GPD to release WIN 2 Max handheld Windows gaming console this year

GPD is among the first companies to offer handheld miniaturized PCs that run Windows 10 and resemble portable gaming consoles. The Hong Kong-based company provides a diversified lineup of handhelds including the Pocket series designed for general usage, the WIN series optimized for Windows games, and the XD series that is essentially a more advanced Android gaming phone with gaming controls. Last year, GPD launched the WIN 2 model that was very well received by the portable PC community, and it looks like the company is already working on the WIN 2 Max version. This information was revealed by a GPD employee who announced a contest that would allow the winners to participate in the beta testing program for the upcoming WIN 2 Max.

The exact specs for the new WIN 2 Max device are unknown for the time being, but, according to a thread started by reddit user Baokeyuan, the upcoming model that should be launched by the end of 2019 is expected to ship with better display and CPU/GPU. Instead of the existing 1280 x 720 screen, the WIN 2 Max would get a slightly better 1280 x 800 display and possibly a slightly bigger screen compared to the 6-inch one from the WIN 2.

Additionally, GPD is looking to replace the Core m3-7Y30 ULV CPU that is said to be almost as fast as the older i7-3770K desktop CPU with a more powerful AMD APU integrating Radeon graphics. This CPU can be overclocked for improved performance (up to 35 W TDP) or underclocked for extended battery life (down to 15 W TDP). GPD is also rumored to replace the WIN 2 keyboard with the one from the Pocket series, which has bigger keys for a better typing experience.