The Indiegogo campaign for the PSP-like GPD Win 4 launches December 19, 2022.
If there’s one thing GPD is known for, it’s taking risks, and the GPD Win 4 is no different. Much like how the GPD Win Max 2 mirrors a laptop design, or how the GPD XP Plus takes its inspiration from a mobile phone, the GPD Win 4 takes its cues from the PSP, albeit with a much more modern twist.
How much more modern are we talking? GPD has gone with the contentious tagline of “Better than Steam Deck.” It’s a bold claim, so how does the GPD Win 4 stack up on paper? Let’s find out.
What Is the GPD Win 4?
The GPD Win 4 is a handheld, high-end gaming device that’s slightly taller and longer than a Switch Lite. Visually, it resembles the PSP, complete with transparent shoulder buttons, keyring holes, and rounded shape.
Where this device differs, aside from the mega jump in power, if you push the screen up it slides to reveal a keyboard. It’s kind of like a high-tech PSP and PSP Go rolled into one.
GPD Win 4 Specifications
Image Credit: GPD
The tagline of “Better than Steam Deck” checks out on paper. Without factoring in price, these are some powerful specs. Plus the SSD solution here is on-point. Even the cheapest comes with a workable amount of storage. GPD has even used some of the software I recommend users grab when installing Windows on Steam Deck to help manage the console’s power usage while running Windows.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
- GPU: AMD Radeon 680M
- RAM: 16GB/32GB – LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB/1TB/2TB – NVMe M.2 SSD
- Resolution: Up to 1920 by 1080 at 60hz
- Screen Size: 6 inch
- Screen Type: H-IPS
- Operating System: Windows 11 64-bit, Steam OS
GPD Win 4 Price and Availablity
As has become customary with high-end consoles, there are four different versions of the GPD Win 4 available for purchase through the IndieGoGo page. Each version below is available in either black or white, and the main differences come down to the amount of RAM and how much storage the unit has.
As mentioned at the start, pre-orders kick off on December 19, 2022.
- 16GB of RAM with 512GB SSD: $799
- 16GB of RAM with 1TB SSD: $899
- 32GB of RAM with 1TB SSD: $999
- 32GB of RAM with 1TB SSD: $1199
What Could the GPD Win 4 Emulate?
Obvious disclaimer: As none have tested the GPD Win 4, no one knows for sure what it can and can’t emulate. That said, if we’re going by pure power, it should be capable of up to PS3 before it even thinks about breaking a sweat.
The other thing to consider is because this is Windows, PS3 and Xbox 360 emulation could offer more compatibility than on Steam Deck.
- Sega: Genesis/Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, SegaCD, Sega32x, Dreamcast
- Nintendo: NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, DS, 3DS, N64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
- Sony: PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3
- Microsoft: Xbox, Xbox 360
- Misc: PC Engine, WonderSwan, Mame, FBNeo, Neo Geo
Analysis
The GPD Win 4 is sure to ruffle some feathers with the “Better than Steam Deck” claim. And in GPD’s defense, launching a high-end console when the Deck exists is getting harder and harder. The Steam Deck, while expensive, comes in at the just-about-affordable end of the spectrum. Meanwhile, most GPD products are luxury items designed for people with the money spare to afford them.
That’s why offering more has to hit the right note. The GPD Win 4, on paper, is more powerful than the Steam Deck, and the price is justifiable given the components and much-needed built-in keyboard. But as the West struggles to group the cost of living crisis, consoles like the GPD Win 4 are only really accessible to those with money.
Whether this console will prove a hit remains to be seen, but given the PSP look and layout, there’s a lot of potential here for folks who want Steam Deck power in a smaller form factor.