Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

We’ve already seen early pictures and heard a release date for GamePark’s newest handheld — the Wiz — but now Engadget Spanish has gotten their hands and eyes all over the device, and they’ve brought back photos to prove it. As you can see from the pics, the portable console will be offered with more than one style of casing, and apparently the company is setting up some type of App Store-like service which will allow users to purchase and download software, as well as share their own homebrew apps. According to our team, it looks like that October 8th street date will be pushed back till sometime in November due to issues with the right control pad (which GamePark is working to correct). Until then, you can just feast your eyes on the gallery below.

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Be still our hearts! After months upon months (upon months) of waiting, the tight-knit team behind the ultra-potent Pandora gaming handheld has finally divulged the information we’ve been clamoring for: the ARM Cortex A8-powered device will begin shipping before Christmas 2008 for £199.99 in the UK. The first batch will consist of 3,000 units, and the team is hoping that all of those will be sold out before the first one leaves the dock. There’s no word on how costly it’ll be for Americans, though we’re crossing our fingers that it’ll sell for a few bucks less than the $360 we find when simply converting pounds to dollars.

[Thanks, Andri]

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Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

This one has been around the block a time or two, but considering you have absolutely nothing else to do on a Sunday, you might as well dust off that DIY kit and get to work. What you’re looking at above is a genuine (albeit modified) NES controller playing a bona fide classic on a laptop. Amazingly, all of the software required for such a marvelously good time is stuffed tight within the controller itself. Take a step back and digest that — your very own NES emulator (with ROMs), shoved inside a Nintendo Entertainment System controller. Does it get any more awesome than that? Hit the read link to start building your own and let us know. Video of the action after the jump.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading Modder shoves emulator, ROMs into actual NES controller

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Filed under: Gaming, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Finally we can toss out that old, boring Gemei X760 we’ve been fooling around with, and step up to some legitimate action. That’s right, the X760+ is on the scene, and that + isn’t just for show. The new iteration of the Chinese-made PMP / game playing device boasts 4GB of onboard storage, a 3-inch, WQVGA screen, a 400MHz CPU, FM tuner, and a TV output. The handheld is capable of playing MP3, WMA, APE, RM, MPEG, FLV, AVI, and VOB files (amongst others), but the main selling point here seems to be its built-in ability to emulate the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, as well as play “3D games.” The price? 599 yuan (or about $87). Availability? Call an importer.

[Thanks, Raz]

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Not much else to say beyond the title of this one — MWeston has recently confirmed over at the GP32X boards that Bluetooth will indeed be included on the forthcoming Pandora mega-emulator. He noted that BT was added because of an exceptional deal they landed and to “make competing devices look that much less interesting.” Right, so what exactly is this bundle of awesomeness competing against exactly?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Not much else to say beyond the title of this one — MWeston has recently confirmed over at the GP32X boards that Bluetooth will indeed be included on the forthcoming Pandora mega-emulator. He noted that BT was added because of an exceptional deal they landed and to “make competing devices look that much less interesting.” Right, so what exactly is this bundle of awesomeness competing against exactly?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming

Finally, the ultimate dream of all iPhone owners has come to pass: TurboGrafx-16 emulation. Thanks once again to the massive talents at ZodTTD, Apple’s phone has gotten another piece of the emulator puzzle in the form of Temper4iphone, a fully functioning recreation of everyone’s favorite under-performing game console. The app can play both TurboGrafx and PC-Engine games, as well as CD-based ROMs. Right now the software is only available to beta testers (and donation-makers), though it’s expected to hit wide release soon. Check the video after the break and see for yourself.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading TurboGrafx-16 emulation hits the iPhone

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Filed under: Gaming

Finally, Engadget editor Paul Miller’s prayers have been answered — in the form of a homebrew SNES emulator for the Wii. It’s no secret that Paul is eerily obsessed with the SNES, and now he can get access to all his favorites (import or otherwise) with another Wii tweak. A hacker named RobertFC has ported SNES9X to Nintendo’s money maker, and it even includes support for the Wiimote, Classic controller, and two-player game modes. We’re assuming this is all part of the much-loved Twilight Princess exploit, though they’re a bit short on detail. Hit the read link and start breaking Nintendo’s heart ASAP!

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Alright, so we know there aren’t hordes of you out there currently possessing one of GamePark’s GP2X F-200 handhelds, but we have absolutely no doubts that the owners that do exist are mighty vocal about their diminutive emulation powerhouse. When the unit was reviewed recently over at Ars Technica, critics found an awful lot to love, but it’s not like the admittedly hefty, battery-eating, mildly unsightly unit was flawless or anything. Sure, we know the hardcore emulation geeks out there are likely turning their attention to the forthcoming Pandora, but that’s not to say the F-200 can’t handle a good talking-to from its loyal followers. Go on, put away that unconditional adoration for just a moment and tell the world how this thing actually could be improved upon — we’re sure there’s something that grinds the gears.

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Filed under: Handhelds

Shamelessly attempting to rip off a plethora of yesteryear’s gaming handhelds all at once isn’t a new trick or anything, but you’d expect the creators of the Cool Boy to at least conjure up a name with some inkling of originality, right? Nevertheless, the portable, um, system features a 2.4-inch color display, gets juiced from a trio of AAA cells and even includes a video out port for taking the sweet handheld action to the 13-inch CRT. Of course, the thing only works with Cool Boy Mega Pack game cartridges, which means that even the homebrew crowd is likely out of luck here. But hey, you can get 120 sure-to-be-riveting titles in a single cart for just $7.99. Any takers? Anyone? Okay.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

We know, most of you even remotely interested in the F-200 either already own one (and you’re playing it right now, aren’t you? Don’t lie.) or are waiting intently for the Pandora. Nevertheless, the cats over at Ars Technica managed to wrap their paws around the GP2X F-200 and give it the full review treatment — needless to say, impressions were (fairly) positive. Immediately recognized as a “hybrid of Sony’s PSP and the Nintendo DS,” the gaming handheld possessed a bright, clear LCD, somewhat “tinny” speakers and the ability to chew through batteries without shame. Still, aside from a few minor niggles, the critics found it to be “well worth the $170 price tag for the emulation capabilities alone.” Hit up the read link for the entire review, but don’t even bother if you’re looking for excuses to hold off.

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

So much for the naysayers, huh? Although the hotly-anticipated Pandora is still doing its thang without a case in the most recent videos, the dev board is definitely handling the FinalBurn Alpha arcade emulator and MPlayer video viewer with ease. Yeah, we’re still clueless about a definitive launch date, but feel free to hit the read link for a couple of clips sure to get you even more anxious for this thing’s arrival.

[Thanks, Ben]

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Filed under: Gaming, Portable Audio, Portable Video

If you’re an owner or prospective owner of the Cowon Q5W, you’re probably impressed with its myriad audio and video playback capabilities — but did you know it can handle emulation as well? Apparently, since the device is based on Windows CE, it’s fairly easy to get game emulators up and running on the 5-inch PMP. In the video you can watch a setup of what appears to be an SNES imitator playing both Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario Kart (two favorites of our SNES fanboy, Paul Miller, we suspect). The games are controlled by a decidedly non-Nintendo accessory — a PS1 controller connected via USB adapter. With that recent $50 price drop, this may be just the incentive you need to spring for a shiny new edition to your gadget library.

Continue reading Cowon Q5W does SNES emulation with a PS1 controller

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Filed under: Gaming

Alright, things are starting to get really good with these hacks. Just after seeing a GameCube / Wii Tetris, Linux build, SNES emulator, and the first homebrew MP3 player for Nintendo’s money-maker, we’re getting a totally radical, native Genesis / Megadrive emulator for the console. Coder-extraordinaire Eke-Eke has created not only the first of its kind for the Wii (and GameCube), but it’s also the first ever that’s capable of playing Virtua Racing, a milestone in Genesis emulation. This latest feat utilizes the same backdoor Twilight Princess hack, which is proving to be the best thing that happened to Wii development since… well… ever. Hit the read link and check it out yourself.

[Thanks, Craig]

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Filed under: Cellphones

We’ve seen a lot of phones float our way over the years, and some of them have had emulation capability, but it’s rare when you see a mobile phone-maker actually advocating that you pirate ROMs for their device. Of course, that’s exactly what Fly Mobile is doing when it comes to its MC100 handset. The phone has all kinds of regular features we’re sure you’d be interested in, like a 240 x 320 display, AAC, MP3 and MPEG4 playback, a microSD slot, and that handsome, “noble” dark brown finish. It all sounds good, but we know there’s only one set of qualities you’ll be laying down cash for: the phone’s ability to play SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and NES ROMs. Just remember, your favorites “can be freele [sic] downloaded frim [sic] Internet.” $270 and it’s yours.

[Via Mobile Magazine]

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds, Peripherals

Legitimate (read: legal) Famicon support for your DS Lite may seem like a dream come true for the retro gamer, but Cyber Gadget’s Cyber Famulator Lite might be a little much to ask for all but the geekiest. You have to strap on a (barely) pared down “famiclone” system onto your cute little portable, but pulling out and blowing into a dirty old Metroid cart on the go will no doubt be a privilege for some.

[Via ExtremeTech]

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Yeah, we’ve seen solar chargers crammed into some fairly interesting places, and the latest questionable call comes from who else but Chinavasion. The CVEAB-S828-2 handheld features 2GB of internal memory, a media player, 3.5-inch display, integrated LED flashlight (saywha?) and of course, pre-installed emulators for NES and Game Boy titles. Beyond all that, users can crack this bad boy open, lay it out to bake, and watch it magically recharge its own batteries courtesy of the internal solar panels. And if for whatever reason that’s still not enough to draw you in, it can also recharge other gizmos attached via USB when parked under the sunlight. Still, we wouldn’t believe for a minute that this thing will actually work precisely as advertised, but those with oodles of faith can take the plunge for $123.32.

[Via Tech Digest]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming

You’ve waited, you’ve watched, and now your wildest dreams are about to come true. That’s right, someone has coded a native SNES emulator for the iPhone / iPod touch. Right now, the project is still in the beta / testing phase, but you can be assured that in the very near future, your sweaty hands will be smudging all over a virtual controller during heart-pounding games of F-Zero, Killer Instinct, and Super Metroid. If you absolutely can’t wait one more second (Paul Miller, we’re looking at you), slip the developers a donation and they’ll break you off some beta test action. If you’re the patient type, you can enjoy the video after the break, and sit tight till the app goes public.

[Thanks, Daniel]

Continue reading iPhone and iPod touch nab SNES emulation

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

The tips have been flowing in hot and heavy on this one, so we felt it only fair to pass along the latest rumblings in the world of GP2X to you. We first got word that a new emulation monster could be coming from the GP2X community back in September, and if late breaking mockups and specification lists are to be believed, that system is indeed Pandora. Notably, the product seen above is purported to feature a keyboard (obviously), 4.3-inch 800 x 480 resolution touchscreen and built-in WiFi (802.11b/g) — all inclusions that were previously mentioned — along with an ARM Cortex A8 CPU, OpenGL 2.0-compliant 3D hardware, dual SDHC expansion slots, TV output and USB connectivity. Unfortunately, we know nothing more than that at the moment, as dates / pricing still remain a mystery, but if Pandora does prove to be more than a figment of someone’s imagination, we’re betting it’ll be worth the wait.

[Thanks, Stern and Craig]
Read - Open Pandora
Read - Pandora Wiki

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

As if the N73 wasn’t already up for the “most knocked off cellphone of the century” award, here we have yet another rip that wasn’t even so kind as to stick solely to the Nokia motif. Rather, the ZTC 8898 threw in a dash of HTC to flavor things up, and apparently, this unit can even handle its fair share of NES (SNES?) emulation. Specs wise, we’re lookin’ at a 2.5-inch external display (and a 2.8-incher on the inside), dual SIM card slots, built-in camera and a pair of janky speakers to boot. We understand that buying both of the handsets this thing mimics wouldn’t be cheap, but seriously, don’t do yourself the disservice of plunking down $189 on this.

[Via Technabob]

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