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Newbiepedia, the Newbie Encyclopedia
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Welcome to the Newbiepedia, The Newbie Encyclopedia! The Newbiepedia is an encyclopedia specifically relating to all Gamepark/GPH consoles. Have you seen a term that you just don't understand? Just check the Newbiepedia for a detailed (but understandable ;) explanation of all those confusing terms. Entries are listed alphabetically, and new entries are added regularly.
To link to any definition on the Newbiepedia, simply click the chainlink icon ( ) that appears to the right of every definition; this will present you with a URL that will link directly to the desired definition. Some definitions have accompanying photos, which can be view by clicking the photo icon ( ) that will appear directly beside the chainlink icon. Finally, if there is an accompanying website for any definition, an arrow icon ( ) will appear next to the term, which will lead to that site. You are free to quote and cite definitions from the Newbiepedia, but I request that, when doing so, you provide a link back to Gameparknewbie.
Did I miss something? Make a mistake? Leave out important information? If you find anything missing or incorrect on the Newbiepedia, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail. If I agree with you, it will be added as soon as possible. :)
Note: The Newbiepedia should be considered WIP and severly incomplete at the moment. It will be receiving frequent updates until it can be deemed "complete-ish" (come on, it can never be complete ;).
B
BoB
See Breakout Board.
Breakout Board
The Breakout Board is an accessory for the GP2X designed to increase functionality of the device. The Breakout Board, or BoB, attaches to the EXT port on the bottom of the GP2X, and adds TV-Out ports, 4 standard-sized USB ports, a JTAG port (which can be used to recover GP2X that were bricked from a bad flash), and an RS232 port (which can be used for debugging). The USB ports can be used for a variety of functions, such as external controllers, keyboards, mice, and many other applications (this basically comes down to how the devs utilize them). There are two versions of the Breakout Board--a developer unit and commercial unit for end-users. The main difference between the two is that the commercial unit has an enclosure and the GP2X is docked on the top of the BoB when connected (the developer unit simply runs a wire between GP2X and BoB).
D
Dynamic Recompiler
A dynamic recompiler, or dynarec, is one method used in emulators to make foreign commands playable on a platform (every processor has its own set of commands it understands; commands vary depending on the processor being used). They are very complex and difficult to implement, so few emulators actually use a dynamic recompiler. Basically, the dynarec takes commands being given by a ROM (or Image, etc.) and converts it into the corresponding command specific to the emulating hardware. It is dynamic because it converts commands continually as they get called by the program. This is a faster though more challenging method than an interpreter.
Dynarec
See dynamic recompiler.
E
Emulator
Basically, an emulator is an application that turns one platform into another through software. The application mimics every aspect of the hardware being emulated, including every CPU, sound processor, and video processor. In order to emulate all of these processors, the emulating hardware must be significantly more powerful than the one being emulated (many say the hardware should be at least ten times more powerful to adequately emulate another platform). It cannot be assumed that simply because the GP2X (or any other platform) is newer than another that it should be able to emulate that other platform.
F
F-Day
F-Day was/is a day announced in February 2005 by GP32/GP2X dev rlyeh as the day he will release all of his 12 emulators in completed form. Since, he has released preview versions of several F-Day emulators for the GP32 (fGB32, fZX32, fCol32, fMSX32). Little has been heard about F-Day after these releases, but there are some who still expect F-Day to occur (for both GP32 and GP2X).
FE (GP2X)
FE GP2X units are MK1 GP2X units with "First Edition" printed below the GP2X logo on the top-left of the console.
Firmware
Firmware is the built-in software of a console (or computer, etc.) that contains all the drivers and files necessary to make a system's hardware work together. Simply put, without firmware, a console isn't going to be able to do anything. The GP2X features a Linux firmware, which allows for great flexibily; the GP32, on the other hand, had a lightweight proprietary firmware. It is possible to upgrade or even replace firmware on many platforms, including GP32 and GP2X.
Freelauncher
Freelauncher was the application released by Gamepark that allowed the GP32 to run homebrew software. Along with it they released the official GP32 SDK for homebrew development. In order for Freelauncher to function on one's GP32, the person had to link their GP32 with their PC and transfer its unique ID number to Gamepark; they would then receive a Freelauncher app (by download) that allowed that specific GP32 to run homebrew software. Gamepark eventually dropped the service, and a community-made solution was created. This has also been discontinued. As it stands, the only solution for individuals with a GP32 with the original non-homebrew firmware is to find the cracked Freelauncher, which was released by a Spanish software pirate.
G
Gamepark
Gamepark is a South Korean company that was founded--with the backing of government money--in 1996. Gamepark was sanctioned by the government to create the first Korean-made handheld console; this console would be known as the GP32, which launched in 2001 in South Korea and later in Europe in 2004. Gamepark created several iterations of the GP32 before ceasing production in mid-2005 to focus on their next line of game consoles, the XGP series. Presently Gamepark is developing its XGP consoles, which are each designed to target different markets; there are no solid release dates for any of these.
Gameparknewbie
Gameparknewbie is quite possibly the greatest website on the internet. Since 2005 it has served the GP32 and GP2X (and XGP) community with high quality, grammatically correct information. It was created by Chris, who is better known as shinneri; this man should probably be president.
Gamepark Holdings
Gamepark Holdings, or GPH, based in South Korea, is the company behind the popular GP2X handheld console. The company was founded in 2004 (around the time of the European GP32 BLU launch) by ex-Gamepark employees. Reasons for the split are not entirely clear (nor is the actual amount of people who defected), but it is widely believed that it stemmed from differing opinions regarding the successor to the GP32. Presently, Gamepark Holdings is focused on furthering their GP2X handheld with commercial games, added features through firmware updates, and new peripherals.
Glass Screen Mod
The glass screen mod is a popular modification for the GP32. From the factory, GP32s came with a plastic screen protector. While it served its purpose reasonably well, it was difficult to clean. Also, the plastic cover used on the GP32 BLU units were tinted yellow (to counteract an apparent blue tint of the actual screen); this was a poor solution, however, and the yellow tint is very noticeable at times--especially on lighter images. The glass screen mod solved these issues by replacing the plastic with a small piece of glass of identical size.
GP2X
The GP2X is a very popular underground game console and multimedia device created by Gamepark Holdings. This is Gamepark Holdings's first console. It was announced in the summer of 2005 and released later that November. The console is seen as a continuation of the vision first started with the GP32. The console is completely open source and features the Linux operating system. The GP2X has developed a large library of software--including many emulators, interpreters, and homebrew games and applications. The platform has seen few commercial offerings since its release, but Gamepark Holdings never envisioned their system to include a large selection of commercial games. According to Craig from GP2X.co.uk, the GP2X will have sold through 50,000 units by the end of 2006--an impressive number for a niche product.
GP32
The GP32 was released in November 2001 by Gamepark. Strangely (though not strange at the time), the system was launched without its #1 selling point--the ability to play homebrew software. Gamepark had high aspirations for the GP32 to be a strong competitor to the GBA; they even signed deals with Capcom, Atari, and several other major software houses to develop games featuring some of their major properties on the platform. None of these deals bore fruit, however, and Gamepark released the Freelauncher, which allowed the console to run homebrew software. Unsurprisingly, this became the biggest draw of the GP32, and communities dedicated to homebrew on the GP32 (such as GP32x.com) appeared and grew (a lot). The earliest GP32s did not include a lit screen; two later models (the FLU and BLU) remedied this situation. The GP32 was manufactured until August 2005. In those years it gathered an enormous library of free software (and a meager selection of commercial games) and developed a large, dedicated community around that still thrives today (though many have moved on to the GP2X and XGP line of consoles).
GP32 BLU
The GP32 BLU, or Backlit Unit, was the third variation of the GP32 and was released in tandem with the console's launch in several European territories in mid-2004. BLU units were identical in specifications to the prior units outside of their non-reflective backlit screens. It was also the first console to not require Freelauncher direct out of the box (the ability to run homebrew software was built into its firmware). The back light provided even lighting across the entire screen, but the screen was very difficult to view in sunlight and with the back light turned off (accomplished by holding the Select button down for several seconds). Still, it's considered by many to be the best GP32 unit.
GP32 BLU+
The GP32 BLU+ was the contraversial final variation of the GP32. Unlike the others, no new features were added, but the manufacturer of the backlit screen was changed from Samsung (on the BLU) to an unnamed Tiawanese manufacturer. While the screen was actually brighter and more vivid than the (already impressive) BLU screen, it used settings that were incompatible for many of the most popular GP32 software (affected software would show white bars spanning across the top 1/3 of the screen). GP32 distributors were flooded by supposedly defective units; one distributor, Lik-Sang, even discontinued sale of the system due to the problems. This was probably overreacting on the part of consumers and distributors as most of these applications were easily programmed to function on BLU+ units. As it stands, many have come to consider the BLU+ the ultimate GP32 unit because, along with the (eventually) improved screen, it also had improved build quality all around. BLU+ production was ceased shortly after the announcement of the GP2X in August 2005.
GP32 FLU
The GP32 FLU was the second variation of the GP32. The consoles were actually the original GP32s modified by Hahotech to include a front light. The FLU suffered from the same problems as most frontlit displays--namely, ineven distribution of light. However, they are widely thought to be more likely to clock higher than other GP32 units (though this hasn't really been proven). FLUs also benefit from retaining the original reflective display of GP32s; while the BLU's nonreflective backlit screen was almost impossible to use without the light or in sunlight, FLU users could easily see their screen outside and without the light on (provided there was sufficient light).
GPH
See Gamepark Holdings.
GPI
The GPI was an ambitious multimedia console being developed by Gamepark and introduced in 2002. However, the console was never released. It was to be essentially a souped up GP32. While the hardware that powered it would be largely the same (same processor as the GP32), it was to have many extra features. First and foremost, it was a cellphone (Gamepark even had a distribution deal with a major Korean cellular company). In addition, the console featured a backlit touch screen display, was capable of running either Linux or Windows CE (in conjuction with standard GPOS for GP32 compatibility), and expanded multimedia functionality over the GP32. It's unclear when this console got the axe as it was still mentioned on the Gamepark website in 2004 (though barely). Gamepark often lauded the importance of the development of the GPI to the future of their company; it's not entirely clear why (outside of the obvious profit-making factor).
GPKiDS
The GPKiDS is one of the console's in Gamepark's XGP line of consoles. The GPKiDS, formerly known as the XGP Kids, will be the first XGP console to see release and will retail for the lowest price--around $70USD. The specifications of the GPKiDS is very similar to the discontinued GP32, but there are several significant differences. The GPKiDS will use SD media, unlike the GP32's SMCs, and it will have a 220x176 display, which is severly smaller than the GP32's 320x240 display. According to many, this resolution will make the GPKiDS unlikely to house many emulators because it is too small to properly display most consoles (with the exception of a few handheld platforms). Gamepark states that the platform will be marketed toward casual gamers and will feature small cell phone-esque games. Despite the fact that emulation is unlikely on this console, it will support homebrew development. There's no release date for the GPKiDS at this time.
H
Hahotech
Hahotech was the company contracted by Gamepark to modify standard GP32 units to include a front light; these units became known as GP32 FLUs, or Frontlit Units. Hahotech also fashioned a small button on the back of these GP32s for turning the light on and off.
J
JoyGP
JoyGP was a website that sold downloadable copies of GP32 commercial titles. The service required the purchase of "mileage," which served as money on their site. Once downloaded, a commercial game would be locked to play only on the GP32 it was registered for. The service was discontinued, but a similar service later appeared on Gamepark's own website. The Gamepark download service was discontinued around the time of the GP32's discontinuation.
M
MK1 (GP2X)
MK1 is the name given to all pre-MK2 GP2X units--including the FE (First Edition) models. The MK1 units (similar to many early model consoles) were faulty in many areas; all (or most) of which were fixed in the MK2 units.
MK2 (GP2X)
The MK2 is the first major revision on the GP2X. Though the specifications remain entirely the same, the MK2 corrected several issues that plagued the earlier units--including scanlines on the display, diagonal bias and inaccuracy of the d-stick, and fairly poor build quality. While the display is seen as an improvement, it also severly decreased the viewing angle compared to the previous display. All new GP2X will be the MK2 version.
N
NAND Flash Memory
NAND Flash Memory, often called simply NAND, is a form of internal memory used in the GP2X, XGP, and XGPmini. All of these devices include 64MB of NAND memory. In the case of the GP2X, this memory is partitioned; a portion of it holds the GP2X's Linux operating system, and the rest is available to the user to use as additional storage. The OS partition is hidden from the end user, which makes it appear that the GP2X has less than 64MB NAND memory (though it, in fact, does have 64MB). GP2X NAND can only be written to when one connects the GP2X to a PC. Though it can't be said for certain, it is likely that the XGP and XGPmini will use their NAND in a similar fashion.
S
SD
SD is a flash media format used in many electronic devices, including the GP2X, XGP, XGPmini, and GPKiDS. It is a highly popular format thanks to its low cost and high capacity (now standing at 8GB, but larger are on the way). The GP2X presently only supports SD cards up to 4GB; it does not presently support SDHC (SD High Capacity) cards.
SDK
SDK is a development term that stands for "software development kit."
Secure Digital
See SD.
Smartmedia
Smartmedia is a flash media capable of storing up to 128MB of data. It is the format used by the GP32. Smartmedia has been discontinued, and is becoming increasingly difficult to find.
SMC
See Smartmedia.
V
Value Pack (GP2X)
The GP2X Value Pack is a GP2X console that comes bundles with several extra accessories and applications. The added accessories are headphones, a carrying pouch (not the same as the official GP2X carry case--this is more like the pouch that comes with a PSP's Value Pack), handstrap, and four rechargeable batteries. The applications included are all freely available apps, including Noiz, Flobopuyo, Supertux, and a demo version of Vektar, but they are highly compressed to fit on the NAND (as such, there is very little free space remaining on the NAND for users to do what they want with). This package was the first to feature the 3.0 Firmware, which has a different user interface than previous firmwares. Also included are "How to" videos to help new owners get started (I thought that's what my site was for... :P ).
W
WIP
WIP is a commonly used development acronym that stands for "work in progress." Clearly this means the software being described is not in its final for and, in most cases, is still being developed.
X
XGP
The XGP is Gamepark's forthcoming premium handheld game console. It will be the most expensive of the XGP line, and, if information is to be believed, it will be the final console to see release. Though the base specifications will be largely the same as the XGPmini, it has several extra functions, including Wifi and DMB (South Korean wireless TV standard). Comments from Gamepark suggest that DMB might be replaced with GPS functionality for territories other than South Korea as the DMB service is only available in South Korea. Software-wise, Gamepark hopes the XGP will have strong commercial support as well as homebrew development. The XGP will retail for around $300USD; a release date has not been determined.
XGP Kids
See GPKiDS.
XGPmini
The XGPmini is one of three consoles in the XGP line from Gamepark. It will be the second console to see release and will be priced around $150USD. The XGPmini's main selling point, much like Nintendo's ill-fated Gameboy micro, is its small size. Unlike the micro however, the XGPmini sports very impressive specifications, including a 320x240 display, 32MB RAM, and 2D/3D accelerator. According to Gamepark, the XGPmini will feature unique commercial games and homebrew. There is no solid release date for the XGPmini.
XGP line
The XGP line of consoles are the official successors to the GP32 being released by Gamepark. The XGP line consists of three consoles: the GPKiDS, XGPmini, and XGP. Each console targets a different market according to Gamepark and will be released one after the other (not all at once).
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