The GP2X is a Korean-made, Linux-based handheld that shares many features with the PSP. In some cases, the GP2X dances circles around the PSP. But the GP2X is not for everyone. It is not the most accessible handheld - it takes some tinkering to get things working the way you want.

The history of the GP2X is convoluted to say the least. GamePark, a Korean company, released the GP32 in 2001. The company split because of "differences in philosophy," and thus GamePark Holdings was created.

GamePark is planning on going toe-to-toe with Sony and Nintendo with the release of the XGP and XGP Mini, set to launch this year. GamePark Holdings, with the original GP32 design team, released the GP2X to keep with the goals of the GP32 audience.

I am quite glad they did this, as the XGP is going to be more akin to a DS and PSP, and nowhere near as open a platform as the GP32/GP2X is. Just as the GP32 before it, the GP2X is mainly geared toward the homebrew (video games written by hobby programmers) and emulation crowd, and is a big success on all fronts. Released at the end of 2005, GamePark Holdings' handheld is a powerful little gadget that might not make it in the mainstream market. But that is what makes it so good.

While there is a good sized homebrew community around the PSP, that system has a major drawback. Sony releases a new software upgrade after the last version gets hacked to allow for homebrew and emulation (not to mention pirating of PSP games), then new games require this software version to run. This is a shame, but is a necessary evil. And quite frankly, I like the new features Sony has been adding. Although I am sure we will start to see new versions of the PSP firmware that only close holes sometime down the line.

With the GP2X, you get an entirely open environment without the constraints of a big company like Sony. You won't be seeing the latest games from Rockstar or EA, but that isn't the point. The homebrew community has written so much software in the short life of the GP2X that you will not be without options. Furthermore, the library of GP2X software is growing by the day.

GamePark Holdings has yet to release any information on first party games, but they have not ruled it out. The GP32 had a few first party titles, so hopefully the GP2X will too. The other major drawback is the incompatibility with GP32 software. Much of that has been rewritten for the GP2X, but backwards compatibility would have meant a much larger library from the start.

Unlike a lot of foreign games and game consoles, you do not need to import the GP2X in the U.S. (there are also distributors in Europe). In the U.S., the GP2X can be purchased from GP32z.com for $189.99 (the price varies territory to territory and store to store). You can also get a TV-Out Cable, as well as replacement parts for the handheld. It is nice that they offer replacement parts for this thing, including a custom joystick cap.