The GP32 (GamePark 32) is a handheld game console that uses a special type of processor called ARM. It was created by the company from South Korea called Game Park. The console was released on November 23, 2001, in South Korea and sold in some parts of Europe.

History

The GP32 was displayed at yearly E3 events between 1999 and 2002. At one time, GamePark created a device with cell phone features that was never sold.

Features

The overall design is similar to the original Game Boy Advance. The GP32 uses a 133 MHz ARM 9 CPU and has 8 MB of SDRAM. Unlike other handheld gaming systems that use special cartridges, the GP32 stores programs and data on SmartMedia cards (SMC). This makes it easier for amateur developers because no extra tools are needed.

The console has a mini-joystick with eight directions, two main buttons labeled 'A' and 'B,' and two shoulder buttons labeled 'L' and 'R' on each side of the SMC slot. It also has two menu buttons labeled 'SELECT' and 'START' on each side of the screen. These buttons are made of soft, see-through rubber. The console includes a USB 1.1 port for connecting to a computer, a serial expansion port, a 3.3 V power adapter input, a headphone connector, and a compartment in the back that holds two AA batteries.

Variants

There are three main commercial versions of the unit, each with different types of displays. Commercial units are white with either grey or white buttons and trim. Other units, such as promotional and prototype versions, come in different colors and designs.

The original GP32 was called the no-light unit (NLU). It needed an external light source to see the screen clearly.

In late 2002, Game Park released the frontlight unit (FLU). This version was modified by Hahotech and included a transparent panel between the LCD screen and the plastic cover. This added hardware made the display frame slightly taller than the NLU and BLU models. A switch on the back of the GP32 case allowed users to turn off the frontlight to save battery power. The FLU name came from a sticker on the GP32 packaging that distinguished it from non-light versions.

In mid-2004, Game Park introduced the backlight unit (BLU). This version worked with the NLU and FLU and improved screen visibility in low light. Later in 2004, a second BLU version was released with a different LCD screen. This new BLU+ LCD was not fully compatible with the original BLU screen, requiring special software adjustments. Users could disable the backlight by holding the SELECT button for five seconds. BLU models also had a different USB port and higher-quality buttons for the controller.

Software

The original Game Park firmware had three main functions: launching applications, connecting to a host computer, and playing music in MP3 format. Later versions of the firmware removed the ability to play MP3 music.

Game Park designed their system to be powerful and useful. They also wanted users to create homebrew software. GP32 users could register their devices on the official website and receive a free set of tools to develop their own programs. Game Park allowed (under certain rules) the sharing of homebrew games on their website. The original firmware only supported running encrypted games and tools. Users needed to register and use an encrypted "Free Launcher" program to run unencrypted software. Alternative firmware removed the need for the "Free Launcher" and added extra features not included in the original firmware.

This strategy allowed the GP32 to support many homebrew applications and games. These included alternative firmware, file managers, games, emulators, game creation tools (such as RPG Maker), a DivX player, and image slideshows.

Commercial games could be downloaded from the internet (encrypted to match the GP32's ID) or purchased in retail boxes. Retail boxes included SmartMedia Cards with encrypted games that could only run from those cards (SMC ID). Games could also be downloaded from a Korean website after submitting the GP32's ID, which encrypted them to work only on that specific device. Downloading games reduced costs for users, as they avoided paying for physical cartridges. Online game prices ranged from US$10 to US$30.

Five games across different genres were released when the system launched on November 23, 2001. About 28 commercial games were eventually released. The last commercial game, a platformer/RPG called Blue Angelo, was released on December 16, 2004. Most commercial games could be purchased in boxed form or downloaded through Gamepark's online store, JoyGP (usually at a lower price). JoyGP was the international version of MegaGP, a store limited to South Korea. Some games, like Blue Angelo, were only sold as boxed copies made in France, while Gloop Deluxe was only available for online purchase, not through JoyGP.

Although the number of official games for the GP32 is limited, many open source and free software developers created emulators and adapted PC games for the system. Amateur developers also created free, public domain games. Game Park did not require developers to pay royalties for games released on their device, which made it easier for small or independent developers to create software for the GP32.

Modifying Ericsson Chatboard micro-keyboards to work with the system led to more software development, including attempts to run Linux and adding keyboard support to emulators.

The GP32's powerful ARM 920T CPU and freely available 'C'-based software development kit enabled the creation or adaptation of many emulators from other platforms. These emulators allow users to play games from older 16-bit and earlier console and computer systems on the GP32. This helps users enjoy a wide variety of games, even though commercially available games are limited. A Windows-based emulator also exists, allowing users to run GP32 software on a Windows computer.

Commercial availability

The GP32 system is mainly sold in Korea and some other areas of Asia. Although plans for a European release were canceled, the GP32 BLU model was later sold in three European countries: Portugal, Spain, and Italy. It was released on June 15, 2004, by Virgin Play, and cost €199. Official distributors were also present in the United Kingdom and Sweden. However, the company Game Park did not sell the console in the United States.

Even though the GP32 was not sold worldwide, it has a large group of users and game developers from many countries. By the end of 2007, about 30,000 to 32,000 units had been sold.

Successors

• GP2X – A device with two computer processors made by a new company called GamePark Holdings.
• GP2X Wiz – A product that came after the GP2X.
• GP2X Caanoo – A product that came after the GP2X Wiz.
• XGP – A system that was never released, created by Game Park.