GPD explores battery extension cable to address Win 5 design concerns

GPD has recently confirmed that the first AMD Strix Halo gaming handheld, the Win 5, is set to release in the global market on 17 October 2025. While the pricing of this Ryzen AI Max+ 395 device has not yet been officially revealed, the company has already showcased the somewhat questionable external battery design.

The company notes that such a design will easily let users swap the battery, and GPD even recommends buying the external charger along with an extra battery to "completely eliminate low-battery anxiety." Still, as many are pointing out, with no built-in battery, the Win 5 may end up being less portable than the predecessor.

However, GPD appears to have a solution to address this concern. The company has showcased a battery extension cable, which connects to the external pack. It would eventually allow users to carry the battery in their pockets, with the cable connecting to the gaming handheld.

This external battery extension cable may introduce larger battery packs, but the accessory appears to be in a very early stage at this moment. It relies on a screw-mount system, which adds complexity to the entire swapping-out idea, and it would be much easier to carry a small-sized power bank instead (100 W Ugreen Nexode 20K power bank curr. $50.34 on Amazon). However, it's good to see GPD reviewing the criticism of the community and working to offer more flexibility to the external battery design.

Of course, it's worth noting that the GPD Win 5 isn't expected to be an affordable gaming handheld. Recent reports suggest that it could start at around $1,500, and these additional accessories will drive the overall cost even higher. Even so, at the time being, it's the most compact Ryzen AI Max+ 395 device that's been confirmed to launch soon.