The XGP (Extreme Game Player) was a concept portable video game system created by the Korean company GamePark as the follow-up to its GP32 handheld. Initially announced in 2005,[1] the XGP was finally announced in March 2006 along with the release of the similar XGP Mini[2] and the XGP Kids. The company went bankrupt before releasing any of the models.[3]
Manufacturer | GamePark |
---|---|
Type | Handheld game console |
Generation | Seventh generation era |
Lifespan | Never Released |
Introductory price | $300 |
Media | Secure Digital card |
System on a chip | MagicEyes VRENDER-3D |
CPU | Dual CPU:
200MHz Host ARM920T 200MHz ARM940T |
Memory | 64MB-128MB (DDR SDRAM) |
Storage | 64MB NAND Flash |
The XGP was scheduled to be released in three models: the XGP, the XGPmini and the XGP Kids. GamePark said that it did not wish to compete with Sony and Nintendo with the device. The XGP Kids was aimed towards children and therefore had a significantly lower price point. It was designed to run simpler games tailored to an audience besides 'hardcore gamers'. While the GP32 was only available in select markets—Korea and parts of Europe and Asia—or had to be imported, the XGP was expected to be marketed worldwide
Since Gamepark declared bankruptcy in March 2007,[3][4] the XGP went unreleased. This left GP2X—created by splinter company Gamepark Holdings—as the only successor to the GP32 to make it to market.[3]
Models
editGamePark was planning on releasing three models of the XGP; the high-end XGP, the middle-range XGP mini, and the low-end XGP Kids.
XGP
editThe XGP system was to focus on downloadable commercial games,[5] as well as on free homebrew content.
The ability to use Linux on was officially announced, as well as Windows CE and Gamepark's own minimalistic operating system GPOS. The system was designed for multimedia content such as movies, MP3s, and the mobile television standard T-DMB.[2] It may feature a 4"[2] 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio screen with a display resolution of 480 x 272.
Specifications
- Based on the MagicEyes VRENDER-3D System-on-a-Chip (SoC)
- Screen: 480x272, 1.6 million colors, 4-inch TFT LCD, Widescreen (16:10) aspect ratio[6]
- Main CPU: ARM920T advertised as 266 MHz (actual VRENDER-3D SoC contains a 200 MHz ARM920T)
- OS: Updated GPOS, Linux, and possibly a WindowsCE "option" as well.
- Graphics Accelerator: 1.5 million polygons per second (OpenGL ES supported)
- Sound: 64Polys 44.1 kHz, 16 bit stereo sound
- Network: WiFi[2] - 802.11 b/g, WiBro
- NAND Flash Memory: 64 MB
- RAM: 64 MB DDR SDRAM (128 MB at release time was rumored)
- Storage: Secure Digital card
- Battery: Built-in Rechargeable Lithium ion battery
- Other Features: TV-Out, USB 2.0, open sdk
- Customer Target Price: $300[2][7]
XGP Mini
editThe XGP Mini's specifications are similar to the XGP's, but the device was much smaller than the XGP—much like the Game Boy Micro as compared to the Game Boy Advance.[2] In contrast to the XGP, it featured no wireless connectivity and half the DDR SDRAM at 32 MB.[2]
Specifications
- Based on the MagicEyes VRENDER-3D System-on-a-Chip (SoC)
- Screen: 2.2"[8] 320*240, 256k colors, 4:3 Aspect Ratio.
- Main CPU: ARM920T Advertised as 266 MHz (Actual VRENDER-3D SoC contains a 200 MHz ARM920T)
- OS: GPOS
- Graphics Accelerator: 1.5 million polygons per second (OpenGL ES supported)
- Sound: 64Polys 44.1 kHz, 16 bit Stereo sound
- NAND Flash Memory: 64 MB[2]
- RAM: 32 MB[2] DDR SDRAM (Rumored to be 96 MB at launch)
- Storage: Secure Digital card[8]
- Battery: Built-in Rechargeable Lithium ion battery
- Other Features: USB 2.0, open SDK
- Customer Target Price: $150[2][7]
XGP Kids
editThe XGP Kids was technically similar to the GP32.[9][10] The two consoles' specifications differ in screen size and resolution, available memory (Kids adds 2 MB NOR Flash memory), processor type, and storage. These differences would prevent the console from being backwards compatible with the GP32, although GP32 software could be reprogrammed to work on the XGP Kids. The device was intended to be relatively inexpensive and to give a chance to those who missed out on the GP32's limited production run to get something very much like a BLU+. The XGP Kids, like the XGP Mini, will have a smaller screen (at only 2.2 inches (56 mm)[11]) than the XGP and GP32.
Specifications
See also
edit- GP32 - The predecessor of the XGP
- GP2X - The unofficial successor of the GP32, designed by GamePark Holdings
- GamePark Holdings - The creators of the GP2X
- GamePark - The creators of the GP32 & XGP
- GP2X Wiz - The official successor of the GP2X
- OpenPandora - The unofficial successor of the GP2X
References
edit- ^ Dybwad, B. (August 17, 2005). "Gamepark XGP handheld game console". Engadget. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Blass, E (March 3, 2006). "Gamepark announces redesigned XGP and surprise XGP Mini". Engadget. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Melanson, D. (March 19, 2007). "GamePark goes under, GamePark Holdings still kickin'". Engadget. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ "Gamepark files for bankruptcy". 2007-03-13. Archived from the original on 2022-06-10. Retrieved 2007-09-09.
- ^ Grant, Christopher (March 6, 2006). "Gamepark returns with new XGP handhelds". finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ Bramwell, Tom (18 August 2005). "Gamepark's other handheld". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Gamepark XPG, XPG Mini Announced". Gizmodo. March 6, 2006. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ a b Grant, C. (March 7, 2006). "Gamepark returns with new XGP handhelds". Engadget. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ Jenkins, David (13 September 2006). "GamePark Unveils New Portable Console". Game Developer. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Grant, C (September 12, 2006). "You know, for kids! Meet the "XGP kids"". Engadget. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Blass, E (September 11, 2006). "GamePark poised to release "XGP kids" handheld". Engadget. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
External links
edit- GP32X - English community news and forums for all Gamepark handhelds
- GP32Spain - Spanish news and community website
- GP32Club - French news and community website
- Gamepark Newbie - FAQs, guides, and information about the XGP consoles as well as GP32 and GP2X.
- gp2x.info | gp2x and xgp forums - Info, news and development forums.
- XgpGaming - Gaming, Info and Review Website