Android-based ODROID handheld shows off its SNES emulation skills on video
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted Oct 1st 2009 3:53PM
posted Oct 1st 2009 3:53PM
[Via SlashGear]
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Meh, call me when it can emulate a VirtualBoy.
Call me when it can emulate a viable product.
Call me when they`re in the bargain bin.
This thing reminds so much of the WonderSwan, it's unbelievable.
Seriously. Someone needs to stick a Wonderswan Color emulator on it.
Is it me or does the unaligned keypads look really awkward to use.
It is not just you. Reminds me of the Atari Lynx.
Does anyone know if their emulator/games still have to be written in Java?
They do, but they can use libraries written in C. Java is just needed for the GUI from my understanding.
Whoopyshit. A dedicated gaming platform can do what the iphone has been able to do for 2 years. WAY TO GO.
Really? This has a faster processor and more RAM, meaning it's much more capable than even the 3GS. If you really think this can only play SNES then you're an idiot. The G1 has been able to handle that for a while now.
When did the iphone get buttons, must have missed that one.
I'm well aware of this Mr. Mark. I was only commenting on how unimpressive this demonstration really is. I don't really care how capable it is, it's all about what software is available for it and the likely-hood of any high end developers actually creating in depth 3D games for this device is probably close to zero.
@Victor: There's one problem with that logic: this is running android. It has full access to the android marketplace and can play any game put up there. You can be sure devs will be making high end games for android in general soon.
We need more phones with gaming buttons on all platforms, touchscreens just aren't the real thing for games
Iphone sucked at it what with the lack of buttons
PSP did it 4 years ago, PROPERLY.
Hate to say it buddy, I have an iPhone, and I love it as much as the next fanboy, but it can`t run SNES worth shit, 3GS sure, but I don`t think that's been out for 2 years.
game park 32 again?
Does this thing *have* to be hideous as shit or was that a judgement call by the designer?
It could be a development prototype and not the final product.
the form factor had to be as ugly as the name
This or Pandora (openpandora.org)?
I'd take a Pandora over this any day.
Pandora is cooler, but this has a much higher probability of actually existing in the near future.
This is slightly more powerful(833MHz vs. 600MHz, 512mb RAM vs. 256mb), although I'm not too sure on the rest of the specs. Since it runs Android, apps must use Java(I think they can use C deep down, but must be wrapped in Java). The biggest factor is Pandora's controls and keyboard, though, which blow this thing out of the water.
@chefgon_ign: Uhhh, the Pandora is alot closer than you think. They already have 105 of the 4000 production Pandora motherboards. The only thing hold them back now from shipping the first 105 Pandora's is the following: The cases to be sent to them from the manufacture, CE Testing (can be done with prototype pandora case stuffed with one of the production mobo's), And FCC Testing (Has to be done with a fully completed production Pandora Unit.)
So yea, it's coming very soon.
ugly name, ugly form factor, primary function is to play 10-15 year games (not that i care about age, but the general public does) via old illegal ROMS...
I'm sure it will sell just great!
"primary function is to play 10-15 year games (not that i care about age, but the general public does) via old illegal ROMS..."
Not really true. They were just showing one sample app. I have this same app on my G1(Snesoid). This could play/run any app on the android marketplace.
well ok...
then let me reword my comment.
A primary product feature that is showcased in a tech video is carrying on the act of illegally playing pirated ROMs.
The Pandora guys have to be shitting a brick right about now.
not really
look, I ordered my one for the screen-size in combo with firefox 3.0 and coming adobe flash.
Also I was quite happy that ppl started to prog a n64 emu though the PS1 emu that comes along from the very beginning is already making me happy like uhm..well. dunno, a rabbit ?!
Another point that makes the Pandorra way better than this tiny .."gaming" machine is the qwerty imho.
When Im twittering and using IM I so hate to rely on either a num-pad or a virtual keyboard.
Instead of this device outselling the pandora, the N900 is the bigger competitor imo.
But then I dont really need this phone ability for 300€ more .... (while having in mind the N900 has a slower CPU ... I think .. )
They do? Why?
Maybe "shitting a brick" was a little harsh.
If I was them, I would be a little concerned about a competing device being released with a mainstream, user friendly, OS. But, I guess with this type of device, things like that may not matter too much.
No, they aren't. I read their forum. The game controls on this system absolutely suck compared to the Pandora. It always amazes how such hardware can be designed and manufactured, not a simple process, and still end up with controls that would inspire mobile gamers to roll on the floor laughing. The Pandora team, besides being major retro gamers themselves, listened to a huge amount of input on the proper controls for a mobile retro gaming machine. In addition, the Pandora was designed to easily do many other things besides simply being an outstanding mobile game emulator:
http://openpandora.org/
Wonderswan called, They want their stolen new Wonderswan prototype back.
Pandora. I actually want to have an LCD with a nice resolution (800x480) for web browsing and productivity tasks.
And yes, Pandora production is very close to completion.
Meh... I like the internal specs, but its not enough to persuade me. Though, I would love it if they added an 800 Mhz processor and a larger screen on the Cliq. Now THAT's a gaming phone worth buying. If only T-Mo didn't charge so much for it >.
I would consider buying this if it could seamlessly emulate CPS1, CPS2, and Neo Geo. I would definitely buy this if it seemed like it wasn't so awkward to use and could emulate CPS3 and N64, but it doesn't seem likely that it would do the latter. The wait continues for a better dedicated gaming portable.
i think this device has some great potential to be a direct competitor to PSP GO but only if android market live upto its hype
Ok.... but honestly , who would buy that? Is it a competitor to the iphone (because it has the same CPU so I guess it can run iphone games?). It does the same things as a PSP but has a touch screen. DS has a touch screen tough... Oh, and the design makes me remember these old wonderswan or even a gameboy color with those special colour cases... whatever...
A gaming handheld looking like a Wonderswan and being based on Android: AWESOME! To me this is absolutely superior to the OpenPandora and a worthy successor to the Zodiac! OpenPandora is still interesting, but due to the smaller and prettier design and the operating system I think Odroid has a really great chance!