The GP2X Wiz handheld, was on display at VGXpo 2009 (never mind how I felt about the show).  GPH, the company that developed the system, had a nice, organized booth set up with about a dozen systems, each featuring a different emulated game on each one.

GPH has so far licensed 24 emulators to play retro games on its Linux-based GP2X, including Batsugun, Twin Cobra, and Slap Fight.  There are also 11 built-in games featuring a tower defense game, tetris-like puzzle game, and several shoot-em ups. All of the games are download only titles that will be available at the FunGP App Store opening on November 15.

According to the flyer, the app store will have an upload feature to allow homebrew games to be downloaded.  In fact, Overseas Sales Manager, Tony Han, assured us that one of the main draws of the system is its friendliness toward indie development.

The emulation on each game was flawless, as far as I could tell from my time with the system.  The buttons felt sturdy, however, overall the system had a delicate feel to it.  The screen size was a bit small at 2.8 inches.  Though, the quality of the display was crisp and well-lit.

I didn’t get  a chance to browse through the menus and interface.  According to the flier, however, the system has several multi-media functions including a video player, music player, E-Book support, day planner, photo viewer, and a function to view comic books.

The system can also be hooked up to a television through a TV kit and the upscale looked fantastic. I watched a member of the sales team play Metal Slug on an HD set-up and the results were crystal clear without any discernible flaws in the picture.

For more information, such as a list of upcoming games and system specs, check out the official site.

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