Should The Gp2x Be Bought?

[Kyalami]

Allo, all. I've been seeing the GP2X on Wikipedia an estimated amout of 32,634 times. Well, maybe not, but for quite a while. Technically, I was seeing all the handhelds that ever existed, and I convinced myself enogh nto buy a SEGA Game Gear! I thought it would be cool, but after a while I must, sadly say, that I was a bit dissapointed about it. I knew i wouldn't get something like the PSP or Gameboy Advance, but I kind of lost enthusiasm.
Then I saw the GP32. Then, the XGP. And finally, the GP2X. Out of the three, I thought this one was gonna be really cool. So now, I research every thing, check the posts on this forum everyday, etc. In other words, I wanna buy a GP2X. But, seeing that it's nearly $200 USD, and that it's not very popular (not that I care, but still) I have my doubts. However, since I know lots of experienced GP2X users and developers are on this forum, I'm going to ask my questions straight out. Please answer (if possible)!

1. Let's say I saw a video on the internet, right? Then, I see it through my Windows Media Player and it's a really cool one. I want to keep this video. Since there's a download option, I download it. Cool. Now, the big question. If I find the way to put this file on the GP2X (read next question) could I actually see this video?

2. How do you get stuff to the GP2X through the USB cable? I have a USB port, but do I need any additional software? And if I do, can I get it on the internet?

2-a. If I have an SD Card for the GP2X is there an ABSOLUTE need for a card reader/writer? Or can I just put the SD Card into GP2X, xonnect the GP2X to my computer through the USB cable, and write stuff onto the SD Card through it?

2-b. I don't NEED to have an SD Card to write stuff onto the GP2X, right? I can just use up as much of the 64 MB RAM/NAND memory that's on it, right?

3. Let's say I got the FIFA Soccer 200-Gold Edition ROM for a Windows PC SEGA Genesis emulator and I want to play it on the DRMD emulator for the GP2X. If I upload that exact ROM (without doing anything to it) to my GP2X (that is, to the proprietary folder where the DRMD ROM files would need to go) would it work?

4. Can the GP2X really emulate the PSX? Of course at a slow speed and with a compatibility library of only a couple, select games? This would certainly be cool!

5. If I get the interpreter for, say, Duke 3D, and then uploaded the Duke 3D files from my PC to the GP2X, would I really be able to play Duke Nukem 3D, by 3D Realms, on a small handheld screen?! COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

6. HUGE QUESTION: IS THE GP2X A WORTHHILE PURCHASE? I don't want to spend 200 bucks and be dissappointed!

I must be forgetting a lot of things, but please, someone, answer these questions! If you can that is. Thanks, gotta go!

 

[craigix]

1. Let's say I saw a video on the internet, right? Then, I see it through my Windows Media Player and it's a really cool one. I want to keep this video. Since there's a download option, I download it. Cool. Now, the big question. If I find the way to put this file on the GP2X (read next question) could I actually see this video?

Yes it should work, unless it is in WMA format (for now).

2. How do you get stuff to the GP2X through the USB cable? I have a USB port, but do I need any additional software? And if I do, can I get it on the internet?

You just drag it across.

2-a. If I have an SD Card for the GP2X is there an ABSOLUTE need for a card reader/writer? Or can I just put the SD Card into GP2X, xonnect the GP2X to my computer through the USB cable, and write stuff onto the SD Card through it?

Yes. I'd get a card reader though, much easier as you don't have to connect the gp2x.

2-b. I don't NEED to have an SD Card to write stuff onto the GP2X, right? I can just use up as much of the 64 MB RAM/NAND memory that's on it, right?

Yes.

3. Let's say I got the FIFA Soccer 200-Gold Edition ROM for a Windows PC SEGA Genesis emulator and I want to play it on the DRMD emulator for the GP2X. If I upload that exact ROM (without doing anything to it) to my GP2X (that is, to the proprietary folder where the DRMD ROM files would need to go) would it work?

Yes.

4. Can the GP2X really emulate the PSX? Of course at a slow speed and with a compatibility library of only a couple, select games? This would certainly be cool!

Not really, it is rather slow.

5. If I get the interpreter for, say, Duke 3D, and then uploaded the Duke 3D files from my PC to the GP2X, would I really be able to play Duke Nukem 3D, by 3D Realms, on a small handheld screen?! COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

Yes

6. HUGE QUESTION: IS THE GP2X A WORTHHILE PURCHASE? I don't want to spend 200 bucks and be dissappointed!

Upto you.

 

[nubie]

1. Let's say I saw a video on the internet, right? Then, I see it through my Windows Media Player and it's a really cool one. I want to keep this video. Since there's a download option, I download it. Cool. Now, the big question. If I find the way to put this file on the GP2X (read next question) could I actually see this video?

It will play some Divx in an .AVI container

2. How do you get stuff to the GP2X through the USB cable? I have a USB port, but do I need any additional software? And if I do, can I get it on the internet?

You must have a USB OS (WinXP not win98 or lower, unless you have USB mass storage drivers for 98).

2-a. If I have an SD Card for the GP2X is there an ABSOLUTE need for a card reader/writer? Or can I just put the SD Card into GP2X, xonnect the GP2X to my computer through the USB cable, and write stuff onto the SD Card through it?

Card readers are so cheap, and fast, and don't use batteries. Get one.

2-b. I don't NEED to have an SD Card to write stuff onto the GP2X, right? I can just use up as much of the 64 MB RAM/NAND memory that's on it, right?

Yes. Not much is left, Linux is using more than half if I recall correctly, but I got a 2GB SD for $51, 1GB for $20.

3. Let's say I got the FIFA Soccer 200-Gold Edition ROM for a Windows PC SEGA Genesis emulator and I want to play it on the DRMD emulator for the GP2X. If I upload that exact ROM (without doing anything to it) to my GP2X (that is, to the proprietary folder where the DRMD ROM files would need to go) would it work?

I would do a search of the compatability lists. Try the wiki (honestly there have been 20 threads like this since the device went public, needs must search the forum guys.)

4. Can the GP2X really emulate the PSX? Of course at a slow speed and with a compatibility library of only a couple, select games? This would certainly be cool!

Not really, it is rather slow. (depending on the game of course, 2D should be quick, or 2D background and 3D characters [FF series, etc] and PSX emus aren't like N64 emus, they are compatable with 95% of games if they work at all ).

5. If I get the interpreter for, say, Duke 3D, and then uploaded the Duke 3D files from my PC to the GP2X, would I really be able to play Duke Nukem 3D, by 3D Realms, on a small handheld screen?! COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

Yes

6. HUGE QUESTION: IS THE GP2X A WORTHHILE PURCHASE? I don't want to spend 200 bucks and be dissappointed!

Upto you.

Exactly what he said, you must be prepared to expect a handheld computer running Linux, not a Gameboy.

Upside it is painfully easy to run things on this compared to GB, GBA SP/DS or PSP, and everything it runs is free so far. Downside is that you don't get commercial games and straight up "plug and play" gaming like you do with the other systems.

You must ask yourself: "Am I geeky enough to really want this", or "Do I have it in me to learn what it takes, be patient, read readmes, configure emulators, etc."

 

[DaveC]

3. Let's say I got the FIFA Soccer 200-Gold Edition ROM for a Windows PC SEGA Genesis emulator and I want to play it on the DRMD emulator for the GP2X. If I upload that exact ROM (without doing anything to it) to my GP2X (that is, to the proprietary folder where the DRMD ROM files would need to go) would it work?

I would do a search of the compatability lists. Try the wiki (honestly there have been 20 threads like this since the device went public, needs must search the forum guys.)

He isn't asking if a particular game works, he is asking if the Game ROMs that he already has on his PC will just work directly on the GP2X without converting to a special format.

The answer is YES all of your ROMs that you have on the PC will work directly with emulators on the GP2X with no conversion. Just copy the ROMs onto the SD card from your PC, they will work, even zipped ones.

 

[Kyalami]

4. Can the GP2X really emulate the PSX? Of course at a slow speed and with a compatibility library of only a couple, select games? This would certainly be cool!

Not really, it is rather slow. (depending on the game of course, 2D should be quick, or 2D background and 3D characters [FF series, etc] and PSX emus aren't like N64 emus, they are compatable with 95% of games if they work at all ).

Is some sort of N64 Emulator in the making; I have a lot of good games (ROMS) for it (e.g. Perfect Dark, Goldeneye, The World is Not Enough). And plus, if some PSX games have been able to load (some even run [e.g. Cotton, Bubble Bobble]) N64 ROMS should be easier, I assume.


Also, I need to ask something. Are people still developing programs and working on existing programs as of July 10th, 2006, Monday, 10:48 PM?! I mean, since the majority of the programs come from developers and not companies like Rareware or Sony or Activision; what if suddenly I buy it and then, 6 months later, there's a huge notice on the GP32X Archive Home Page saying "This website will be shut down soon since the domain is for sale due to low downloads", or "this web site will act as a repository since no developer is currently working on any GP2X/GP32 program/app."! I'm trying not to lose faith, but I'm freaking!!!!

 

[DaveC]

4. Can the GP2X really emulate the PSX? Of course at a slow speed and with a compatibility library of only a couple, select games? This would certainly be cool!

Not really, it is rather slow. (depending on the game of course, 2D should be quick, or 2D background and 3D characters [FF series, etc] and PSX emus aren't like N64 emus, they are compatable with 95% of games if they work at all ).

Is some sort of N64 Emulator in the making; I have a lot of good games for it (e.g. Perfect Dark, Goldeneye, The World is Not Enough). And plus, if some PSX games have been able to load (some even run [e.g. Cotton, Bubble Bobble]) N64 ROMS should be easier, I assume.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! Not again.

NO, N64 IS NOT POSSIBLE ON A 200 MHz handheld WITHOUT A 3D GPU! PLease people stop with the N64 emulators on GP2X.

 

[Kyalami]

Oooh, sorry DaveC. Didn't know. But, if PSX is somewhat possible, how come N64 isn't? I mean, the PSX did come after the N64. Right? I think... maybe I don't have my facts straight...

 

[BobBorakovitz]

4. Can the GP2X really emulate the PSX? Of course at a slow speed and with a compatibility library of only a couple, select games? This would certainly be cool!

Not really, it is rather slow. (depending on the game of course, 2D should be quick, or 2D background and 3D characters [FF series, etc] and PSX emus aren't like N64 emus, they are compatable with 95% of games if they work at all ).

Is some sort of N64 Emulator in the making; I have a lot of good games for it (e.g. Perfect Dark, Goldeneye, The World is Not Enough). And plus, if some PSX games have been able to load (some even run [e.g. Cotton, Bubble Bobble]) N64 ROMS should be easier, I assume.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! Not again.

NO, N64 IS NOT POSSIBLE ON A 200 MHz handheld WITHOUT A 3D GPU! PLease people stop with the N64 emulators on GP2X.

you freak out more than the newbies - chill out, man!

There's ALWAYS going to be newbies asking about N64 emulation, no matter how many times you flip out on someone. Get used to it & ignore it - at least STFU. Not everyone is as "leet" as you, Dave.

 

[nubie]

Is some sort of N64 Emulator in the making; I have a lot of good games for it (e.g. Perfect Dark, Goldeneye, The World is Not Enough). And plus, if some PSX games have been able to load (some even run [e.g. Cotton, Bubble Bobble]) N64 ROMS should be easier, I assume.


Also, I need to ask something. Are people still developing programs and working on existing programs as of July 10th, 2006, Monday, 10:48 PM?! I mean, since the majority of the programs come from developers and not companies like Rareware or Sony or Activision; what if suddenly I buy it and then, 6 months later, there's a huge notice on the GP32X Archive Home Page saying "This website will be shut down soon since the domain is for sale due to low downloads", or "this web site will act as a repository since no developer is currently working on any GP2X/GP32 program/app."! I'm trying not to lose faith, but I'm freaking!!!!

I assume you just are un-educated, maybe you should have come out of the closet at the beginning of our little discussion (I suppose all the signs were there at the beginning though).

Hang out, read a few hundred pages (you have researched, haven't you? You didn't just sign up and start bothering poeple straight away right off the bat did you?).

The GP32 scene is still getting new releases, and some are putting out releases on the GP2X and the GP32 at the same time!!

If you had bothered to hang out for a couple of days, or just read ALL the new programs released in the past week/month you would see plenty of action.

Have you seen the file archive of Homebrew on this thing? It is measured in GigaBytes. Even if all the homebrew was to instantly stop (not likely at all, EvilDragon is selling these for a living and these boards aren't going anywhere, PS OVER-USE, not UNDER-USE causes web-site shut down, but I think ED can float us ) ALL THE EMULATORS WOULD STILL WORK.

I think you may not be the sort for this device, you might be, but you don't seem to want to learn enough to make it worth your while, unless you have an intelligent friend with a GP2X willing to tolerate you, you will likely be unsatisfied with the GP2X. If you think you have the intense desire to learn that computers/emulators/linux require, go ahead and buy one (or if you just want to watch movies that is cool too, but please don't expect everybody to hold your hand while you ask silly questions that are PINNED and that have been asked a zillion times)

Oooh, sorry DaveC. Didn't know. But, if PSX is somewhat possible, how come N64 isn't? I mean, the PSX did come after the N64. Right? I think... maybe I don't have my facts straight...

Oh god you don't know when to stop.

"I believe the Cray supercomputer came before the Pentium correct?"

"Thusly my macintosh Dou core shall be able to emulate a Cray supercomputer, since it can run Win XP."

That is your argument, it is stupid.

Nintendo built custom chips with complex instructions and lots of 3D power into the N64.

The PSX started as a SNES CD ATTACHMENT for chrissakes and has a weak weak 3D chip.

The GP2X has no 3D Accelerator, that does not mean no 3D, but it Does mean that the Emulator has to do 3D and emulation, it is hard to do it that way on a processor that only goes 250mhz you know.

 

[Kyalami]

The reason I wanted the GP2X:

-because I didn't want something mainstream
-because I like old systems and though that the fact I could be able to emulate them all, free
of charge. would just be plain cool
-because I could see videos and photos, hear music, and play free video games
-countless other reasons that randomly spawn

 

[nubie]

The reason I wanted the GP2X:

-because I didn't want something mainstream
-because I like old systems and though that the fact I could be able to emulate them all, free
of charge. would just be plain cool
-because I could see videos and photos, hear music, and play free video games
-countless other reasons that randomly spawn

SO GET IT, IT DOES THAT STUFF.

END OF LINE

Edit: nothing like some uppity noobs to get us old-timers backs up in no time :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[DaveC]

Oooh, sorry DaveC. Didn't know. But, if PSX is somewhat possible, how come N64 isn't? I mean, the PSX did come after the N64. Right? I think... maybe I don't have my facts straight...

PSX: 33 MHz MIPs, Triangle generator with no floating point unit, non perspective correct textures, no z-buffer. Very simplistic 3D hardware and STILL the GP2X crawls along at 7 FPS with 3D games.

N64: 90 MHz MIPs CPU, 3D GPU with floating point unit, Perspective correct texturing, Mip mapping, z-buffer per pixel hidden line removal, LOD management, bi-linear filtering, edge anti-aliasing. And I haven't even begun talking about the sound hardware.

Forget N64 on GP2X.

 

[Kyalami]

[/quote]
Oh god you don't know when to stop.

"I believe the Cray supercomputer seperceded the Pentium correct?"

"Thusly my macintosh Dou core shall be able to emulate a Cray supercomputer, since it can run Win XP."

That is your argument, it is stupid.

Nintendo built custom chips with complex instructions and lots of 3D power into the N64.

The PSX started as a SNES CD ATTACHMENT for chrissakes and has a weak weak 3D chip.

The GP2X has no 3D Accelerator, that does not mean no 3D, but it Does mean that the Emulator has to do 3D and emulation, it is hard to do it that way on a processor that only goes 250mhz you know.
[/quote]

Sorry, you're right. Checked Wikipedia, said that an idea for PSX-like console was in people's minds since 1986! An dit also said that Nintendo wanted to work their Famicom along with disk technology for a long time or something. Whoa! Got to research even more I guess! (To think I'm a research and computer geek! [did I mention that?]).

 

[DaveC]

(To think I'm a research and computer geek! [did I mention that?]).

You are a "computer geek" and asked if you could emulate a 90 MHz Mips on a totally different 200 MHz ARM cpu (that is like only 2:1 Mhz per Mhz) and still have processing power left to do 3D floating point graphics emulation in software? :blink:

Tisk Tisk.

 

[Kyalami]

[/quote]

PSX: 33 MHz MIPs, Triangle generator with no floating point unit, non perspective correct textures, no z-buffer. Very simplistic 3D hardware and STILL the GP2X crawls along at 7 FPS with 3D games.

N64: 90 MHz MIPs CPU, 3D GPU with floating point unit, Perspective correct texturing, Mip mapping, z-buffer per pixel hidden line removal, LOD management, bi-linear filtering, edge anti-aliasing. And I haven't even begun talking about the sound hardware.

Forget N64 on GP2X.
[/quote]

Wait a second. If the N64 is more powerful than the PSX, how come it's easier to emulate it on the PC than the PSX? Also, why are the PSX ISO's ten times bigger than the N64 ROMS? Because they're ISO's?

P.S.: I know I'm a noob at this programming stuff (but I do know a bit about PCs) , but I want to learn something cool too! Everybody starts somwhere!

 

[DaveC]

Wait a second. If the N64 is more powerful than the PSX, how come it's easier to emulate it on the PC than the PSX? Also, why are the PSX ISO's ten times bigger than the N64 ROMS? Because they're ISO's?

P.S.: I know I'm a noob at this programming stuff (but I do know a bit about PCs) , but I want to learn something cool too! Everybody starts somwhere!

I don't think it is easier to emulate on the PC, I think it is the opposite, PSX emus are much faster than N64 ones.

ISOs are bigger because they came from CDs N64 games are from ROM carts. The size of the game has nothing to do with the power needed to run.

 

[Kyalami]

[/quote]


You are a "computer geek" and asked if you could emulate a 90 MHz Mips on a totally different 200 MHz ARM cpu (that is like only 2:1 Mhz per Mhz) and still have processing power left to do 3D floating point graphics emulation in software? :blink:

Tisk Tisk.
[/quote]

Not as far as programming and hacking goes, but I know how to handle a bunch of operations! For example, I get realyl old stuff running on my XP all by myself sometimes! I mean computer geek in terms of basic "do you know how I can copy something to CD-R", or "how can I get this GB/GBC emulator running" (which I learned how to run all by myself, though I read pretty much because I read through the instructions on the website. Sorry!

 

[jmetal88]

Oh god you don't know when to stop.

"I believe the Cray supercomputer seperceded the Pentium correct?"

"Thusly my macintosh Dou core shall be able to emulate a Cray supercomputer, since it can run Win XP."

That is your argument, it is stupid.

Nintendo built custom chips with complex instructions and lots of 3D power into the N64.

The PSX started as a SNES CD ATTACHMENT for chrissakes and has a weak weak 3D chip.

The GP2X has no 3D Accelerator, that does not mean no 3D, but it Does mean that the Emulator has to do 3D and emulation, it is hard to do it that way on a processor that only goes 250mhz you know.
[/quote]

Sorry, you're right. Checked Wikipedia, said that an idea for PSX-like console was in people's minds since 1986! An dit also said that Nintendo wanted to work their Famicom along with disk technology for a long time or something. Whoa! Got to research even more I guess! (To think I'm a research and computer geek! [did I mention that?]).
[/quote]


You put up with us quite well. I hope you decide to order the GP2X and stick around, we could use a few more people who can keep a clear head on these boards, even if they can't always keep the facts straight.

 

[DaveC]

Not as far as programming and hacking goes, but I know how to handle a bunch of operations! For example, I get realyl old stuff running on my XP all by myself sometimes! I mean computer geek in terms of basic "do you know how I can copy something to CD-R", or "how can I get this GB/GBC emulator running" (which I learned how to run all by myself, though I read pretty much because I read through the instructions on the website. Sorry!

That is ok. I hear this N64 question so much that I just freak out, as to me the answer should be so obvious. If someone would just go to the wiki and look at the N64 hardware, then look at the GP2X hardware, and have a basic understanding of how an emulator works they would have their answer. The answer would obviously be "no fuckin' way"

That said I think you would like the Gp2X for other emus just don't put too much hope on PSX or N64 emulation.

Even though there IS a PSX emu it will only get so good until it hits the hardware limit. This limit will mean that most games will be unplayably slow with sound but a few could be "OK" without sound, but never be full speed, full framerate, with sound.

 

[Kyalami]

Well, all in all, thank y'all for giving me your replies on those old questions I put up. I want to get a GP2X as of now, but I have to wait until I can save up 200 bucks (probably more since I'll have to buy an SD card). Hope my enthusiasm about it doesn't die until then!

P.S.: I don't NEED, repeat absolutely NEED an SD Card reader for the SD Card itself, right? I can just copy files onto it throught the GP2X, right? What are the downsides to not having the Reader? File corruption?

Also, would a game like CT Special Forces (the PSX version [yes, there was a PSX version released, that, I'm sure of], not the GBA version(s)] run on the PSX emulator? And also, what about the port of Duke Nukem 3D that was made for the PSX (just in case I can't get the interpreter running)? Maybe the Medal of Honor games?
I know I'm asking for a compatibilty list here, but I haven't seen the specs for these games. Just asking.

Wait a second. If the N64 is more powerful than the PSX, how come it's easier to emulate it on the PC than the PSX? Also, why are the PSX ISO's ten times bigger than the N64 ROMS? Because they're ISO's?

P.S.: I know I'm a noob at this programming stuff (but I do know a bit about PCs) , but I want to learn something cool too! Everybody starts somwhere!

I don't think it is easier to emulate on the PC, I think it is the opposite, PSX emus are much faster than N64 ones.

ISOs are bigger because they came from CDs N64 games are from ROM carts. The size of the game has nothing to do with the power needed to run.

I hate to disagree, but I run N64 Roms on an emulator called Project 64 and I run Goldeneye with no problems. Sure, it slows down a little bit and the sound's a bit weak, but at times it feels fully playable (mainly when you're around no enemies). I tired to run Duke Nukem: Time to Kill on the PSX and it went super slow.