The GP2X: An Early 2000 Handheld Emulator

I got a Retroid Pocket 2s for Christmas. With a little time, I was downloading and playing games.

Having it in my hand, I couldn't help remembering the GP2X. A weird open-source handheld coming from Korea. I honestly can't remember how I heard of it or where I bought it. I think I ordered it on some sketchy site in 2006 or something. Or at least, it seemed sketchy at the time.

I do have this vague feeling I got it for a Christmas as well. I don't think that's the case as I can't imagine my parents being able to find it and order it.

I do remember not enjoying it as much as I thought I would. I found emulating on it to be annoying and the ergonomics to be even worse. It was easier for me to just use my desktop. I wasn't glued to my computer as much back then so I didn't mind spending more time gaming there.

I read forums just trying to get things together. Find the firmware and translations of how things worked. There were also people excited about the future of open-source systems. It was also an incredible time for ROMs. There were endless lists of them. It was amazing to see these available with just a click. My college internet also made it more viable versus the dial-up during my high school days.

Emulation felt more Wild West then. Maybe because of how relatively new it was and available with growing computer power and internet access. Maybe because the general public didn't have a clue about it, Or the learning curve. Now, we can emulate on a $60 handheld or the more expensive Steam Deck. I think even my Apple TV 4K can run emulations on it.

And while that is all nice, Nintendo has been laying down the law in the last few years. Really cracking down. So feels weirdly more dangerous? Though you're probably safe if you're not running an emulation site.

I don't know where my GP2X ended up. I might have sold it to a used video store. It may be buried in a box at my mom's. I honestly don't know. And I can't remember when I stopped playing it. It kept getting overlooked for easier gaming options until it vanished from my line of sight and memory. Well, until this Christmas.