Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: New "open" 2D handheld/console for game developers

  1. #1
    Pretzel (Level 4)
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Halliburton HQ's
    Posts
    964
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default New "open" 2D handheld/console for game developers

    I did a search here and surprisingly found no posts about or mention of this system in development. It sounds very cool to me and kinda beats Opcode to the punch. On the site they have actual photos/video of the hardware and demos. It's got Andre LaMothe working hard on it, writing development tools and tutorials for it. No GP32/Palm style emulation needed as a fast Z-80 and 6502 will be built in. Comes with a flash cart(s) to DL new games onto so no need to manufacture carts(YAY). It's a color handheld with planned A/V output to TV. Spare us the "it won't compete with the GBA/PSP" comments as it clearly wasn't intended to do so.

    http://www.nanogear.net/index.php

    DIY Gaming
    XGameStation: Build and program your own games and hardware.

    August 07, 2003 - As if it weren't enough that The Phantom is almost upon us, another newcomer has announced its entry into the console market. Nurve Networks LLC today unveiled an unusual console that users actually build and program themselves: the XGameStation. The modular system will allow users to choose from specific features. Individual kits might include interfaces for anything from Xbox controllers to CompactFlash cards to additional ROM memory.

    According to Nurve Networks, the XGameStation (AKA XGS) will be sold as a complete game development kit, including a fully-assembled unit, a full-length eBook written by LaMothe, and all the software necessary to create your own games. While this sounds like a hard sell to the extremely lazy gaming community, hardcore players could take advantage of a system that allows them to set game parameters themselves. The book introduces the reader to digital engineering and then gradually explores the entire design of the XGS's hardware, software, operating system, and graphics APIs (Application Programming Interface). The ultimate phase is cloning a donkey.

    The stock XGS supports PlayStation controllers and has a PS/2 keyboard port. A/V outputs have not been announced, but one would hope for more than simple composite video and analog stereo audio. However, given that these specifics will be determined by users, it wouldn't be surprising if the designers skipped the fancy A/V.

    The XGS comes with a built-in BASIC programming language, which allows for development directly on the system; a separate PC is not necessarily. However, PC users can also program games using traditional C/C++ compilers and tools. The games and applications will be stored on flash memory cartridges.

    The company's main idea is to "empower hobbyists and game developers with a game platform they can truly call their own. XGameStation is reviving the magic of programming for systems like the Apple II, Atari 800, and Commodore 64. Unlike systems from Nintendo and Sony, XGS developers face no legal or financial restrictions with XGameStation. There's no official license, no royalties to pay, and no guidelines to follow."

  2. #2
    ServBot (Level 11) WiseSalesman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Brooklyn, NY
    Posts
    3,638
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    That sounds pretty amazing. If I can afford one, I think it's something I'll have to own. I love to tinker.

  3. #3
    Peach (Level 3)
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    795
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    I hope someone makes a port of rRootage for it

    I'd really like to see it break out of the "order off the internet hardcore crowd" that it seems destined for- a victory in itself and at least we know even if it fails, there will probably always be games for it

  4. #4
    Insert Coin (Level 0)
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Posts
    44
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    I'm sorry, but does anyone else appreciate the irony of X GAME STATION?!?

    Seriously, they may as well call it "Sonee Nintendsoft"

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-14-2013, 05:50 PM
  2. Random game console and computer "stuff" for sale/trade
    By Slor in forum Buying and Selling
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-01-2007, 05:47 PM
  3. Handheld Game System - "Juicebox" - Info Wanted
    By Slate in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-16-2005, 08:41 PM
  4. how do developers "squeeze" more power out of a...
    By neschamp in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 02-27-2005, 03:05 AM
  5. Capcom: "American developers are more creative"
    By zmweasel in forum Classic Gaming
    Replies: 47
    Last Post: 06-24-2004, 01:14 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •