There are many strange products in the PC world. For example, in the past, there were Netbooks that were miniaturized and built with customized Linux systems and processors that were quite power-efficient at the time. In recent years, PCs have been made into handheld game consoles. An alternative form of . GPD company is very careful in this regard. Their latest laptop also integrates the operation keys of the game handle, so that users can have the novel feeling of two-in-one functions. However, they recently took a different approach and found a new topic. That’s talking about a partnership with Valve, which is currently a sought-after target for gamers through the release of Steam Deck, to use Steam OS on the recently launched 2-in-1 laptop. If the cooperation is negotiated, perhaps GPD’s computer will be the second game console with a built-in Steam OS.
Screen size has always been a key specification for handheld game consoles, but in order to make the machine easy to carry, size is where it needs to be. For example, the Nintendo Switch only gives a 6.2-inch screen, and the Steam Deck uses a 7-inch screen. The bigger the screen, the better the visual experience of course. Some players will think that as long as the portable device has this size, it is enough. The previous handheld screen was even smaller. If the game is not fun, staring at the small screen is actually very difficult.
GPD’s latest new product, WIN Max 2, has a 10.1-inch touch screen with a default resolution of 1080p and a ratio of 16:10. Considering that when not playing games, WIN Max 2 is also a Netbook with only a 10.1-inch screen, so although such a screen sounds large, it looks like a normal small notebook screen.
In order to allow players to hold it in their hands, they moved the keyboard area to the outside, and the space vacated was placed with buttons such as analog joysticks, D-Pads, and touchpads, as well as shoulder buttons on the back. In other words, WIN Max 2 is a 2-in-1 laptop with both laptop and handheld functions. However, it may be difficult to compete with the real handheld in terms of feel, but the idea is quite interesting, and the finished product has a topic. It is a product that will attract the attention of players whether it is sold or not.
GPD WIN Max 2 is like its name, the built-in system is Windows 11. The processors are available in Intel and AMD versions. The Intel version uses a Core i5-1260P processor with a built-in Xe-LP chip with 96 CUs. The AMD version is a Ryzen 7 6800U processor with a Radeon 680M chip with 12 CUs. The two versions each have their own characteristics, and if the game performance is to compete with each other, the AMD version will win the final victory. The GPD WIN Max 2 is also one of the few handhelds that use the Ryzen 7 6000U series chips.
At present, when GPD responded to the sponsor’s message under the product’s crowdfunding page, it revealed that they were in talks with Valve to make this handheld with Zen 3+ processor new possibilities. It is speculated that Valve may also currently plan to develop the next generation of Steam Deck, and cooperation with other companies may allow Steam OS to be better optimized for more advanced hardware. The current Steam Deck only uses the APU of the Zen 2 architecture as the core. It is not difficult to see that Valve may continue to include AMD’s APU in the consideration of components when planning the next-generation models.
However, having said that, GPD will carry the name of Valve, or it may just be a false move, in order to stimulate more investment, it will make a big pie, making people mistakenly think that WIN Max 2 can choose Windows or Steam OS in the future. system to play the game. At present, the two sides have not officially released news or press releases to emphasize this cooperation, so for the time being, you don’t have to take this news too seriously. Acknowledging whether the current stage is really co-porting Steam OS news.