GP32 Gets European Setback, Future Rocky?

Thanks to Gamesindustry.biz for their report that the Mitsui-backed European release of the cult GP32 handheld has been cancelled. The article explains that the GP32 "had already achieved a significant niche following thanks to its ability to emulate older systems and play back video as well as running original games", but a news report at Lik-Sang has Mitsui's spokesman referring to "[original Korean creator] Gamepark's unstable financial situation and to 'insecurity of the intellectual property rights' as the reasons for the cancellation." As Lik-Sang point out, "This step might affect international availability of the units, as the GP32 just lost its big hope", but it's hoped that support will continue and another distributor for Europe or even the U.S. might be found.

Comments

You can get them in Europe already

[Dot.Com.CEO]

You can order from here. I'm not affiliated with the store in any way, I'm a very, very happy customer.

Zodiac

[aliens]

The Tapwave Zodiac which is just shipping now in the states blows the GP32 out of the water as it'll do everything the GP32 does and a ton more all for about the same price.

(Yes the non FLU GP32 is cheaper, but you get the FLU unit, some recharable batteries, a SMC, etc and you're not looking at much of a difference at all)

Re:Zodiac

[aliens]

Lik-sang just dropped the price. But let's flesh it out anyway.

$210 + $22shipping + $40 SMC card + $30decent rechargable batteries/charger + $15 case = $317

$300 + $8 shipping = $308

In my mind though even if it was only $240 vs $310 it'd be far better to save an extra $70 to get the Zodiac. THe GP32's software can't hold a candle to the tweaked PalmOS on Zodiac and the hardware is still heads and shoulders above GP32.

I was about to get a GP32 when I learned about Zodiac. In the end I got a GBA:SP. But would love a Zodiac next year when they drop in price.