's size means it may protrude from pockets, potentially posing an inconvenience for users seeking discreet or highly mobile gaming sessions. This design is seemingly optimized for stationary or semi-stationary use, where the external battery's presence is less of a hindrance.

One of the striking revelations from GPD's communication is that the handheld device itself contains no internal battery, rendering the external power source indispensable for operation. This implies that the device cannot be used cable-free, a significant departure from the typical expectations of a handheld gaming system. Furthermore, the battery is not hot-swappable, requiring users to power down the device before interchanging power packs. While this design allows the handheld to be exceptionally lightweight at 500 grams, considerably less than devices like the Lenovo Legion Go (over 700 grams) or Steam Deck (nearly 700 grams), this weight advantage is offset by the constant need for an attached power cable and external battery.

Despite the unusual battery configuration, the GPD device offers compelling features. It incorporates capacitive joysticks, aiming to eliminate the common issue of stick drift. Users can expect configurations with up to 128 GB of RAM and up to 4 TB of storage, alongside support for 180W fast charging. The Strix Halo APU itself promises performance comparable to a mobile RTX 4060, making it a formidable contender in the portable gaming market. The substantial VRAM capacity of the Strix Halo chip also makes this device a potential candidate for local AI processing tasks.

However, the trade-offs necessitated by this powerful hardware and unique power solution are considerable. The reliance on an external, non-integrated battery introduces a level of complexity and potential awkwardness that may not appeal to all users. The anticipated price point, potentially exceeding $2,000, further accentuates these compromises. Prospective buyers will need to weigh the high-end performance and light device weight against the practical implications of carrying and managing an external power supply. Further details regarding pre-orders and exact pricing are expected to be announced by the end of the current month.