GamePark Holdings (GPH) is readying a new version of its GP2X handheld game console running open source Linux games.

Our GP2X Wiz finally arrived and, although we've literally only had this Linux-powered handheld in our grubby mitts for an hour, we wanted to give you our first impressions. You may recall the original GP2X, a Korean-manufactured portable media player and retro gaming box - well, the GP2X Wiz bumps it up a few notches in power and design.

Based on Linux, the GP2X Wiz (nice name!) is a completely open multi-functional handheld entertainment device. The makers, GamePark Holding from Korea, say it's different than other shanzhai video game consoles in that it uses a completely "open source" approach.

Given the sheer volume of hype that was floating around as 2008 drew to a close you would have been forgiven for thinking that '09 was set to be the year of the open source handheld. The Pandora - produced by a dedicated group of enthusiasts - was expected at the break of the year, as was Gamepark Holdings's Wiz, the successor to the popular GP2X.

Though sales of the Nintendo DS and the PlayStation Portable are strong, there are many who use the devices exclusively for homebrew applications.

Pandora, the Linux-based handheld game console that is aimed to take advantage of free and open source software is finally shipping.

This is kind of exciting - in a geeky sort of way. The open source Pandora handheld is just about ready to launch judging by the latest demo videos posted on the project's blog.

Heard about the console Pandora? Made by computer geeks who want the ultimate portable gaming console. This hobby project has just begun mass-producing and the dream is becoming real.

"It’s rare that people are familiar with both free software and gaming, so I feel I ought to offer my opinion here. Everyone knows that Nintendo has been shouting about its “new” handheld console. With not one but two shiny new cameras, larger screens and hopefully better batteries than the DS Lite, what’s not to like about the DSi? ..."