GCW Zero, A New Dingux-enabled Handheld

[Another World]

An Open Source Gaming Console Built by Gamers for Gamers...​

I get easily excited when the discussion of “retro” games arises. Those that know me can tell you that I also support interesting projects by good people who are trying to offer new experiences for that very aspect of gaming. In steps the GCW Zero, a Dingux (Linux) enabled handheld boasting some emulation ready specs. When it launches it should support a vast array of polished emulation, homebrew, and original applications which already run in Dingux. The guys behind the hardware have opened a Kickstarter Campaign to help get a larger production run ready for the end-user.

We have collected some links for you that will help you to better research this product before it is released to the public. Please see the bottom of this post for more information. Individuals directly involved with the project have registered here at GBAtemp and are ready to tackle all your questions. So please, ask away!

CPU: Ingenic JZ4770 1 GHz MIPS processor
GPU: Vivante GC860, capable of OpenGL ES 2.0
Display: 3.5 inch LCD with 320x240 pixels; 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for retro gaming
Operating System: Linux 3.x (OpenDingux)
Memory: 256 MB DDR2
Internal storage: 8 GB, most of which is available for applications and data
External storage: micro SDHC up to 32 GB or micro SDXC of 64 GB (SDXC cards must be reformatted before use)
Connectivity: Mini USB 2.0 OTG
Mini HDMI 1.3 out
3.5 mm (mini jack) A/V port for earphone and analog TV-out
Audio: Stereo speakers, mono microphone
Other: Accelerometer (g-sensor) and vibration motors
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz, can connect to access point or direct device-to-device
Dimensions: 143 * 70 * 18 mm
Weight: 8 oz / 225 g
Battery: 2800 mAh

GCW Zero Homepage
Kickstarter Page
Discussion at Dingoonity.org
YouTube Vids

 

[431unknown]

Not to be a Debbie downer but what are the odds that this will reach the 130,000$ it needs to be funded by kickstarter?

 

[Snailface]

This is interesting. At first I thought it was one of those cheap, generic Chinese knockoff consoles. This, however, appears to be quality product from quality people.

I'm curious, though, as to why a MIPS processor was chosen over ARM? Not saying this is necessarily wrong by any stretch, but just interested in the reasoning behind it. Also, any idea on system cost?

There have been a lot of indie console startups lately, but I'll keep my eyes on this one.

 

[potato3334]

If it can do near perfect SNES and GBA emulation I might be interested.

 

[Another World]

Read up on what already works for the Dingoo handhelds. It should run everything Dingux already runs on those systems. I haven't played with it for years (my Dingoo A320 screen cracked, I don't have the skills to solder a new one), but last I did StarFox was working.

If you check the Kickstarter page you'll see a listing of names for those involved. It pretty much reads like a whos-who in the Dingoo scene. I'm not worried at all that the system won't get great support, great ports, and updated emulation. This is pretty much the handheld the Dingoo scene has been asking for, the one China Chip (Dingoo Tech, Gemei, etc) wouldn't provide.

As for the cost, I do believe the system will run $130.

-another world

 

[Costello]

What I am wondering is why did they go with such a low-resolution screen?
320x240 seems really low in comparison with most if not all of the other devices on the market.

 

[Pleng]

Price for one thing, I imagine, and I guess it the display of most the consoles this thing can emulate will fir on the screen without the need for scaling?

 

[TemplarGR]

This is interesting. At first I thought it was one of those cheap, generic Chinese knockoff consoles. This, however, appears to be quality product from quality people.

I'm curious, though, as to why a MIPS processor was chosen over ARM? Not saying this is necessarily wrong by any stretch, but just interested in the reasoning behind it. Also, any idea on system cost?

There have been a lot of indie console startups lately, but I'll keep my eyes on this one.

It is simple really: Because PS1 and N64 used MIPS. This will really simplify their emulation on this device. It is the same reason why the PSP was able to emulate the PSone with ease. Same processor family.

 

[Arm73]

What I am wondering is why did they go with such a low-resolution screen?
320x240 seems really low in comparison with most if not all of the other devices on the market.

That's simple.
Because upscaled games on an LCD screen SUCK !

No seriously, just look at the PSP with it's weird 480 x 272 pixel is good for nothing.
1:1 aspect ratio for old systems emulators is often too tiny to be enjoyable , but on the other hand stretching the screen makes it blurry and unnatural, and being able to see individual pixel when old school pixel art is involved, is a big plus.
320x240 sounds just perfect !

If you need higher resolutions get a crappy phone

 

[Jiehfeng]

Where's gamerz?

 

[Chaossaturn]

I don't know why there make these things... who buys them?

 

[SuzieJoeBob]

I'm mostly shocked by the fact that it would support an SDxC card.

 

[Surkow]

If it can do near perfect SNES and GBA emulation I might be interested.

Compatibility and accuracy depend on what Snes9x/Pocketsnes (SNES) and gpSP (GBA) support.

 

[Boriar]

I still think that Open Pandora is more interesting and versatile but sure that one is more cheaper.

 

[Tokiopop]

I still think that Open Pandora is more interesting and versatile but sure that one is more cheaper.

Overpriced, outdated (was good in 2009 when it was supposed to be released) and Craig (one of the main members of the team) is an unreliable prick. I cancelled my order after waiting 3 years for my Pandora, and now I've been waiting 6 months for my refund to actually come.

Would not recommend a Pandora to anyone.

Would be interesting to see how this console handled N64.

 

[Surkow]

I still think that Open Pandora is more interesting and versatile but sure that one is more cheaper.

They are in different markets. I think EvilDragon (one of the guys behind the Pandora) is going to resell the GCW Zero alongside of the Pandora in his shop. He preordered already a large amount of them.

 

[RupeeClock]

I'm definitely interested, but depending how 3DS hacking pans out I might not even need a device like this.
The 3DS has the specs and design to offer fantastic emulation capabilities, you know?

The device does appear to lack a touch-screen but that is forgiveable, if the purpose is retro emulation.
I really doubt they can raise the $130k they need in under 19 days though.

 

[Filipe C Bello dos Santos]

In terms of HW, will this be more powerful than the PSP ?

 

[Oxybelis]

I'm definitely interested, but depending how 3DS hacking pans out I might not even need a device like this.
The 3DS has the specs and design to offer fantastic emulation capabilities, you know?

Up to SNES. PS1 emu will lag and N64 crawl. If there are any.
http://gbatemp.net/threads/n64-emulation-on-3ds-speculation.340581/page-5#post-4508679

 

[Parasite X]

If this handheld can do near perfect N64,Snes and Nes emulation count me in. I've always wanted a portable that can do it all and play Kirby 64 crystal shards and various other N64, Snes and Nes games but one can dream right.