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GPD Win 3

The GPD Win 3 is a compact handheld manufactured by Shenzhen , a specializing in portable devices, and released in June 2021 following a successful campaign that began in January of that year. It features a distinctive sliding design where the 5.5-inch 1280×720 touchscreen display, protected by 5, glides upward to reveal a backlit keyboard, allowing seamless transitions between gaming and productivity tasks on or 11. Integrated ergonomic game controllers on the left and right sides include analog sticks, , face buttons, triggers, and customizable back keys with haptic feedback, mimicking a Switch-like while weighing just 560 grams and measuring 198 × 92 × 27 mm. Powered by Intel's 11th-generation processors—either the quad-core Core i5-1135G7 (up to 4.2 GHz) or Core i7-1165G7 (up to 4.7 GHz) with configurable 15–28 W TDP—the device includes integrated Xe Graphics (80 or 96 execution units, respectively) capable of running titles at 60 in many cases when optimized. It comes equipped with 16 GB of LPDDR4x-4266 RAM and storage options up to 1 TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD (with PCIe 4.0 compatibility), expandable via microSDXC, alongside a 44.4 Wh offering 3 hours of heavy gaming, 6–8 hours of moderate use, or up to 14 hours for light tasks. Connectivity includes , 5.0, a 4 USB-C port for external GPU docking and fast charging (full in 1.5 hours with 65 W adapter), a USB Type-A port, 3.5 mm audio jack, and an optional dock adding , Ethernet, and extra USB ports. Cooling is handled by a single fan and dual heat pipes, while security features like a and an Xbox-style menu key enhance usability. Priced starting at $799 during for the base i5 model with 512 GB storage, retail configurations later reached $1,129 for the i5/1 TB version and $1,309 for the i7/1 TB, positioning it as a premium alternative to devices like the for portable PC gaming. The GPD Win 3 succeeded the , emphasizing a balance of gaming performance, portability, and versatility in a and plastic chassis.

Development

Announcement

The GPD Win 3 was initially announced on November 8, 2020, through GPD's official channels including a dedicated post on Reddit's r/gpdwin community. As a successor in the series of portable devices, it positioned itself as an evolution toward enhanced mobility. The announcement emphasized design inspirations drawn from the slider form factor of the GPD Win 2 and the higher-performance orientation of the contemporaneous GPD Win Max, but in a more compact package optimized for on-the-go play. Teaser details highlighted a 5.5-inch 720p display protected by Gorilla Glass 5, integration of Intel's 11th-generation Tiger Lake processors such as the Core i7-1165G7, and a hybrid input layout combining physical gamepad controls with a sliding touch keyboard. Early prototype images were shared via an accompanying YouTube video, previewing specs like 16 GB of LPDDR4x and a target (TDP) configurable around 20W to balance portability and . These elements generated significant early interest, setting the stage for subsequent efforts.

Crowdfunding and release

The GPD Win 3's crowdfunding campaign launched on on January 15, 2021, shortly after its initial announcement the previous November. The effort proved highly successful, raising HK$34,603,195 from 4,720 backers and surpassing the funding goal by over 4,000% within hours of going live. This substantial support enabled GamePad Digital to proceed with production of the slider-style handheld gaming PC, which offered configurations starting with an i5-1135G7 processor, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD for early bird pledges around $799. Production timelines faced setbacks due to the global and shortages that intensified in 2021, delaying fulfillment beyond the originally planned May shipments. Initial deliveries to backers began in mid-2021, with estimated shipping dates shifting to for many orders as issues persisted. These challenges were part of broader disruptions affecting worldwide during the period. The device achieved official retail availability in June 2021 through various online retailers, maintaining the base model's starting price of approximately $799 while higher-end variants with an i7-1165G7 reached up to $899 during the campaign. Manufactured by GPD Technology Co., Ltd.—a firm operating under the GamePad Digital (GPD) brand—the GPD Win 3 was distributed globally via partners such as DroiX, , and Banggood to meet demand beyond backers.

Design

Form factor

The GPD Win 3 features a compact designed for portability, measuring 198 x 92 x 27 mm and weighing 560 grams, making it comparable in size to a large but with the heft of a small tablet. This candy bar-style handheld adopts a where the 5.5-inch glides upward to reveal an integrated keyboard underneath, enabling laptop-like input while maintaining a handheld profile when closed. The slider action is firm and responsive, though it can occasionally cause minor rubbing against the keys during extension. The device's chassis employs a combination of and plastic for a sturdy yet unibody , with rounded edges on the back for improved during extended use. The screen is protected by Corning 5, enhancing durability against scratches and impacts in mobile scenarios. Overall, the build prioritizes ergonomic comfort for seated play or productivity, though its weight may feel substantial during prolonged handheld sessions compared to lighter tablets like the 10.2-inch iPad Air. To manage thermal output in its dense layout, the GPD Win 3 incorporates a single 40 mm paired with heat pipes and extensive rear ventilation grilles, ensuring consistent cooling without excessive noise—idling at around 29 dB(A) and reaching 42-46 dB(A) under load. This system keeps external surface temperatures manageable, peaking at 38°C near the vents during intensive tasks, while supporting the hybrid gaming-PC philosophy of balancing power and portability.

Controls and input

The GPD Win 3 features an Xbox-style gamepad layout designed for intuitive gaming controls, including dual analog sticks that support 360-degree rotation and can be pressed down to function as L3 and R3 buttons, a directional pad (D-pad), face buttons arranged as A, B, X, and Y, shoulder buttons (L1 and R1), analog triggers (L2 and R2), and dedicated start, select, and guide buttons. Two additional back buttons provide extra input options for complex maneuvers. This configuration allows seamless integration with the device's compact, sliding form factor, enabling hybrid use between gaming and productivity modes. For productivity tasks, the device includes a full sliding keyboard that reveals a capacitive touch interface with backlighting and function keys when the 5.5-inch display is slid upward. The keyboard provides haptic feedback through integrated vibration motors, simulating tactile response on key presses. A trackpoint functionality is achieved by switching the right to mouse mode via a side toggle, with L1 and R1 buttons acting as left and right clicks for precise cursor control. Additional input capabilities encompass a 4-point multi-touchscreen for gesture-based interactions and dual rumble motors in the controllers for immersive haptic feedback during gameplay. Button customization is supported through dedicated software, allowing users to remap controls for various game genres or workflows, including assigning macros to the back buttons.

Hardware

Processor and graphics

The GPD Win 3 is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor from the 11th-generation family, featuring a quad-core configuration with for eight threads. This CPU operates at a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz and can boost up to 4.2 GHz under turbo conditions, enabling efficient handling of multitasking and light productivity workloads in a compact . Higher-end variants of the device incorporate the Intel Core i7-1165G7 (base 2.8 GHz, turbo up to 4.7 GHz) or i7-1195G7 (base 2.9 GHz, turbo up to 5.0 GHz) processors, offering enhanced clock speeds for more demanding applications. The integrated graphics solution is Intel's Iris Xe Graphics, which includes 80 execution units in the base i5-1135G7 configuration (or 96 execution units in i7 variants), supporting 12 for modern rendering techniques. This GPU is designed for low-power operation but can be configured for higher performance, with the system's overall TDP adjustable from 15 W to 25 W to balance thermal constraints and output in the handheld chassis. Cooling is provided by a single fan and dual heat pipes. Memory in the GPD Win 3 consists of 16 GB of dual-channel LPDDR4x running at 4266 MHz, providing sufficient for simultaneous application usage without the option for user upgrades due to its soldered . Storage is handled by a 512 GB NVMe SSD in the base model, with options up to 1 TB available, utilizing a user-accessible 2280 slot that allows for straightforward upgrades to larger capacities. This configuration ensures fast boot times and quick data access, complementing the processor's capabilities in a portable .

Display, battery, and connectivity

The GPD Win 3 features a 5.5-inch H- display with a of 1280×720 pixels, delivering a pixel density of 268 for sharp visuals suitable for portable gaming. The panel supports 10-point input and is protected by Corning 5, while its IPS technology provides wide 178-degree viewing angles in both horizontal and vertical orientations, ensuring consistent color reproduction from various positions. It operates at a 60 Hz , balancing smooth motion with efficiency for the device's compact form. Power is supplied by a 45 Wh lithium-polymer , which offers approximately to 6 hours of gameplay runtime, varying based on (TDP) settings and workload intensity. The battery supports fast charging via a 65 W adapter, achieving a full charge in about 1.5 hours. Connectivity options include (802.11ax) for dual-band 2.4/5 GHz wireless networking with high throughput and low latency, paired with 5.0 for peripheral and audio device pairing. The device features a Thunderbolt 4 port supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, alternate mode for external video output, high-speed data transfer, and fast charging, along with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port. A provides biometric support. Additional interfaces consist of a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1 TB and a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio. Audio output is handled by dual stereo speakers tuned with super linear technology and a 0.9 cc bass-enhanced sound cavity, providing clear and balanced sound for immersive gaming experiences.

Software and performance

Operating system

The GPD Win 3 ships with Home 64-bit pre-installed as its default operating system, including GPD-specific drivers for hardware integration such as the integrated , input controls, and . This edition is fully licensed and supports seamless upgrades to , with official images provided by GPD for compatibility. GPD has released BIOS and driver updates for the Win 3 up through 2023, focusing on enhancing stability, thermal management, and hardware compatibility, available via the manufacturer's download portal. As of 2025, no further official updates have been released beyond 2023. Community-developed patches have further addressed minor compatibility issues during transitions, ensuring broader support for the device's unique . The device also supports alternative operating systems, including distributions such as , which can be installed via dual-boot configurations alongside Windows. guides detail the setup process, including mapping for the custom input controls like the slide-out and buttons to achieve full functionality under . Included in the suite is GPD's utility for system control, enabling users to adjust (TDP) limits, remap physical buttons for custom inputs, and configure fan curves to balance performance and heat dissipation. These tools are accessible through the driver's control interface and are essential for optimizing the device's portable gaming profile.

Gaming capabilities

The GPD Win 3 features configurable TDP modes ranging from 15 to 25 watts (or higher with community tools), allowing users to balance performance, heat generation, and battery life during gaming sessions. At higher TDP settings around 18-20 watts, the device achieves playable frame rates in modern AAA titles; for example, runs at approximately 35-40 on ultra settings at with the i7-1165G7 configuration. Similarly, can reach 30-45 at low settings and when limited to 15-18 watts TDP, though performance varies by scene and requires tweaks like reduced . Benchmark results underscore the device's gaming potential within its compact form. The 3DMark Time Spy score averages around 1,800 points for the i7 model under standard conditions, reflecting solid integrated graphics performance from the Xe G7 (96 EUs). This enables fluid emulation of up to PS3-era games via , with many titles like and achieving stable 30-40 after optimization. Despite these capabilities, limitations arise from the device's . Under sustained load during , CPU temperatures stabilize around 60°C with minimal throttling, maintaining clock speeds at approximately 2.1-2.2 GHz; however, some users report higher temperatures up to 100°C and throttling in certain conditions. The 5.5-inch display further hampers immersion in AAA experiences, as the small size and lack of adaptive sync can lead to and reduced visual fidelity compared to larger screens. To mitigate these issues, users can employ optimization techniques such as Intel's XeSS upscaling in DP4a mode, which leverages the architecture's instruction set to improve frame rates in supported games without dedicated XMX hardware. External cooling solutions, like clip-on fans or elevated stands, also help sustain by reducing throttling during extended play.

Reception

Critical reviews

Critical reviews of the GPD Win 3, released in 2021, were generally positive, praising its innovative portability and performance for a compact handheld while noting usability and endurance limitations. Reviewers highlighted the device's excellent build quality, featuring a sturdy magnesium alloy and ABS plastic chassis protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which contributed to its premium feel despite the small form factor. The Intel Iris Xe graphics were lauded for punching above their weight in 2021 handheld standards, delivering smooth gameplay in titles like Forza Horizon 4 at 60 FPS on standard settings and outperforming previous-generation devices in benchmarks such as 3DMark scores around 1791. Its pocketable design at 560 grams and 19.8 x 9.2 x 2.7 cm was frequently commended for true on-the-go gaming, making it "by far the most powerful handheld gaming computer" tested at the time. Common criticisms centered on the cramped capacitive , described as a flat, touch-sensitive surface with weak haptic that limited typing to brief inputs and proved difficult for extended use, often capping speeds at around 10 . life under heavy loads was another frequent drawback, lasting only 1 to 1.5 hours in demanding titles like without optimizations, though it could extend to 3 hours with adjustments such as reduced brightness and frame rates. The high , starting at around $700 to $800, was seen as a barrier compared to competitors like the , which offered similar or better performance at half the cost, alongside issues like elevated temperatures reaching 62°C on the CPU during stress tests. Notable reviews included ETA Prime's 2021 YouTube analysis, which emphasized the device's capability for 60 FPS in indie and lighter AAA games, calling it "pretty awesome" for portable PC gaming. NotebookCheck's in-depth evaluation praised its gaming viability on the 720p display but critiqued long-term heat management, with surface hotspots up to 38°C under load. Overall, while the GPD Win 3 was celebrated for advancing handheld PC innovation, reviewers advised it best suited niche users prioritizing compactness over all-day battery or budget value.

Community and legacy

The GPD Win 3 has cultivated an engaged user base focused on extending its capabilities through open-source contributions. On , developers maintain repositories providing patches tailored for the device, facilitating stable desktop installations with improved hardware compatibility for non-gaming tasks. Additional projects include scripts for deploying on the Win 3, enabling a console-like interface for game libraries and . These resources underscore the community's efforts to adapt the hardware for diverse use cases, including and retro gaming setups. Hardware enthusiasts have developed practical modifications to address the device's limitations in , life, and . SSD upgrades allow users to expand beyond the stock 512GB or 1TB configurations, often using NVMe modules for faster load times in games and applications. 3D-printed accessories, such as custom cases that improve heat dissipation and hand positioning, are widely shared online; for instance, the GPD Win 3 Mini PC Mod Case integrates additional mounting options for peripherals. External packs, typically 10,000mAh or larger, can be connected via to prolong sessions, with community designs for secure enclosures preventing strain on ports. The GPD Win 3 holds a significant place in the evolution of handheld PCs, directly influencing later GPD models like the Win 4, which adopts its slider and analog trigger mechanics while upgrading processing power. Released in 2021 via , the device saw bundled editions with extras like extended warranties, but no official hardware variants followed. By 2023, GPD shifted emphasis to successors, yet the Win 3 remains available new from authorized sellers and abundantly on secondary markets, sustaining its appeal for retro and undemanding modern titles in 2025.

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