GCW Zero open source retro-gaming handheld

Posted by Frogboy on January 18, 2013 06:19 pm 0

Here's a Kickstarter project that caught my attention. I'm a big fan of open source, indie game consoles like the GP2X and the Pandora and was happy to see this. This is a welcome change from the barrage of Android powered handhelds currently populating this space at the moment. Due to running Linux, featuring a screen resolution native to classic game consoles and a resonable price tag, the GCW Zero looks poised to become the defacto standard for classic emulation and indie gaming on the go.

The Kickstarter has about 9 days left so if you're interested in getting one of these, hop on over to their Kickstart page and make a pledge. So far, the project appears like it will reach its goal.

Since none of the major tech blogs [that I know of] have covered it yet, I figured that I'd let you guys know in case you haven't come across it. It's a niche device; certainly not for everyone. It's not a substitute for a PS Vita or a 3DS but if classic gaming is what interests you (or is something that you'd like to have a dedicated device for), the Zero will likely be money well spent.

Specifications

  1. CPU: Ingenic JZ4770 1 GHz MIPS processor
  2. GPU: Vivante GC860, capable of OpenGL ES 2.0
  3. Display: 3.5 inch LCD with 320x240 pixels; 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for retro gaming
  4. Memory: 512 MB DDR2
  5. Internal storage: 16 GB, most of which is available for applications and data
  6. External storage: micro SDHC up to 32 GB or micro SDXC up to 64 GB (SDXC cards must be reformatted before use)
  7. Mini USB 2.0 OTG
  8. Mini HDMI 1.3 out
  9. 3.5 mm (mini jack) A/V port for earphone and analog TV-out
  10. Stereo speakers, mono microphone
  11. Accelerometer (g-sensor) and vibration motors
  12. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz, can connect to access point or direct device-to-device
  13. Dimensions: 143 * 70 * 18 mm
  14. Weight: 8 oz / 225 g
  15. Battery: 2800 mAh

Enjoy!