GP2X - Sounds promising
Miscellaneous Forums/General Discussion/GP2X - Sounds promising
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| I'll let the site do the talking ... http://www.gp2x.co.uk/ Pictures: http://gp2x.gadgetoid.com/pictures.php?path=Resources/Pictures/Minivan.com/ Windows Dev kit |
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| I just had an orgasm... |
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| I wish I had £124.99 to spend on whatever I want... |
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| This is the sequel to another handheld console, the GP32, which I own, an dI must say I totally love it. |
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| I plan on getting one of these instead of a PSP. |
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| This is what I have my eyes set on... http://www.a-rage.com/ I've seen it in demoed, in action, with my very own eyes... sometimes it's great to live in Bumsville, Adelaide, SA ;] And I have to say... it actually works... wonderfully... they only have one game to demo at the moment (Sky Invaders) but have other concepts... I really hope this manages to take off =] |
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| I plan on getting one of these instead of a PSP Yes. Me too. Especially because of these statements: You want to develop your own games for the GP2X? Go right ahead. The SDK is included with the system free. Not since the days of the Amiga has a system been so easy to develop for, commercially and for fun. The GP2X is totally open to development from anyone, commercial or amateur. Yes really. We're heading back to the classic Amiga days of development. With a free GCC/Linux/Windows based compiler and SDK you really can begin to make software and games for nothing, not only that - we will offer source code and guides to getting started. I'm hoping BlitzMax-created programs and games can be compiled for it thanks to the inclusion of a Linux O/S, SDK, and its 'open-source' approach. Plus the thought of being able to play MAME, C64, and Snes classics. It's got TV-Out too. Oh yes! |
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| @Jedive, How well does the GP32 handle emulation? Say, MAME games like Ghost 'n Globlins for example? BRL, You hinted that you may consider developing for consoles. What do you think of this handheld? The GP32 seems to have a very stong underground following and the new GP2X is very much open-source. |
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| I'm hoping BlitzMax-created programs and games can be compiled for it thanks to the inclusion of a Linux O/S, SDK, and its 'open-source' approach. Does anyone know if the GP2X supports OpenGL graphics? Judging by the information on the site, there is no hardware accelerated 3D. |
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| Damn it. I wrote a long response in this thread, but I accidentaly pressed Ctrl+Q and closed the browser. The short version of the answer is here: @JB: Emulation of 8-bit machines is very good in GP32. It also emulates decently some 16-bit machines (DrMD emulator for Sega Genesis - Megadrive works perfectly with sound, the SNES emulator works ok without sound). I tried an old version of the MAME emulator, and it was a bit slow, but recent versions claim to be much faster. I will also be definitely getting a GPx2 when it's released. It will simply be the perfect emulation - multimedia machine. |
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| well its cool but, im too lazy to bother with these (bloom)ing things. i mean sure you can make a game on it, so what, i can make a game on gba if i friggin want. no big deal i say! |
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| Yes, but you can't sell a game made for the gba without paying hughe royalties. This machine is a great opportunity for shareware developers to enter the handhelds world. |
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| sounds pretty cool.. Two things would make it better for me. 1. It would take rechargeable batteries and it would automatically recharge when plugged into the mains. 2. A Version of BlitzMax compiler were available for it :) |
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| I'd definately buy it if ther was a BlitzMax compiler for it. It will be of interest to the manufacturer as they don't have a Mac SDK. |
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| I've been trying to interest Skids in it for a while, but no joy so far -- I want Max on it too! |
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| Yeah... I think it would be cool... and also, it might be a good way for BMax to get some attention... and of course, to be able to play neat little games on it, which are made by the community and/or yourself... :) |
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| I'm certainly watching this with interest... IF it gains popularity, who knows what will come out for it ;) |
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| I think this is a bit of a novelty, TBH. Who is it aimed at? I can't imagine any kids getting this to play games on, not with the DS and PSP about. No, it seems to be a "Geeks Handheld" that will only interest people into games programming and such, like us. :) Their website makes the most of this by tugging on the heartstrings by mentioning the Amiga all the time. Even if you managed to write a great game for it, I can't image being able to convert that into a significant amount of sales, given the relatively small userbase. It's a nice idea that will no doubt attract a small, hardcore group of users. Like I said, just a novelty, though. |
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| The machine could be used for more than just games; just as with the Amiga, just because it's marketed as a games machines, that doesn't meant tha's all that can be developed for it. |
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| The machine could be used for more than just games; just as with the Amiga, just because it's marketed as a games machines, that doesn't meant tha's all that can be developed for it. I know. The PSP can do all that other stuff too, though. That's kinda my point: what will attract mainstream users to this product when there's the PSP and DS? |
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| what will attract mainstream users to this product when there's the PSP and DS? Unless it's sat on shop shelves with a big brand (heavily advertised) game next to it absolutely nothing is going to sway the masses. It might be a bit like the Mac used to be though, a small but very dedicated user base who want to support their console by buying everything they can... ...on the other hand, they've made so many emulators for it I get the feeling most of the people who buy this console wont actually be that interested in games written for it, but rather, arcade games and C64 stuff etc. |
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| I think that depends on what the indie developers create. There could be a gap in the market for good quality education games also; something I doubt you'll find a lot of, if any on the PSP or DS. One lacking feature though is wireless connectivity. Both PSP and DS will have this, also allowing to surf the net. |
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| I dont see the point of net surfing on such small screens, wireless would be better used for multiplayer. |
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| yeap.. it seems its a good platform to run emu's and ports of old games but Im suspect any good original game written for it will be snapped up by the users. I doubt anyone will want to 'buy' games for it. The drawback is my time is limited and getting to grips with coding in C using SDL is probably not something I would have time for. Thats why I mentioned BlitzMax for it. I know its never likely to happen but it would be nice to possibly develop something on the PC first then with a few minor changes ( screen size/controls ) recompiling for the GP2X. Id probably be more likely to invest in it. I like the idea of playing on a tv as well. Perfect for going on holiday. |
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| Maybe we should put it as a feature request for BlitzMax ;) |
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| I had an original GP32 and it was very good.... See if the missus will allow me some spondoolies for one of these :) |
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| I sold my GP32 a few days ago and preordered the GP2X. GP32 is great (50,000 units sold btw) and GP2X is going to be an amazing handheld. Also there is the XGP which is being developed by the other half of the Korean company GamePark and it looks good but I think it has no chance as a PSP and NDS competitor!! |
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| Jedive, Thanks for the info. Appreciated. I've been trying to interest Skids in it for a while, but no joy so far I think between GP2X and BlitzMax there is a love affair waiting to happen. What with the whole open-source, Linux, included SDK, Amiga spirit, and Indie attraction. Chemistry I tell ya.This site quote sums it up: With a free GCC/Linux/Windows based compiler and SDK you really can begin to make software and games for nothing, not only that - we will offer source code and guides to getting started. The real beauty is, the exact hardware is known. |
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| Just saw the XGP - it's an ugly machine and looks bulky :S |
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The new GP2X design however, looks the biz! See the full-size image here -> http://www.gp2x.co.uk Also, check out the development gear for GP32. No doubt this stuff will find its way onto GP2X. http://www.flamingbird.com/public_html/index.php http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showforum=37 http://sdl-gp32.sourceforge.net The Fenix programming language does have a BlitzMax / C++ flavour so developing for the unit might not be too difficult. Sample code: |
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| Hmmm, I wonder how long the 2 AA batteries would last with a backlit screen that size? Looks quite nice but it's no PSP. :) |
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| You can put me down for requesting Blitz Max support. This is the sort of underground device I think you could make some decent money on due to the loyalty of the brand. Mine's on preorder :) |
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| I'd be interested in using it to showcase some of my work; ideal as I could program it to do anything I wanted. |
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| Just put an order in for mine too. |
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| Aw, man, this looks great. Have they improved the screen from the GP32? I remember it looking a bit dodgy. Also, it doesn't come with a power cable? Bah. I remember I spent ages trying to find one for the GP32 and it wouldn't fit properly and kept falling out. |
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| New quality screenshots ... *** CLICK *** (NB: The site may be slow but the images are superb) Have they improved the screen from the GP32? I read on the forums they using the same LCD screen. There are some comparision shots HERE although the images are poor. |
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| 2 AA last worlds longer than any thing you have built in with DS and PSP because 2 AA replaced with photo accu -> 2x 2200 mAh compared to this lousy 800 mAh of DS for example. Lets bet which one will last longer ... and on which is it simpler to have cheap and simple reserve power on you :-) And 2x 2200 mAh cost 10$ or so + a cheap recharger, so no reason to waste money with regular batteries. Its not like on GB Color times anymore when rechargable bats were expensive and normally worse than normal bats. My main minus on this handheld is the missing touch screen. I have some quite interesting ideas which just don't work without touch. With DPad or stick they are next to undouable and even a mouse isn't a that intuitive solution. And Dev for NDS is still its own thing ... i wish they wouldn't make it that impossible and allow homebrew download from any wlan :-( I think this kind of "no real worldplayer" consoles should start to become innovativ instead of mainstream crap that 3 others already have ... GP2x will life the same underground thing as GP32 did and as Gizmondo will most likely as well, just because they don't attract commercial game creators ... |
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| The main use for gp2x will be music/video and emulation, none of which require touchscreen. |
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| Sounds interesting. Looks good. Be cool to have one. I just don't expect to hear anything of it outside of these forums, sadly. :o\ |
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| Has anyone received theirs yet? Hoping to get mine tomorrow :) |
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| Gameboy, Are you posting on the GP32x forums per chance? If you are, what user name are you using (if you don't mind me asking)? I've kind of got the hang of SDL for the GP2X development and have been wrapping the commands to give it a Blitz feel: Mind you, I have not order the unit yet. I'm going to wait for the dust to settle and see how it progresses. There are a couple of videos here showing the Quake 1 port in action. Great link here too. |
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| I was planning on getting a PSP but I switched and ordered the GP2X a couple of weeks ago so I dont expect to get mine for a few weeks yet. The emulators are looking pretty good already so theres a huge list of my old games I can carry around with me already. Im hoping lots of wacky/original games are going to written for it. Im also looking forward to having a crack at writing something on it too. Its going to be a good christmas !. If only BlitzMax (even a cut down one ) made an appearance on it. |
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| My GP2x was waiting for me when I got home from work yesterday. I haven't had much time to play around with it yet though. So far I have played some MP3s, two AVI videos - the first encoded using DivX v5 and the other in xVid, and installed and played Quake and Hexen. I am impressed so far. A lot of initial teething problems - which seem firmware related - have been reported on the various forums but, as of yet, I haven't encountered any of them. I was torn between getting a PSP or a GP2x but in the end I ended up getting both. I am glad I did this. They may both be handhelds but, in my opinion, they are aiming at slightly different market. The PSP is a games machine with multimedia functionality whereas the GP2x is more aimed at an open source portable media centre which is attractive to homebrew developments. |
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| I'm not happy with it at all: * They delivered to the wrong address - even though I asked them to deliver it to my work place, they delivered it at home, meaning that I had to spend more than my lunch hour travelling to the post office to get it * The CD and how to guide that are advertised on their site doesn't come with it. * I didn't get the carry case that was advertised * The firmware bug stops me from connecting the GP2x to my PC, so I have to spend more money in buying a card reader. Sorry... Just not happy. |
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| The GP2X is superb! Can't wait to see BlitzMax being able to compile apps for it |
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| You got the Mark2 version there Jrrsteve? This review is woth a read too. |
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| mine is a mark2, you only get the carry case if you order one. (and theyre in stock) |
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| I still didn't get the CD or book that they mention; I asked them about it and they said to just download the CD contents - that's just poor service. I wont be buying anything else from them. |
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| book? who did you order from? i got no book. |
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| Check here: http://gp2x.co.uk/ordergp2x.html When they first launched the GP2X, they were saying how the 'How To' guide shows you how to develop your own games and that all the resources came you needed came on the CD. |