Console Review: GP2X - Page 2

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.

In The Box
Depending on your region, you may get more or less items in the box.

• GP2X Console
• Screen Cover
• USB Cable
• Instruction Manual
• 2x AA Batteries

While I did not expect the TV-Out cable to come in the box, I did expect an AC adapter. The instruction manual states that you can use you own, but you want to be very careful of the voltage and amps your AC adapter uses. The back of the GP2X reads 3.3V 1A. The cheapest 3.3 volt, 1 amp adapter I could find was at RadioShack, and they wanted $40 for it. Thankfully the U.S. distributor has a $25 adapter.

Technical Specifications
CPU: Dual, ARM940T @ 200Mhz, ARM920T @ 200Mhz
Dimension: 143.6mm x 82.9mm x 34mm
Mass (w/o batteries): 161g/5.68oz
RAM: 64 MB SDRAM
Storage: 64 MB NAND Internal, SD Card
Connection Type: USB 2.0
Power: 2AA
Display: 3.5" Backlit TFT LCD
Resolution: 320 x 240 (QVGA)

Hardware
Considering the GP2X is not seeing production numbers close to the PSP or DS, the build quality of this unit is solid. The plastic used is sturdy, and has performed well under heavy use. The buttons do not feel as firm as the PSP, but they all work just fine.

The unit itself is the same size as a DS, give or take a couple millimeters. This turns out well, as you hold the GP2X almost exactly like a DS. It is also lighter than Nintendo's dual screen handheld.

Pick up some rechargeable AA batteries because this gadget doesn't use an internal one. I cannot recommend the rechargeable batteries enough, as the GP2X eats them just as fast as the Game Gear did.

In testing, you will get four to five hours from NiMH batteries when playing games. Alkaline batteries won't last as long. You should see six hours for video and 10 hours for music playback, thought I did not test this fully.

Article Author: Ken Edwards

Ken Edwards is the Gaming Editor at Blogcritics, and calls Breaking Windows home. Ken works part time for Student Publications at BGSU as the Webmaster and System Administrator. He is also a freelance web developer.

Visit Ken Edwards's author page — Ken Edwards's Blog