GPD Win 5 Strix Halo Handheld Needs Serious Power Support

GPD Win 5 Strix Halo handheld is turning heads for its raw processing power, but it’s raising eyebrows too — especially when it comes to battery life. Designed around AMD’s high-performance Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip, this gaming handheld delivers desktop-class integrated graphics in a PlayStation Vita-inspired form. But there’s a catch: it doesn't include an internal battery. Instead, it either runs while plugged into a wall with a 180W charger or requires a large 80Wh external battery pack, which is sold separately. If you’ve been wondering how GPD crammed all that power into such a compact frame, now you know — they didn’t make room for a battery.

Design Decisions Behind GPD Win 5 Strix Halo Handheld

According to Cary “The Phawx” Golomb, a respected handheld gaming reviewer, the decision to drop the internal battery was made to accommodate the beefy 395 chip and maintain manageable device temperatures. The GPD Win 5 sports a 7-inch screen and is physically larger than its predecessor, the Win 4, which includes a 45Wh internal battery. In comparison, the Win 5 is thicker and just slightly narrower than the Asus ROG Ally X, which packs a similar 80Wh battery internally. The result is a performance-first gaming handheld with a footprint that favors power over portability.

Battery Backpack or 180W Charger? Your Only Options

Gamers looking to take the GPD Win 5 Strix Halo handheld on the go will need to invest in GPD’s upcoming 80Wh battery backpack. Measuring about 110mm in height and width and 18mm thick, it’s not exactly pocket-friendly. Details on how the external battery connects remain vague, though the official spec sheet refers to a “Battery to Host Dedicated Connector.” This likely means the external pack won’t be optional if you plan to play unplugged. Alternatively, you’ll need to stay tethered to a hefty 180-watt gaming laptop-style charger, which somewhat defeats the handheld purpose.

Is the GPD Win 5 Strix Halo Handheld Worth It?

For performance-focused gamers, the GPD Win 5 Strix Halo handheld offers an exciting blend of cutting-edge hardware and portable gaming potential. But for casual players or those seeking convenience, its dependency on bulky external power solutions may be a dealbreaker. The trade-off between power and portability has never been clearer. If you’re ready to embrace a desktop-level gaming handheld with limitations on mobility, the Win 5 might be worth watching — just don’t forget the charger or that battery backpack.