ⓘ GPD
The GPD Win Max 3 is now available to purchase via a popular third party within the gaming handheld community. Available with up to 128 GB of RAM and a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, the new Win Max 3 also packs a 165 Hz OLED display and a 97 Wh battery inside its compact chassis.
At the end of last week, GPD wrapped up its Win Max 3 crowdfunding campaign. Despite raising over $1.3 million from over 550 backers, the campaign still has some drawbacks and shortcomings. As Indiegogo emphasises on each campaign page, 'crowdfunding doesn't work like a store'.
For example, GPD's quoted $1,854 starting price does not include import taxes or duties. Moreover, the RMA process in the event of a manufacturing issue would require sending the Win Max 3 to Shenzhen, China. Not only is this expensive from most parts of the world, but it could prove to be a lengthy process, too.
Alternatively, Droix is accepting pre-orders for all versions of the Win Max 3 across its EU, UK and US websites. A well-known retailer among the gaming handheld community, Droix is bound by EU, UK and US consumer contract laws. On top of that, any warranty returns or replacements will be handled by local warehouses rather than only those based in China.
Currently, the Win Max 3 starts at $2,044.95, £2,200.74 and €2,062.65 with 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage and AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 388 APU. Alternatively, one can configure 64 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD for $2,454.95, £2,583.54 and €2,617.38 while retaining the Ryzen AI Max+ 388. By contrast, Droix charges at least $4,226.95, £3,832.74 and €4,504 for the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 we reviewed inside the Asus ROG Flow Z13 (curr. $2,030 on Amazon).
With that said, this Ryzen AI Max+ 395 ships with 128 GB of RAM. Finally, these components can also be configured with 4 TB of storage for $4,561.95, £4,186.74 and €4,860.90. Currently, Droix estimates it will begin shipping pre-orders globally on December 15. Please see Droix's website and our launch article for more details about the Win Max 3.
Alex Alderson - Senior Tech Writer - 15452 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.