GPD Strix Halo Review: A Beastly Handheld PC with a Turtle Shell Battery

Video of GPD Strix Halo, Courtesy of the GPD Game Console channel

Alright, now we’ve got to chat about the battery pack. Because honestly, how could we not? Instead of slapping on a regular old internal battery, GPD decided it would be a totally normal idea to create a detachable brick that sits awkwardly on the back like an overenthusiastic backpacker. The idea here is to give you flexibility. You can remove the battery pack to make the device lighter for shorter use or snap it on when you’ve got a full Skyrim session planned for the day.

But here’s where things get a little dicey. Does anyone actually want to carry that? Like, sure, having swappable batteries sounds cool and all… until you realize you’re paying for the privilege of carrying an extra lump around, literally. It’s as if GPD couldn’t decide whether this thing was meant to be sleek and modern or a Frankenstein monstrosity with parts all over the place.

Still, some might argue this setup is genius for modularity’s sake. After all, if the main battery dies out, you’re not stuck with a dead device, are you?

Who Is It Even For?

Now we get to the existential question about the GPD Strix Halo. This isn’t a mass-market handheld for casual gamers who want to crush a quick game of Mario Kart. Nope. It ain’t that kind of vibe. This is for:

• Hardcore PC enthusiasts who believe in gaming everywhere.
• Tech hobbyists who enjoy tinkering, modding, and posting to Reddit threads.
• Gamers with strong shoulders for that battery attachment, lol.

Also, if you’ve got a Steam Deck and feel like it just doesn’t pack the punch your perfectionist gamer soul requires, the GPD Strix Halo might feel like an upgrade. Even with the strange aesthetics, you can’t deny that this hardware has some serious oomph. But fair warning, it’ll probably burn a hole in your pocket in more ways than one (we’re talking performance temperatures and price).

Performance That Slaps… But At What Cost?

Performance-wise, the GPD Strix Halo is undoubtedly impressive. Early demos suggest smooth gameplay for titles like Cyberpunk 2077 (on medium settings, casually flexing). It chews through esports titles ridiculously well (as it should), and it’s got enough horsepower to dip its toes in 3D-powered content creation if you’re into multitasking.

The challenge? Keeping this beast appropriately cooled while still being portable. This kind of power doesn’t politely sip electricity, so brace for fans that sound like an old fighter jet taking off. Pair that with limited battery life (even WITH the backpack life preserver strapped on), and you might start questioning if it’s worth all the trade-offs.

Is the Strix Halo Worth the Hype or Hilarious?

Okay, here’s the blunt truth. The GPD Strix Halo is not going to dethrone the Steam Deck, and it certainly isn’t going to woo someone happy with their Switch OLED. But, if you’re chasing PC-level freedom on a handheld device and are fine putting up with a few quirks and a battery backpack… it just might make sense for you.

Would I personally recommend it? Well, if you’re into collecting weird tech gadgets, definitely. It’s a conversation starter, if nothing else. Just don’t expect everyone to immediately take your bat-belt gaming setup seriously when you whip it out at a cafe.

Final Thoughts + TL;DR

The Good 

1.  Beastly specs for a handheld (seriously, Ryzen 7 and Radeon 780M!) 
2. Gorgeous 8-inch screen with high resolution for crisp visuals 
3. Modular battery approach for long gaming sessions 

The Bad 

1. Do we really need an external battery pack, or did they just feel quirky? 
2. Loud fans + potential heat issues under full load 
3. Niche appeal (this isn’t for your casual Animal Crossing vibes) 

If you’re itching for next-level power in a handheld and don’t mind explaining at every party why your device looks like a cyborg turtle, the GPD Strix Halo is quirky but kind of glorious. Want to know more about its hardware or quirks? Drop your take below.

Oh, and don’t forget to hydrate… unlike that poor battery.