Retro & Older 2D-Game Cannot Play Well On The GPD Win 4 Handheld Console Due To Display Defect

It has been a few months since the GPD WIN 4 handheld ended its crowdfunding campaign and began shipments to consumers. The system, priced at ¥5799 (estimated at $840.85), offers better performance compared to Valve's Steam Deck, but that could be its downfall. In a recent customer interaction with GPD HK support, it turns out the system is incapable of playing 2D games and retro games.

The below email describes an issue where the user experienced artifacts on the screen during gameplay. It is explained in the comments section on the Reddit post that it is noticeable in 60 Hz refresh rates and lower. Additionally, the display is not using landscape screen positioning and needs a workaround to change the screen from "portrait" to "landscape" modes.

A YouTube video from GPD Game Console shows the screen in portrait and needs to be changed to landscape, but reading the comments shows the WIN MAX 2 is "native landscape." The title of the video is "Why we need native landscape?"

The response from GPD HK is troublesome. The system, selling for above $800, is expensive for consumers looking for a portable computer handheld. The system has shown performance with the controversial game Hogwarts Legacy, based on the Harry Potter universe by J.K. Rowling, against the Valve Steam Deck. In performance benchmark testing, the GPD WIN 4 produces an average of 64 fps while maintaining a 70° C temperature, while the Steam Deck hovered around 53 fps at 56° C.

The design of the GPD WIN 4 handheld console is similar to the PlayStation Portable (PSP), with a sliding screen mechanism that hides the keyboard underneath. Under the hood are the AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor and integrated Radeon graphics. Windows 11 is preinstalled onto the GPD WIN 4 and supports Steam's operating system.

The fact that the company admits the system can easily play current AAA games and is not made for retro or 2D games removes an extensive library of games that have won numerous awards over the years. Also, instructing the consumer to purchase one of the company's older devices instead of offering any driver update to fix the issue would require the user to return the product (if it is within warranty and available for refunding) or purchase another handheld. Other devices on the market, such as the competing Steam Deck, or other options such as the OneXPlayer, AOKZOE handhelds, and others, allow users to play not only newer titles but also emulate older systems and even play native 2D games on the consoles.

News Sources: Reddit, YouTube