It looks like the Pandora project is really coming together nicely. EvilDragon has just posted this video on the GP32x boards of a development model up and running. It's pretty exciting stuff if you're a homebrew fan (and we know you are), featuring demos of the device smoothly running emulators like PicoDrive, PSNES, booting up a build of Linux, and even getting its Quake 2 on (at high frame rates and looking crystal clear). It's still going to be awhile before we've actually got our grubby mitts on one of these, but this is certainly doing a good job of whetting our appetites. Watch the video after the break and see for yourself.

[Thanks, Chris]

Apparently, a leaked shot of GamePark's next iteration of the GP2X -- the GP3X (not to be confused with the Pandora project) -- has gone and gotten itself leaked onto the interblogs. According to a post on GP2X News, the new system (which is being called the "Wiz") isn't set in stone, but will contain some form of a system-on-a-chip, and apparently will allow GP2X emulators to run after a bit of recompiling. There's not a whole lot of information available right now, but we'll keep you posted -- in the meantime, enjoy the photo.

[Via GP2X News]

Not much else to say beyond the title of this one -- MWeston has recently confirmed over at the GP32X boards that Bluetooth will indeed be included on the forthcoming Pandora mega-emulator. He noted that BT was added because of an exceptional deal they landed and to "make competing devices look that much less interesting." Right, so what exactly is this bundle of awesomeness competing against exactly?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Alright, so we know there aren't hordes of you out there currently possessing one of GamePark's GP2X F-200 handhelds, but we have absolutely no doubts that the owners that do exist are mighty vocal about their diminutive emulation powerhouse. When the unit was reviewed recently over at Ars Technica, critics found an awful lot to love, but it's not like the admittedly hefty, battery-eating, mildly unsightly unit was flawless or anything. Sure, we know the hardcore emulation geeks out there are likely turning their attention to the forthcoming Pandora, but that's not to say the F-200 can't handle a good talking-to from its loyal followers. Go on, put away that unconditional adoration for just a moment and tell the world how this thing actually could be improved upon -- we're sure there's something that grinds the gears.

We know, most of you even remotely interested in the F-200 either already own one (and you're playing it right now, aren't you? Don't lie.) or are waiting intently for the Pandora. Nevertheless, the cats over at Ars Technica managed to wrap their paws around the GP2X F-200 and give it the full review treatment -- needless to say, impressions were (fairly) positive. Immediately recognized as a "hybrid of Sony's PSP and the Nintendo DS," the gaming handheld possessed a bright, clear LCD, somewhat "tinny" speakers and the ability to chew through batteries without shame. Still, aside from a few minor niggles, the critics found it to be "well worth the $170 price tag for the emulation capabilities alone." Hit up the read link for the entire review, but don't even bother if you're looking for excuses to hold off.

So much for the naysayers, huh? Although the hotly-anticipated Pandora is still doing its thang without a case in the most recent videos, the dev board is definitely handling the FinalBurn Alpha arcade emulator and MPlayer video viewer with ease. Yeah, we're still clueless about a definitive launch date, but feel free to hit the read link for a couple of clips sure to get you even more anxious for this thing's arrival.

[Thanks, Ben]

See that? You're looking at a picture of the printed circuit board for Pandora. Ok, it's hardly a completed product. In fact, it's chipless. Still, it's a measurable step away from product vapor and one step closer to the $320 (damn dollar!) $330 GP2X gaming computer we're expecting to land in March or April.

[Thanks, Argor]

The tips have been flowing in hot and heavy on this one, so we felt it only fair to pass along the latest rumblings in the world of GP2X to you. We first got word that a new emulation monster could be coming from the GP2X community back in September, and if late breaking mockups and specification lists are to be believed, that system is indeed Pandora. Notably, the product seen above is purported to feature a keyboard (obviously), 4.3-inch 800 x 480 resolution touchscreen and built-in WiFi (802.11b/g) -- all inclusions that were previously mentioned -- along with an ARM Cortex A8 CPU, OpenGL ES 2.0-compliant 3D hardware, dual SDHC expansion slots, TV output and USB connectivity. Unfortunately, we know nothing more than that at the moment, as dates / pricing still remain a mystery, but if Pandora does prove to be more than a figment of someone's imagination, we're betting it'll be worth the wait.

Update: Looks like the price is set at around $320, while the release should happen in March or April.

[Thanks, Stern and Craig]
Read - Open Pandora
Read - Pandora Wiki

We've drooled all over GamePark's GP2X F-200 handheld in the past, and it looks like the company is finally ready to let us have one of our very own -- the touchscreen Linux-based handheld emulation monster is shipping right on time for $169. Features include SDHC support, improved 8-way D-pad, the 320 x 240 QVGA touchscreen, and all the other features that's made the original F-100 model so popular. Hit the read link to get hacking.

[Via DCEmu]

Sure, we're all super-excited about the Gamepark Holdings' next iteration of its Linux-based, homebrew masterpiece, the GP2X F-200, but did you know that the GP2X community (led by CraigIX and EvilDragon) is hard at work on a separate, completely new device? That's right, straight from the developer's fingers, some tipsters, and 63 forum pages, Engadget is bringing you spine-tingling facts about the new machine. First and foremost, the as-yet-unnamed device will not be a replacement for the GP2X line, rather a "spiritual successor" with higher-end specs. Here's what we know thus far: the device will still be rocking Linux (of course), will tout an 800 x 480 touchscreen, feature a D-pad and a keyboard (slider, split? we don't know yet), have built-in WiFi, and will contain some type of dedicated 3D GPU. The CPUs haven't been decided on yet, though we're told the system will be more powerful than the PSP, and able to handle full speed Amiga and PSX emulation "easily." Word on the GP2X forum is that the unit cost could come in around £200 (including VAT), though speculation and debate is still raging on the fine details. Certainly no release date has been set, but you'll know more when we know more, so stay tuned.

Confessions up front: we're pretty hot for any device that sports some sort of console emulator, so when faced with GamePark Holding's GP2X, which currently boasts of SNES, NES, Genesis, MAME and quite a few other gems, it's a little difficult to rein in the enthusiasm. That said, the new F-200 could use just a little bit of slimming -- you have to really mean it if you're going to carry this thing around instead of your PSP or DS. Otherwise we found the unit to be quite comfortable to hold and use, responsive enough in the OS department, and completely packed to the gills with features. Video playback is sluggish, but games loaded and performed quite well. We weren't able to test the F-200's new touchscreen, which is the only upgrade of the device over the existing F-100, but apparently it will be implemented as a mouse controller for developers to do whatever they want with the Linux device. And trust us, they will.

You probably started to think that your good buddies over at GamePark Holdings were going to leave you high and dry on a new iteration of their Linux-based, homebrewer's dream -- the GP2X -- seeing as it's been over a year since we've heard any stirrings beyond the recently released Commercial Interface Board. Well, that's all a-changin', as we've just gotten word that the brand-spanking-new GP2X F-200 is on its way out this October, sporting a handsome white finish. The specs don't deviate drastically from the GP2X F-100, utilizing the same dual core ARM920T processors for host and video number crunching, 64MB of RAM, and SD card support. Where the new model does differ, however, is with the addition of a 320 x 240 QVGA touchscreen (with stylus), and a complete redesign of the gamepad, moving away from the previous, mushroom-like protrusion to a more flush, PSP-esque controller. So for all you DIY'ers with a penchant for video gaming, a desperate need to playback video, audio, and check out family photos, and a bizarre fascination with obscure Korean electronics -- it's your lucky day.

[Thanks, Christian]

They busted out that breakout board last year, now GamePark Holdings have started selling a proper cradle for everybody's fave open source gaming handheld, the GP2X. The GP2X Commercial Interface Board Cradle is still more or less meant for developers -- it does have an RS232 port -- but it does also sport four USB ports (for connecting up a USB mouse, keyboard, or gamepad) and S-Video and audio-out ports if you feel like hooking this thing up to a TV or monitor.

Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Game Console of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Monday, April 16th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3, and Gamepark GP2X MK2.