When playing modern Android games it is quickly apparent that a lot of them would be more fun with physical buttons.  Now, with that in mind, it is interesting to note that for the most part, devices that have physical buttons are not the leading Android device in sales.  Yet, thankfully, developers continue to bring out action games, console ports, and other types of games that would directly benefit from physical controls.  When I first heard about the GPD XD I knew I had to give it a run around the gaming world.  Previously I have owned the JXD S7300B and an older JXD S601 Andrdoid gaming device. 

The GPD XD is by far the most powerful Android gaming device that I have played with so far.  That is pretty easy to figure out considering I have not tried a ton of these devices out.  I don’t mind stating that up front, I want you the reader to understand my experience with Android gaming devices so you can better appreciate this review of the GPD XD.

First, there are physical controls on the GPD XD, which is apparent simply by looking at it.  What is not apparent by looking at it is the fact that there is quite a bit of oomph under the hood.

• CPU: Rockchip RK3288 Quad-Core(ARM Cortex A-17+ Mali-T764)
• Process: 28nm HKMG
• GPU: ARM Mali-T764 600MHz
• GPU memory: Shared memory
• Power management chip: Japan’s Ricoh
• RAM: DDR3-SDRAM 2G
• WIFI: Supports 802.11b/g/n/ac(2.4GHz)
• Bluetooth: Do not support
• OS: Android 4.4.4
• TE,ASTC,AFBC memory compression technology: support
• Storage: Built-in 16/32G. Support Micro SD(TF) card, Maximum support 128GB
• Screen size: H-IPS 5.0 inches capacitive touch screen. Resolution: 1280×720; 1677 million color displa
• Sensor: Gravity Sensor
• Keyboard features: Power button, a cross key, two- charcter function keys(A/B/X/Y, L1/L2/L3/R1/R2/R3)
• Built-in microphone
• Dolby sound supported
• HDMI 2.0
• Webcam: No
• Battery: 3.8V 6000mAH 22.8Wh
• Life time of battery: Android game: about 8-9 hours; emulator games: about 8-11 hours- Battery life depends on the brightness of the screen. Life is only a reference. There are differences with the reference to the actual situation
• Power adapter: 110V-240V
• Product Size: 155x89x24mm
• Weight: 300g
• Color: Black,Blue

There is also a screen to key mapping option built directly into the GPD XD.  This works with ANY game that has touch controls that you would like to have mapped to a physical button.  Sure, some don’t work right such as the unreleased Gradius game (reviewed here) or a game like Game of War or Empire War where there are menus all over the place or require the GPD XD be held at a 90 degree angle.  Load up something like the Spider-Man and Batman games by Gameloft or even swipe fighters like Mortal Kombat X or WWE Immortals or Injustice Gods Among Us and you now have an upper hand over computer.

Another cool feature that the GPD XD has is screencasting to Roku devices that offer a similar option.  I don’t have any other hardware to test this with so it may or may not work with other TV add-on devices.  This is cool in that you can play from across the room rather than being tethered to the TV via the HDMI plug.  Everything on the GPD XD screen is cast- videos, games, moving around the launcher to find something to play, etc.  I spent a good half hour reminiscing with Soul Calibur last night on the big screen TV I have in my bedroom.  It was just like having the console game and a wireless controller and it was awesome.  Same for playing the Ducktales remake, Spider-Man 2 by Gameloft and even watching Youtube videos or accessing content that the Roku is not capable of on its own- all of it was flawless and clean via the screencast option.

I cannot recommend the GPD XD more.  It is a great device, has great battery life and is compatible with about 99% of the games I have thrown at it (only the remake of Castle of Illusion would not load).

If you are going to purchase the GPD XD then please check out our site sponsors (they are an advertiser here on Gravis Ludus and Retro Gaming Magazine) www.willgoo.com.  Or if you prefer, (we have an affiliate link there and appreciate your support).