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The 'GPD Win 2' could be an interesting device for Linux gaming on the go

By - | Views: 16,874

For those of you interested in small portable devices that work with Linux, you might be interested in the GPD Win 2.

I will start off by noting that the GPD Win 2 is currently designed for Windows. So you're probably wondering why I'm even writing about it! Well—it can also run Linux. It is essentially a tiny laptop, with gamepad-like buttons included.

YouTuber 'The Phawx' managed to test a unit running Xubuntu and it does look rather promising:

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Some specs:

  • 6 inch, 1280×720 touch display
  • Intel Core™ m3-7Y30 (Kaby Lake) processor, 1.00 Ghz base and 2.60 Ghz turbo
  • lntel HD Graphics 615
  • 8GB RAM
  • M.2 SSD 128GB replacable drive
  • 1 x USB Type A 3.0, 1 x USB Type C 3.0, Micro HDMI, 3.5mm Headset & Microphones
  • 2×4900mAh, In Series battery power

For anyone interested, it's currently crowdfunding on IndieGoGo where it has destroyed the initial $100K goal. It's currently well over $800K funded and I imagine it will continue climbing for a while with 2 months left on the campaign. It's not cheap though, with it being $649 from the IndieGoGo which is $250 off the price it will be at retail. For that price, you can get a pretty decent laptop in the UK, but the price is of course due to the cost involved in making such a small unit and you can't fit a laptop in your pocket…

As a fan of the Nintendo Switch, I can certainly see the appeal of such devices. Might be fun for those of you with some disposable income as a fun device to carry around once you pop Linux on it.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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About the author -
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
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28 comments
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RTheren Jan 15, 2018
I wonder if SteamOS would run on that thing
Leopard Jan 15, 2018
Quoting: RTherenI wonder if SteamOS would run on that thing

It can i guess; because unlike it is base Debian , SteamOS runs with a fairly new kernel and much more up to date Mesa drivers.
gabber Jan 15, 2018
Try not to get your hopes up, crowdfunding + consoles can go terribly wrong
Liam Dawe Jan 15, 2018
Quoting: gabberTry not to get your hopes up, crowdfunding + consoles can go terribly wrong
Well GPD have a history already with devices out :)
razing32 Jan 15, 2018
Quoting: RTherenI wonder if SteamOS would run on that thing

Depends if SteamOS has the required drivers I guess.
Guest Jan 15, 2018
i need this thing but i don't need this thing.

So cool that Linux works ootb with very little tweaks needed. It's getting easier for people to say that Linux just works and harder for people to say Windows just works.
Julius Jan 15, 2018
Quoting: razing32
Quoting: RTherenI wonder if SteamOS would run on that thing

Depends if SteamOS has the required drivers I guess.

Yes it has, as this is a pure Intel device. It might require a few smaller changes probably by installing a custom kernel, but that is really easy to do.

The predecessor the GPDWin(1) runs really well with Linux as well, see my post here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/forum/topic/2765
The advantage is that it can be bought right now for a bit more than 300 Euros, and really isn't that much slower that the new device.


Last edited by Julius on 15 January 2018 at 3:05 pm UTC
musojon74 Jan 15, 2018
Yeah not much speed improvement than the 1 but big cost increase.
GustyGhost Jan 15, 2018
Not knocking the GDP or anything, I think it's great what they're building. But gaming is not so important to me that I must be doing it while in public or on the go. In fact, I would be embarrassed to be caught with such a device beyond the age of twelve. But maybe that's just me.

This could be a great gift for the kids, though.
tonR Jan 15, 2018
Great device but the original price USD 899 (RM 3549 ~ as 15/1/2018 excluding GST, Excise etc.), that is almost twice of the salary for fresh grad in Malaysia!

p/s: But still cheaper (and probably better) than iPhone X.
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