Odroid: The Android Handheld
It may look like a Gameboy Advance at first glance, but this little gadget – the Odroid, is a custom made handeheld gaming system running a fully functional version of Androids software developed by Hardkernel.
It has the same processor as the iPhone 3Gs, a fully functional capacitive touch screen interface and all the interactivity that comes with the Android software. It sports a 600MHz Samsung S5PC100 ARM Cortex A8 CPU, HDMI output (720p), composite video output, microSD and SD card slots, and WiFi b/g.
Developed to run Android gaming Apps, I can’t help but feel that there aren’t really enough decent games out on the Android market for anybody to want one of these – it is a nice concept, however why not just use your 3.5 inch touchscreen phone?
Also, does anybody else think this looks terribly like the Wonderswan? If you don’t know what the Wonderswan is then its a handheld gaming console which was released in 1999 by Bandai, Japan. It was primarily for the Japanese market, however some did make it over here – heres a picture:
Make no mistake the Odroid is far more advanced both hardware and software wise, but look at the layout of the controls ! They clearly took inspiration from this (Or made a mistake).
The Odroid’s button layout would suggest that the device is capable of playing both portrait and landscape – which is good, as it increases versatality much like the Wonderswan Crystal did.
Would you guys ever buy one? Or does Android need better games on the market before you’d take the plunge?
PS: Did you like this post? If so, be sure to leave a comment below.
That looks brilliant, I feel there isn’t really a market for it as of yet but as soon as Android release more games then there will be.I can’t help but feel also that mobile phones will overtake hand held gaming systems.ThanksDEA Training
OMG I remember the Wonderswan! Christ man, that was a piece of awesome kit. Your comparison between the two in looks is completely justified!