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How would you change GamePark's GP2X F-200 handheld?
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.
GamePark's GP2X F-200 handheld gets reviewed
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.
Pandora dev board seen running applications, games
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]
Pandora's ultra-portable orders take-out PCB, forgets chips
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]
GP2X-community system dubbed Pandora?
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
GamePark's GP2X F-200 handheld ships
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]
GamePark's GP2X F-200 gets a price, release date
We had already heard rumblings that GamePark's updated GP2X F-200 handheld would be coming in October, but it looks like that date is now official, as is the price, which TrustedReviews reports will be £125 (or about $250). The big update with this incarnation of the handheld is a new touchscreen display, which is unfortunately one of the few things we weren't able to test when we got our hands on the device earlier this month. Other upgrades over the existing F-100 model include support for SDHC format memory cards, giving you up to 32GB of storage (though that won't come cheap), as well as a new and improved 16-way d-pad. Otherwise, the device is the same Linux-based, game-emulating handheld that's managed to attract a dedicated following, some of whom have even gone so far as to try to build their own.
New GP2X-community system in development
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.
Hands-on with GamePark's GP2X F-200
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.%Gallery-6753%
GamePark Holdings' GP2X F-200 coming in October
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]
Dreamcast still strong, two new indie games at Leipzig
Coming up on its eight birthday, the Sega Dreamcast continues to prove that it's worthy of attention, with two new independent titles announced for the aging system. Publisher RedSpotGames will be debuting these titles at this year's Leipzig Games Convention, starting this Wednesday.The first game, Dalforce, is a vertical-scrolling "bullet hell" shooter title which allows for up to four players. The second, Wind and Water Puzzle Battles, is an action puzzle game being ported from the GP2X. According to Arcade Renaissance, both games are scheduled for first-quarter 2008 releases, although RedSpotGames' website is currently down for maintenance, and we can not confirm this. Both titles will, however, be shown off at Leipzig this week, so stay frosty as we bring you more details once the conference gets under way.
GP2X Crap Games Competition results
Although the GP2X Crap Games Competition ended two months ago, games of this calibre deserve to live forever. The goal of the competition was to prove programming skillz and overall manliness by creating the worst game evar for the GP2X. Entries have such clever names as Paint Dry Xtreme, Walking Simulator Extreme, and possibly the greatest crap game of all time, Run, Hitler, Run!. If you've got a GP2X and want to experience the lowest of the low, check out the full games list.The winners of the competition walked away with fantastic prizes that make Bob Barker and his new refrigerators look like 10p and half a Toffee Crisp by comparison: 1st prize: 20p and a Toffee Crisp. 2nd prize: The bitter taste of defeat. 3rd prize: The even more bitter taste of defeat by the 2nd prize winner.
GP2X Commercial Interface Board Cradle goes on sale
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.
The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Game Console of the Year
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. %Poll-312%
GamePark goes under, GamePark Holdings still kickin'
Word's been a little slow reaching our shores, but it appears that GamePark couldn't stand up to the competition from its GamePark Holdings spin-off, with the former company recently declaring bankruptcy and its website now ignominiously replaced by a shoe store. For those in need of a quick primer, GamePark is the company that brought us the original GP32 (pictured above) and, more recently, announced a number of different XGP handhelds. GamePark Holdings, on the other hand, emerged as a separate company after an apparent spat among GamePark employees about the direction of the company. Those that chose to defect quickly got their act together and delivered the more-popular GP2X device, presumably to the dismay of GamePark proper. While they don't appear to have made any comment on this latest development, we can only assume they're feeling a little bit vindicated, and no doubt celebrated with a bit of homebrew champagne.[Via PSP Fanboy]
ScummVM update improves point n' click emulation
It's been four months since the last update for ScummVM, the multiplatform point-and-click emulator. Just released v0.9.1 adds official support for DS and GP2X, with a GP32 port promised soon, but bug-fixes for existing versions (e.g., Dreamcast, PS2, PSP) are not be overlooked. Highlights include: Fixes for Humongous Entertainment games, including better support for international versions Improved detection for the FM-TOWNS version of Indy3 Fixes for The Feeble Files (more non-English versions are supported) Parts of the Kyrandia engine have been rewritten (requires less CPU power) PSP, PS2, and WinCE ports have been "greatly improved" PalmOS port is up-to-date; features separate build for Tapwave Zodiac WinCE port supports 2002 devices again Is this new version gonna keep you from updating your PSP's firmware for the holiday flood of titles? Are you running ScummVM on a different portable?
Handheld history reveals PSP's slim figure [Update 1]
Joystiq, the attention-craving parent site to PSP Fanboy, recently compared the sizes of history's greatest handhelds. When looking at the handhelds in size order, one can see that the PSP sits smack in the middle. Game Boy micro: 5.6 cubic inches Game Boy Advance SP: 9.81 cubic inches DS Lite: 12.96 cubic inches Wonderswan: 13.33 cubic inches Wonderswan Color: 14.1 cubic inches Wonderswan Crystals: 14.68 cubic inches Neo Geo Pocket Color: 17.35 cubic inches Sony PSP: 17.52 cubic inches Game Boy Advance: 17.64 cubic inches GP2X: 19.61 cubic inches DS Phat: 22.01 cubic inches Game Boy: 26.39 cubic inches Gamepark 32: 26.83 cubic inches Sega Nomad: 49.36 cubic inches Game Gear: 50.86 cubic inches Atari Lynx: 68.53 cubic inches We should be thankful that the PSP is no monstrosity like the Game Gear... Then again, I did love my Game Gear (pictured).[Thanks, Zebulunite!][Update 1: Whoa, how did that HTML glitch happen? It totally wasn't like that when I typed it. Anyways, fixed.]
GP2x sells 30,000 units
GameSpot reports that the GP2X has sold 30,000 units since its European launch earlier this year. Craig Rothwell, Director of GP32/2x Distribution, expects the Linux handheld sales to total 50,000 by the end of the year.Is 50,000 a lot? We think it's a reasonable amount and could sustain a well-run business. According to gamesindustry.biz, the ill-fated Gizmondo sold less than 5,000 units in its first three months. (Both devices were launched in the United Kingdom.) While the GP2X has had three times as long to reach 30,000, over its life-span, the GP2X has sold twice as well as the Gizmondo.The European Nintendo DS launch dwarfed both systems, totaling 87,000 units in two days. Comparing the GP2X and DS is like comparing an office softball team with the Yankees, but that doesn't mean that both can't coexist. (And yes, the DS Phat was caught juicing, which is why the Lite is so scrawny.)Read: Q&A: GP2X chief Craig RothwellRead: GP2X handheld expected to reach 50,000 sales by Xmas[Thanks, JamesO]
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]
Another homebrewing competition
Do you know how to code? If so, it seems like there's so many opportunities out there for you to make some moolah, and win some prizes (such as this, and this). DCEmu is hosting a contest where programmers develop an original piece of homebrew, whether it be games, demos or applications. Prizes include the incredibly flexible GP2X system, gift certificates, and cash. You have until December 31st to submit an entry, so you have a lot of time to work on your original designs.
