Hello there, ive spent that last few days checking what looks like a wonderful little device out on the net.
First of all im very keen to buy this beauty but im a wee bit scared so i need you guys to help me out with some info..

1. first of all i have windows xp, will it connect to that ok or do you need linux??

2. I have an emulator called gens on my PC and i play all my roms with that, they are usually .bin or .smd files...do i need to get gp2x specific roms or can i use the ones ive been using with gens .

3. i love the monkey island games! and i want to know how to run MI 1 and MI 2 on the gp2x.. ive heard of a program called ScummVM..is that best? or would it be best using it via an amiga emulator. By the way i dont have an original copy of these games so im not sure if its legal?? if someone could help out via a chat on msn messenger i would be gratefull ....cheissuperted@hotmail.com

4. BATTERIES. ive heard you get around 5 hours life out of them.elsewhere says 2 hours(maybe thats a review of old firmware version??). anyone know the truth?? ill plan on using decent disposable batteries like duracell or energiser...or i might plan to use rechargables...can you use any type such as NIMH or are there only a certain type you can use?

5. Why should i get this and not a PSP....ive found out that you can get emulators for PSP these days aswell?? or is that a much more complicated procedure to do??

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

My msn is cheissuperted@hotmail.com would be great to chat to someone who can guide and convince me

Hmmmm... ... Welcome to the site

1. Windows XP is fine.
2. You can use your old roms with emulators for the gp2x.
3. ScummVM will work fine with it, but I think you need the original copy.
4. I get about 4 hours (I really timed it) with some 2500MaH ones I got for 10 dollars. You can "use" any type of batteries, but I'd recommend getting some rechargables.
5. This system doesn't try to prevent you from playing homebrew and it is much easier to run emulators and the like. It also uses the much cheaper SD cards. It also has TV out and the BOB box which allows a whole degree of functionality.

Extra: It is pretty easy to run emulators and games on this. The readme almost aways have instructions of where to put everything. Some of the emulators are a little harder to get working since you have to put the roms in a special directory. That is aways in the readme though.

Also, even though you can use any roms for the gp2x you need emulators just for the GP2X which can be found here. http://www.gp2x.de/cgi-bin/cfiles.cgi I didn't know if you knew that.

GP2X=costs less money than doing it with a PSP

ALL ROMs usually do not have multiple formats, and is actually recommended that if it doesn't work on the GP2X you try it on one of your own emulators.

SD card reader is HIGHLY recommended, but you can use Windows XP (but it's buggy and usually won't work to use the GP2X as a reader).

here's a card reader for $3 total if you are concerned about the price of a card reader... http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=30379

thanks so far

anyone have any more ideas about monkey island...i heard you can get a rom for it somewhere..like a single file or something?? does ScummVM support roms or??

You can't ask about ROMs... download the ScummVM for the GP2X yourself and see what format it has to be.

I'm not a salesman, so I'm not going to "convince" you. I can answer some of your questions though.


The majority of gp2x owners run Windows. It works fine.

The answer to the legality question is always the same. Unless the creator/owner of a game or other program explicitly puts it out in the world for free, you don't get to have it for free. It's pretty much common sense. That's why you can't ask here where to find the games, and why you can't download them from the sites where you get your emulators. It's like it's legal to buy a pipe that you could smoke crack in, but it's up to you where you get the drugs. Most people who download these games simply don't care about the legality, and the odds of goinng to prison for it are pretty darn small.

Don't use disposable batteries, they do not work well in this device. Get high quality rechargeable batteries. Lots of people have had success with Energizer 2500s. Personally I got some off-brand batteries on ebay that are 2800 mah because they were cheap but I get about 3 hours from them so you can't go just by the numbers.

It is more complicated on the PSP, because you have to use special hacks to get around Sony's firmware restrictions. The PSP has the advantage that it is 1000x more popular than the gp2x, so it has great commercial games and some people willing to go through hoops to get emulators to run on it. The gp2x has the advantage of being an open platform so porting stuff is easier. I don't use emulators myself so I can't give you a rundown on which emulators for each platform work better. That would be an interesting thing to see though if somebody has both a gp2x and a psp and can compare them.

You say this as a person who use thier gp2x with windows xp?? do you connect the gp2x via usb to your computer then windows recognises it as removable hard disk? im assuming that because its the same with my phone

Usually this is what happens when you try that (it IS supposed to work that way however..):

Unrecognised device detected.

And then people come on the board asking this question.

The response always is: get a card reader. It's much faster and it doesn't run your batteries.

k dudes...questions answered

i understand about the roms...

btw did someone called mikey just add me to thier msn??? if so i think i denied it by accident try sending me an email and ill add your address again...

I normally use a SD card writer, but I have directly connected the GP2X to the PC by USB. Windows picks it up as a removable hard disk.

here is what I usually say to people:

if you are a geek/hacker...
if you like hacking around, retrogaming, breaking and fixing stuff, be unique and go the independant way, get a GP2X, you'll love it


If you are a commercial drone....
if you hate messing around programs, the latest boring games or if exploring the very depth of a system doesn't sound that fun to you, go be sony's 817ch and get a PSP, you're the kind of people they're looking for (just kidding there, but you will like the PSP better).

Actually, a PSP + 1 GB Memory Stick and a GP2X + 1 GB SD Card + High quality recharable batteries costs almost the same price (more so if the PSP's price does drop to $150).

another quick question...is it easy to overclock? because a lot of people have been saying you need to do that to run stuff like neo geo, even though the video on www.gp2x.co.uk shows games like metal slug running fine :S

It is very easy to overclock (look for overclock in the file archives), and you don't need to do so to play neo geo .. though of course you can if you want to (i don't and its perfectly playable..)

These are the lowest prices I could find for these items new.

$200 PSP Core System + $50 1GB Memory Stick Duo=$250

$170 GP2X from PlayAsia + $20 1GB Memory Card + $20 2500 NiMH Energizer w/ Charger=$210

About a $40 difference.

Don't forget the shipping. I'm not sure what it is for Play-asia though.

the newer batches of psps (those that are supposedly cheaper) wil have new motherboards that mean no modchip and no downgrading, plus they'll probs be fw2.71 or higher, so no homebrew.

As alway's that will all be cracked too in time. If you want more emulators with more support/ much bigger community, then PSP is your handheld- just try and get an earlier version from ebay, or elsewhere, and save yourself some headaches. Psp looks and feels like much more in your hands too if that's a condiseration of yours. The Gp2x feels like a cheap toy. Don't get me wrong, I have one and like it, just doesn't get a whole lot of time- least until a new psx emu comes around.

If the PSP is better in every way, what do you use your gp2x for?

The PSP definetly has a far superior SNES emu than the GP2X does. Too bad the screen ghosts so much and everything is stretched out and distorted to fill the screen though.

Here's an unbias answer as I was in the OP's same situation about getting a gp2x.

is still seems you get crappy battery life out of the device.
- control stick is not that good.
- not sure if the screen problem is fixed.

i"ve been looking at the gp2x since nov of 2005.

I guess I'll just wait till a new hardware version comes out that have
- dpad
- better screen with no "scan line"
- better life. (or at least let me add say 4x AAA ) bettery

I'm going to stay away for now

That's ok, it is for people that appreciate INTERESTING NEW HARDWARE, that allows more... For Less....


- Crappy battery life ?, untrue.

- Control stick isn't that bad, it depends on the games it is used on, and how they were coded.

- No screen problems, no scanlines, very bright clear display ( MK 2 )

http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=31289


http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=29038&hl=


http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=31305

Didn't know all of this did ya?

4 - 5 hours doesn't seem crappy to me, also I carry around an extra pair of AAs making it 8 - 10 hours.



It is true that the control pad isn't the best, but it definately isn't the worst.



I don't know what you mean by "screen problem" but I can't find any problems with the screen.


I own a Mk.II by the way.

Try looking around for decent homebrew games for PSP.

I betcha they won't see a Triple Triad X.

I'm actually one of the rare ones that thinks the joystick is excellent. I have no problems wheeling off fireballs and dragon punches at will. In fact, I probably wouldn't have bought the device if it had a regular d-pad. (I have a Mk2 btw)

Do teach us, oh master of shoryuken I have yet to pull off a single dragon punch in SF2 on the SNES emu.

Yep my MK2's stick is fine as well. Not great, but it's acceptable.

- Alex

I like the joystick as well. It takes a little getting used to, and its a bit tight at first, but then it loosens up.

The build quality is good, too. To me the PSP feels like a brick of electronics in your hand, whereas the GP2X feels more balanced.

Just be sure to get some decent rechargeables, and a cheap card reader. The TV out cable is worth it, too. Don't buy the case or wrist string though, they suck. I just use and old GBA case (I stick it in the zipper compartment, not the front compartment. The front compartment crushes the stick).

Oh and, you'll have a good experience if you read the readme's for everything you use.

good answer

See thats the thing with the GP2x. you have to make all those compromise and do it yourself.. which cost extra money..

let see..
1- I have to open it and mod my own D-PAD
2- from the link about the screen. they didn't really say anytyhing about it being much better.. but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that the MKII screen is better.
3- have to go through extra $ to get high capacibility battery..

no thanks for now. as I seem to have to jump through hoops and spend extra $ to get the satisfactoin out of the device I need..

but hey if you guys are ok with these then more power to you. for me I just want it to be my expectation right out of the box instead of tinkering with it.

It's like someone selling me a new car:
- Yes this car have a range of 500 miles on one fill up but you have to buy a bigger size gas tank from somewhere else
- Yes this car handle control well but you have to open the hood and change to a better steering wheel yourself..

Got my GBAMP for the GBA in 2004 and was happy with the NES and SMS emulation. Wasn't very happy with other emulators.

Got a DS in 2004 but didn't get emulators on it until 2005. Was much happier with NES with higher resolution and some emulators were faster / better but was frustrated by the SNES emulator and other ones that the PSP could do.

I read and read and read and read about all the BS ppl had to go through getting emulators running on the PSP. Even though each firmware got bypassed, I really didn't want to have to go through all of it and then deal with no tv-out, proprietary battery, and memory sticks.

Finally got a gp2x in 2006 and man oh man. drop in games and go. drop in divx and go. no hassles, no problem.

Actually, it's more like getting a Ferrari, and expecting high fuel economy, a great handling, and a perfect shine forever...

You can whine how much it would cost to upkeep the Ferrari. Or you can change the tires and tighten up the suspension, modify the engine, and clean the damn car...

You're missing the point of the GP2X, the main philosophy of it all, the reason it is doing so well, the reason GP and GPH broke up: IT'S OPEN. You can do whatever the fuck you want with it. I'd like to see you be able to change the joystick on the PSP, or write your own OS to run on the PSP, or any other handheld, emulated or not.

Hmm, I got what I wanted out of the box. Then again, I loaded the SD full of my favorite games 1 day BEFORE I got it.

Then again, I already had several batterys and 2 chargers, some good headphones, and a case, left over (Rest In Pieces, GP32). Its good to have headphones as the speakers are sub-par in my opinion.

Errm I spent £15 on reasonable rechargeables, they haven't let me down yet.

And the MK2 has no scanlines, but worse viewing angle range.

You're wasting your time fellas, this guy obviously doesn't get it. Let him get a Sony or Nintendo and live in blissful ignorance.

EDIT: Just to address the issues...


No, you don't. The joystick is fine.


The screen is one of the best I've ever seen. The viewing angle is small but how often do you use a handheld without looking straight at it?


It cost me a fiver for high capacity batteries. It's not even worth mentioning.


No worries. Have a nice day.

[quote name='subcon959' date='Aug 29 2006, 02:21 PM' post='443648']
You're wasting your time fellas, this guy obviously doesn't get it. Let him get a Sony or Nintendo and live in blissful ignorance.

Actually. I have decided to opt for the gp2x as it seems to have better battery life. less hassle getting emus and roms on there and ive found a seasoned gp2x developer/pro to help me kick things off

Hi enverse.. Sorry if it wasn't clear in my post but I was talking about geniv not you.

I thought it was very obvious, what with quoting him 4 times.

Hey no probs dude.. Sorry to jump the gun

[quote name='enverse' date='Aug 29 2006, 10:04 AM' post='443662']
[quote name='subcon959' date='Aug 29 2006, 02:21 PM' post='443648']
You're wasting your time fellas, this guy obviously doesn't get it. Let him get a Sony or Nintendo and live in blissful ignorance.

Actually. I have decided to opt for the gp2x as it seems to have better battery life. less hassle getting emus and roms on there and ive found a seasoned gp2x developer/pro to help me kick things off
[/quote]

I'm actually interested in the unit. as I wouldn't be on the forum and monitoring it since Nov of last year.

but the main thing is the d-pad and battery life for me.

but to each his own. I'm kind of broke since 2 weeks ago.

but the next revision with a d-pad and better battery life. and possibily thinner I'll snap it up right up

don't get me wrong I support the gp2x and think it's a good unit but it seems like everyone here are just overly a fanboy. downplay any problems with the gp2x.

Bear in mind that no one here has anything to gain by falsely representing the GP2x. It won't make one bit of difference to me personally if you do or don't get one. All we can do is clear up any misconceptions you might have from simply reading about it online - as opposed to us actually owning one and experiencing it first hand. I've read all the posts about the earlier versions too, but that doesn't mean that those problems still exist. I have a GP2x here right now while I'm typing.. the screen is beautiful.. the batteries are still going strong after 4.5 hours.. I just reeled off 3 fireballs in a row followed by a strong punch + dragon punch combo (Ken) in SF2 on the Megadrive emu. Life is good.

EDIT: Bloody typos.

Why the hell should we need to convince you, or anyone else to buy this device? Why is this topic still here? Why am I replying when I have Powermanga to play ...

Learn to edit quotes, and learn to fix the problems you would have yourself. Have you actually read anything I said?

If you don't like something, GO FIX IT.

Too many fanboys (and girls?) around here.

At the end of the day there are those who are happy with the 2x and those who aren't - why worry if others criticise? Basically this is a nice toy for those inclined to get there hands dirty, it's not really a perfect system.

I love using the 2x but I wouldn't argue with anyone who thinks that it has it's faults - stop taking it so personally guys.

I think it would be a good idea if someone made a sticky for visitors which outlined the GP2X to a prospective 'non-fanboy' buyer, then we wouldn't have to have these threads come up every week.

I am buying one 2007... ...... .......

Ah, waiting until you can run Vista on it eh?

Yeah and don't forget the new blu-ray drive coming out for it.