GP32

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GP32
Gp32-flu.jpg
Manufacturer Game Park
Type Handheld console
Main processor ARM CPU , 133 MHz
Storage media Smart Media Cards
successor GP2X

The GP32 is a handheld console from the South Korean company Game Park . In November 2005, Gamepark Holdings, a company founded by former Game Park employees, launched a successor with the GP2X .

Development history

In 1999 the newly founded company Game Park developed so-called mobile devices , which should establish themselves in the cell phone and communication market. A completely different concept emerged from the initial development attempts, which led to the development of the GP32. The device was initially designed and marketed as a pure handheld console. It was published in South Korea in 2001 and made available to interested parties from other countries through import dealers like Lik-Sang . The hobby developer scene managed to run self-developed applications on the GP32 very quickly, whereupon Game Park made the software development kit and the software Free Launcher , which allowed unsigned software to be started, available publicly and free of charge.

In 2003, the Japanese Mitsui Group expressed interest in selling the device in Europe, but no contract was concluded with Game Park. Game Park presented the GP32 on its own booth at the Games Convention 2003. In 2004 the Spanish distributor VirginPlay, a subsidiary of the Virgin Group , launched the handheld in Spain and Portugal.

Game Park split into two companies in 2005, Game Park and Gamepark Holdings. Gamepark Holdings introduced the GP2X and Game Park the XGP. In 2007 Game Park filed for bankruptcy.

Technical specifications

  • Dimensions: 147 mm × 88 mm × 34 mm
  • Weight: 163 g
  • Display: 3½ " TFT screen (65536 different colors)
  • Resolution : 320 × 240 pixels
  • CPU : 32-bit RISC CPU ( ARM architecture ), clocked at 133 MHz
  • RAM : 8 MB SDRAM
  • ROM: 512K ( flash memory , i.e. your own software can be imported)
  • Sound : 44.1 kHz 16-bit stereo sound, headphone connection, built-in stereo speakers
  • Storage medium : Smart Media Card (SMC) up to 128 MB
  • Multiplayer : Up to 4 via radio module
  • PC connection: USB cable
  • Power supply: 2 AA batteries or 3V DC adapter
  • Control: 4-way digital pad (joystick) and 6 buttons

Versions

Various models of the GP32 have been released over the course of its product life cycle :

  • NLU (Non Light Unit)
The original version of the GP32 which, like the first Game Boy Advance, has no lighting. Since this is the original model, NLU is an unofficial name.
  • FLU (Front Light Unit)
A conversion for the NLU version. The built-in lighting can be switched on via a switch on the back. However, the color quality is a bit worse than the official BLU series and there were occasional problems because dust accumulated in the display.
  • BLU (Back Light Unit)
As plans to bring the GP32 to Europe began to take shape, an official, illuminated version appeared. The quality of the lighting in this version is better than that of the FLU series. In strong sunlight, however, the view is severely impaired.
  • BLU +
At the end of 2004, Game Park changed the manufacturer of the display. The change caused some incompatibilities, most of which have now been fixed by the rather active community . Due to these problems, however, Lik-Sang stopped selling. Otherwise there is no difference to the BLU version, the name BLU + was chosen by the community to make the change in the built-in displays clear, it is not an official model name.

Web links

Commons : GP32  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files