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This new gaming handheld combines Android and a Switch-style design
- GPD has revealed that it’s readying a new Android gaming handheld.
- The new device features a Nintendo Switch-style form factor.
- It’s believed the handheld will offer a Helio G95 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
GPD is one of the more notable players in the handheld space, offering a variety of gaming-focused handhelds running Android or Windows. It’s been a while since we’ve seen an Android device though, dating back to 2018’s GPD XD Plus, but it looks like the company is readying a new handheld in this regard.
The company confirmed on Twitter that it’s readying the GPD XP, noting that it’s an Android-based handheld and sharing an image (seen above). More images and supposed specs came via the GPD Discord channel (h/t: XDA-Developers).
The new handheld eschews the previous device’s DS-style clamshell design in favor of a Nintendo Switch-like form factor. However, it looks like the left-hand controller isn’t detachable, while the right-hand controller (featuring four face buttons, shoulder triggers, and an analog stick) can indeed be swapped out for an alternative gamepad.
Otherwise, the GPD XP is supposedly running a MediaTek Helio G95 processor, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 7,000mAh battery. We don’t have screen details, but we’re guessing this is an LCD panel if previous devices are anything to go on.
In any event, these specs should theoretically be enough to run everything up to PSP emulation at a very smooth pace, although we’d expect a few GameCube titles to run on here too.
Would you buy a dedicated Android gaming handheld?
One potential concern is that GPD won’t offer much in the way of firmware upgrades for the new handheld. For example, the GPD XD Plus launched with Android 7.0 and hasn’t received major version updates. So those who value software support might want to stick to using a phone and gamepad.
There’s no word on pricing or availability just yet either, but the GPD XD Plus retailed for just under $250. We’re guessing the GPD XP will have a higher price tag, but only time will tell. Either way, between this, Valve’s Steam Deck, and the Nintendo Switch OLED, we’ve got quite a few handheld gaming options.
Would you buy a dedicated Android gaming handheld console? Let us know via the poll above.