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New handheld competitor on the block - the XGP kids
One thing the PSP and Gamepark handhelds have in common is homebrew is very popular on both systems. But what separates the two is Gamepark actually encourages it, while Sony does everything in its power to stop it. And with that, Gamepark is set to release its third portable – the XGP kids – which looks like its design may have been inspired by the PSP.However, the design is pretty much where most comparisons stop. The XGP kids, which stands for eXtreme Game Player kids, is set to retail for a measly $75 and will use two AA batteries. Here are other specs: 140MHz ARM processor; A 2.2-inch, 220 x 176 LCD screen; 8MBs of RAM; 2MBs of flash memory; USB 1.1 file transfer support; and SD card slot While the XGP kids will most certainly not compete with the PSP or DS in commercial software, it may be possible to see success with its homebrew support and low price tag.(Via Engadget)
You know, for kids! Meet the "XGP kids"
The XGP series was created from the ashes of the popular homebrew handheld, the GP32. The company split into two following what we can only imagine was a boardroom slapfight, spinning off Gamepark Holdings, makers of the GP2X. Meanwhile, back at Gamepark HQ, they announced the (redesigned) XGP, XGP mini, and now the XGP kids. Seriously, that's the name.The diminutive handheld sports a 220x176px 2.2" screen, a 140MHz ARM processor, 8MB of RAM,16-bit sound, and SD card support. Apparently, this lowest end XGP unit is more like the GP32 than the others, meaning porting those GP32 homebrew classics should be a relatively trivial process. Still, there's not much about this unit that's screaming "kids" to us, besides the purported price. According to the entry on Wikipedia, the XGP kids is targeted at $75 while the XGP mini and XGP are targeted at $150 and $300 respectively. Now, if they can just figure out when they're going to release these things.[Via Engadget]
GamePark poised to release "XGP kids" handheld
Many people look upon GamePark's GP32 handheld console as a revolutionary product in the world of videogames -- it was, after all, one of the first platforms to actually encourage homebrew and emulation -- and now DCEmu is reporting that the company is poised to launch what it's calling the GP32's successor, the "XGP kids." Shaped more or less like a tiny PSP, this new model is the third in the XGP lineup (following the original XGP and XGP mini), none of which should be confused with the similarly-named GP2X (this latter console is manufactured by GamePark Holdings, a company composed mainly of disgruntled ex-GamePark employees). Although not all its specs will be revealed until September 16th, we do know that it will be powered by a 140MHz ARM processor (probably overclockable), sport a 2.2-inch, 220 x 176 LCD, feature 8MB of RAM and 2MB of flash memory, and support USB 1.1 file transfers, but unlike the GP32, will eschew the old school SmartMedia slot for more modern SD cards. The best part here is the anticipated price (according to Wikipedia, at least); unlike the $300 XGP, $230 GP2X, and $150 XGP mini, the XGP kids is expected to slide in at under a C-note -- $75, to be exact.[Via DCEmu]
Gamepark Holdings releases GP2X breakout board
Good news for GP2X owners: Gamepark Holdings (not to be confused with Gamepark, makers of the similarly-named XGP) has just released a breakout board that will turn your handheld console into a fully-functional, albeit underpowered, home PC. The board plugs into the EXT port on your device and features audio and video outs for hooking up an external monitor and sound system, four USB ports for attaching keyboards, mice, and joysticks, and RS232 and Jtag connectors for reflashing your firmware or running a debugging script on software you've developed. Although the kit -- available now for just $46 -- can be employed to create a home DivX or digital audio system, it will probably be most widely used in building emulation cabinets around the open-source, Linux-powered player. [Via DCEmu]
Updated GP2X handheld, MKII, shipping now
Back in February, we referenced the release of a rather mysterious "second edition" of the eminently hackable GP2X handheld while professing a lack of knowledge of just what had been improved. Play Asia are now stocking the GP2X MKII and, so as not to confuse it with the second edition, Wikipedia reveals the MKII is in fact the "seventh edition" of the console. Really, we're totally confused. Where's versions three through six?Regardless, the MKII upgrades include: Preattached screen cover Larger (more grippy) joystick cap Firmware v2.0 (features) Comes with 2 game demos (Vektar & Payback) Already have a GP2X? You can get some of that MKII flava by adding the game demos and upgrading to the new firmware; otherwise, $170 nets you the updated version. [Thanks craig; via DCEmu]
Gamepark returns with new XGP handhelds
Gamepark--not to be confused with GP2X manufacturer and Gamepark spin-off, Gamepark Holdings--have unveiled their redesigned XGP handheld gaming system and their new XGP nano micro Mini. You'll remember the XGP as the swivel-faced "bastard child of a PSP and a Sidekick." While Gamepark Holding's GP2X is being angled specifically as an open-source, emulation friendly handheld, the XGP is a decidedly commercial product.The real surprise isn't the redesign, but the entirely new unit dubbed the XGP Mini (image beneath the fold). Featuring a 2.2" screen and an SD card slot, the unit owes more than a little of its design to Nintendo's minuscule GBA micro. It's hard to imagine how either of these products could be successful--where competitors like the Ngage and Gizmondo weren't--if both of these products aren't going to encourage emulation. If you're having trouble keeping your XGPs, GP2Xs, GP32s, and Gameparks straight, check out the Wikipedia entry, which could either help or hurt your chances of understanding this mess.[Via Engadget][Update: fixed the name of the XGP Mini shown after the jump]
Mysterious GP2X "second edition" now shipping
We're not quite sure what exactly has changed in this "second edition" GP2X, but Lik-Sang decided to hold off on distributing the open-source handheld until it was available, citing firmware troubles and "broken or malfunctioning units." We guess Lik-Sang is confident these problems have been remedied, since they've begun selling the GP2X Second Edition as of today.They are also selling a TV-out cable, turning that diminutive handheld into a big screen emulation station! Any GP2X users experiencing any troubles with your "first edition" units? Anyone else put off their purchase until now?[Via GP2X News][Update: corrected a punctuation error.]
