Gamepark returns with new XGP handhelds
by Christopher Grant 
{ Mar 6th 2006 at 10:30PM }
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
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]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex @ Mar 6th 2006 11:15PM
It'd be neglectful to mention that its a korean product which at least removes of a lot of possible competition from the likes of nintendo and sony. I know South Korea is a small market but I'm not aware of much of a handheld presence besides the gp2x.
king louse @ Mar 6th 2006 11:16PM
the only reason why the GP2X was able to succeed was because it focused on being a niche product, catered towards the hardcore who were after open systems.
if this one is truly trying to go head to head against nintendo and sony they will fail miserably.
bazald @ Mar 6th 2006 11:36PM
As much as they want this to be a commercial console, they really need to make homebrew development easy. This console is easily more powerful than the GP2X with its support for OpenGL-ES (in any flavor). Provided that the OpenSDK that is promised is actually usable, this thing could be the new homebrew paradise.
(Also, I /really/ hope that they get higher product yields than the good people at Gamepark Holdings are getting...)
ozymandias @ Mar 6th 2006 11:38PM
I think its cool that someone finally put an analog stick on a portable gameing device. as far as going head to head with the psp, if they can make more than 20 games they stand a fighting chance.
ry @ Mar 7th 2006 11:53AM
ok, those home, start, select, and mode buttons feature the most horrific button placement I've seen on a console controller/portable system in YEARS.
JusJus @ Mar 7th 2006 11:54AM
I'm sure the only goal for the execs at Gamepark is to sell enough units to be able to purchase a couple of Ferarri Enzos.
bill pullman @ Mar 7th 2006 12:15PM
and then promptly crash them like morons.
Gonzo @ Mar 7th 2006 12:18PM
It looks like the bastard son of a psp and gba micro (which would actually be a really cool product if those two would get together. The functions and beauty of a psp in a sturdy and tiny gba body.
I agree bazald, they will really sell these things like crazy if they were able to make homebrewing accessible to the average gamer. It would help if they had them in levels for beginners, novice, and advance so folks can start off with something simple like RPG Maker and work their way up to firmware. I'd love to be able to make my own games, I just don't have the time, money, or connections.
kilo 113 @ Mar 7th 2006 12:22PM
yeah, this system has great potential..but i heard that the new design of the XGP would have a 4" VGA res lcd, not this 2.2" micro bs. it has potential, but they really need to gear it towards the open-source developer crowd too if they want success. what the GP2X is currently really lacking in(arguably) are controls, and if this system will feature a traditional d-pad, better screen, gpu, and good developing environment then it could be really great.