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GamePark's GP2X Caanoo handheld hits this August, picks up where the Wiz left off (video)
While we're not sure just how we missed it, it seems GamePark was at E3 2010 in force, with a brand-new Linux gaming portable called the Caanoo. Though it's got the same 533MHz ARM9 processor as its wizardly predecessor, GamePark's doubled the memory to 128MB, and added a dedicated 3D GPU to power the larger 3.5-inch touchscreen. Throwback Sega-like buttons and a joystick take the place of those touchy D-pads, and there's new accelerometer and vibration functions for a modicum of enhanced control. When you're not loading open-source games, the system supports the usual array of photos and music as well as DivX, XviD and MPEG4 videos, and the company claims an official SDK and app store are on the way if you want to roll additional software yourself. Shame you'll have to use a WiFi dongle to download anything. The company expects to ship August 15 for $150 to importers like Play-Asia, making it viable competition for the lumbering Pandora. Find videos of the Caanoo in action after the break, and more at GamePark's official Facebook page.
GamePark Wiz app store coming this summer
We heard murmurings of a possible app store for GamePark's Wiz open source handheld back when we first laid our hands on it, but now it's officially on its way. GamePark Holdings' awesomely-named Game Contents Open Store is now set to open in August, allowing all users to produce and download homebrewed apps and games for the Wiz. The SDK is currently in development, and there aren't any further details beyond that, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for you.
GamePark Wiz hands-on from Engadget Spanish
We've already seen early pictures and heard a release date for GamePark's newest handheld -- the Wiz -- but now Engadget Spanish has gotten their hands and eyes all over the device, and they've brought back photos to prove it. As you can see from the pics, the portable console will be offered with more than one style of casing, and apparently the company is setting up some type of App Store-like service which will allow users to purchase and download software, as well as share their own homebrew apps. According to our team, it looks like that October 8th street date will be pushed back till sometime in November due to issues with the right control pad (which GamePark is working to correct). Until then, you can just feast your eyes on the gallery below.%Gallery-30998%
GamePark's GP3X leaked in spy shots, called the 'Wiz'
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]
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.
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]
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]
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]
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.]
