XBOX-HQ.COM - GCW-Zero Open Source Gaming Handheld Reviewed

The guys over at gcw-zero have graciously shipped us out their GCW-Zero: Open Source Gaming Handheld to review for you all on HQ.

A huge thanks are in order to the guy's over at www.gcw-zero.com for shipping this unit out to us! Before we go any further you should understand that this unit is still in early stages, this meaning that there is not alot that it can do at the moment.

What's a GCW-Zero I hear you say? The GCW-Zero is a Linux flavored handheld powerful enough to run classic PC games, emulate the game consoles we grew up with and run homebrew games seamlessly at high frame rates.

The GCW can be comparable to a phat PSP 1001 models in a way, back in the day there were tons and tons of firmware exploits released that allowed you to run homebrew and emulators. With the GCW Zero you can do just that without having to have to worry about a update blocking your emulators. Below we see the unit on.

The console it's self runs on Linux software, not android. So far the only way to get Apps is through FTPing OPK files which is basically binary c# programming from my understanding, or loading them through a Micro SD card slot. Personally the console Emulates just fine for me. I tested a NES emulator and had no issues, as mentioned there is not alot it can do at the moment as it is still in early beta stages. Devs are working really hard on pushing out software. The guy's over at GCW Zero did mention that there would be a App store pushed eventually.
In all honesty do not expect this device to run high end games, as the specs are a bit low, coincidentally the GCW zero ships with a respectable 32GB of internal memory it can be expandable to 64GB. Since this device is to mainly run retro gaming the screen resolution is 320 x 240 with a 3:4 ratio which is ideal for retro gaming as stated on their website.

As mentioned before the unit runs Linux 3.x OpenDinux, it also comes with 512 MB of DDR2 ram or memory. One thing that makes this device a bit more special is that it supports SD Out or TV out as well as Mini HDMI out (2.0 GT) The Audio are Stereo speakers and also have a mono microphone, no idea what the mic is for yet, perhaps Skype in the future? It ships with internal memory as well as a accelerometer (g-sensor) as well as having vibration motors built in. There is a internal 2800 mAh battery which will give you plenty of juice.

Specifications

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: 512 MB DDR2
Internal storage: 16 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

Though I did notice that the battery on the photo says 2200mAh instead of 2800 mAh, I'm just going to assume this was a box of a previous model due to the fact the website specs state that the internal storage is 16GBs of internal storage although I have gotten a unit with 32GB of internal storage.

Packaging is very nice it's very presentable, personally it was a bit shocking to see all the included accessories. Inside the box you are first greeted with the GCW-Zero, underneath it packaging includes: USB charger, micro to usb adapter, 3.5mm to SDTV out cable, mini HDMi to HDMi cable as well as a nice carrying pouch.

Hard cases are also available although I'm not sure if there will be a accessory page created on their website soon.

The buttons are standard B A X Y lay outs, it's almost the same size as the PlayStation Vita (PSVita), how ever the buttons feel very nice and do not feel as if they will get stuck. The D Pad is nice as well. The joy stick how ever is kind of different, it feels nice and almost does remind you of the PSP's the only difference is that it is a bit more chunkier and has a better grip to it.

Overall the GCW-Zero has great potential and it's good to see them making a difference in the realm of Retro handhelds. Below are a few more close up shots of the GCW Zero, in due time I will come back to this and update it with information.

The guy's over at GCW-Zero are a really great bunch of people and nice as they can be, I'd just like to give another personal thank you to them for sending this device out to 360-hq.com to be reviewed and we hope to see more from it!

kennethk
www.360-hq.com
360-HQ Review Team

Official Site: www.gcw-zero.com/