GP32 Game Park

Our favourite alternative to the GBA has got to be the GP32 from Gamepark. Its main advantages are the built in USB port and use of standard Smart media cards as used in digital cameras. This mean programming for it is a relatively simple and cheap.

GP32 - 2002

GP32 picture 1
This handheld from Korea is more that a match for the GBA. It has in its favour the released SDK, USB and use of standard smart media cards. These especially should make programming for it relatively simple. Expect Emulators and home brew games to start appearing.
GP32 picture 2
There are already some programming examples available. Future releases also look promising with Breath of Fire 3, Street Fighter Zero 3 and Rockman X5 from Capcom, Fire Pro Wrestling from Spike, and King of Fighters from SNK
GP32 picture 3
The GP32 is roughly the same size as a gameboy advance. The screen is slightly larger at 3.5" but (like the GBA) needs to be viewed at the correct angle and in good light. It takes 2 AA batteries with a quoted lifetime of 12 Hours. Basically the ideal platform for video game freaks, developers and collectors alike.

Specs

CPU 32 Bit RISC CPU (ARM9)
Memory
  • ROM: 512 KB
  • Storage: SMC (Smart Media Card)
  • RAM: 8MB SDRAM
Display
  • TFT 3.5" Reflective TFT LCD (65,536 colours)
  • 320 X 240 Pixels
Sound
  • 16Bit PCM Stereo Sound
  • MIDI support (over 32 poly)
  • 4 Channel WAV Mixing
  • MP3 MPEG(I,II) Audio Support
Features
  • Wireless multi-player gaming
  • PC Connection Cable USB Port connection cable
Controls
  • 8-Way directional joystick
  • 4 buttons + start and select

Games

Wolfenstein 3D and Doom

Wolfenstein 3D
Some of the first games available for download are Doom and Wolfenstein 3d. Both very respectable conversions. Which were both available even before the amateur SDK was released by Gamepark.

Little Wizard

Little Wizard
Beat-em-up with cool graphics and some original characters. Players have limited special moves but can perform magic spells such as turning the opponent temporarily into a snowman.

Dungeon & Guarder

Dungeon & Guarder
Like Golden Axe with different character classes also features missile weapons, magic spells, experience points and best of all multiplayer wireless play.

Astonishia Story R

Astonishia Story R
Role Playing game in Korean, looks good though.

Tomak - Save the Earth, again

Tomak
Shootem up with typically strange graphics.

MegaMan X5

MegaMan X5
Capcom Megaman X5 on GP32, its good to see some quality developers making games for it, looking forward to this one being released.

GP32 SNES Emulator

SNES Emulator
Heres a picture of SNES9XGP running on the GP32, it has been ported by Intelecto. Its still in an early beta version with no sound and its running a bit slow but with a bit of optimisation to do its looking good so far.