Observations Regarding Xgp Product Line Componentry ...

[Radek]

I did consider 8bit but we'll probably end up using more colors than that
in some areas, even though we are keeping an old-school artistic style by

You can always use 8bpp (or even 4bpp) with local pallettes. For final 16bpp output it could be only 512bytes per 256 positional CLUT. The 8 bit pixel could be also encoded like RGBL 2:2:2:2.

keeping it looking palletized. Honestly, if all 32MB can be accessed by the 3D engine in the VRENDER-3D on the XGP-Mini, it should be sufficient-- especially since we can stream music from faster SD cards (preloading to RAM will be an option.) So, the game would not need to be limited to fit the hardware.

Probably the biggest gains would come on the XGP/XGPMini from using OpenGL-ES functionality to handle more stressful visual elements; e.g. more sprites onscreen at once with high framerate in the more insane difficulty levels, fancier alpha blending effects, etc. Maybe
scaling/rotation can be done on the GPU as well. I worry this may be too

Scaling and rotation would be major benefit to 2D type of game. And it can be done for sure using 3D accelerator.

 

[C B Felterbush]

In this article seen here there it is stated that the mini will have quite a bit more in the pants than was initially posted. If this has merit it does look good for the mini in the way of emulation. I dont mind the screen size I believe they are made by samsung, so they are going to be nice. here is the part of the article that states the changed specs. I have included a link as well. There are some nice photos there also.


The lineup starts with the $300 big brother XGP (3D graphics, 128MB, 4in screen, Wi-Fi), passes through the $150 XGP mini (3D, 96MB, 2.2in, no wireless) and hits bottom with the $75 XGP Kids (2D, 2.2in, no wireless). All three play MP4 movies, MP3 audio and function as e-books, while the top-end model throws in network gaming and IM functions, as well as optional Linux or Win CE as the OS instead of the standard GPOS. SD card slots run the range of machines.

http://www.digitalworldtokyo.com/2006/05/e...iming_hig_1.php

 

[C B Felterbush]

Also it seems that GP is indeed partnered with nvidia as can be seen on their website. Am I mistaken but doesnt the GP2X only have 64mb? But then again the article isnt very descriptive as to what the 96mb really is.

 

[OMars]

Also it seems that GP is indeed partnered with nvidia as can be seen on their website. Am I mistaken but doesnt the GP2X only have 64mb? But then again the article isnt very descriptive as to what the 96mb really is.

XGP=64MB Ram, 64MB NAND
XGP mini=32MB Ram, 64MB NAND
XGP kids=a lot less

GP2X=64MB Ram, 64MB NAND -_-

Have fun....... :rolleyes:

 

[C B Felterbush]

Makes sence but since devs havent been able to take full advantage of the full power of the GP2X due to the restrictions the os and firmware put on it, is it possible to to get nearly the same ammount from the XGP-Mini?

 

[Radek]

Makes sence but since devs havent been able to take full advantage of the full power of the GP2X due to the restrictions the os and firmware put on it, is it possible to to get nearly the same ammount from the XGP-Mini?

These restiction aren't much of restictions now. You aren't seeing much movement in this regard because of some competitions being in a way...
The XGP mini does like as competent handheld save a small screen. It will be better at some things (thanks to its 3d accelerator thought not that powerfull), it will be worse at some other because the GP2x has two Arm cores.

 

[Epicenter]

Makes sence but since devs havent been able to take full advantage of the full power of the GP2X due to the restrictions the os and firmware put on it, is it possible to to get nearly the same ammount from the XGP-Mini?

I suggested to them to take the XGP up to 128MB and the Mini up to at least 64MB RAM. Maybe they took my advice. But probably not. At any rate, the price of $300 for the XGP full is ridiculous. Especially since a WiFi adapter, larger screen and a bit more RAM don't add up to nearly $150.

At any rate, there are no problems using all 64MB of the GP2X's RAM; part of it is taken up by the OS but the rest is freely available, and thanks to Squidge's MMU hack is now usable at full speed since it's now cacheable on the ARM920T.