Blaze's Game Gadget

[JoeMD]

Just read about this in the latest Retro Gamer, and I've gotta say it sounds pretty interesting. A one-stop retro gaming portable playing games from potentially any conceivable console it a grand idea. However, I wonder how it will actually turn out.

My first worry is that it's being made by Blaze, who I've heard less than stellar reports about. Also, the article in RG says the device will be out sometime in January, yet there is next to no action going on over at the Game Gadget's webpage. Similarly, the last post on their Facebook and Twitter page was in November, 2011. It seems that maybe the project has died before it got anywhere.

Still, if the system does end up seeing the light of a day and is well made and the emulation is solid I'd be tempted to pick one up.

[Lilbeard]

Just read about this in the latest Retro Gamer, and I've gotta say it sounds pretty interesting. A one-stop retro gaming portable playing games from potentially any conceivable console it a grand idea. However, I wonder how it will actually turn out.

My first worry is that it's being made by Blaze, who I've heard less than stellar reports about. Also, the article in RG says the device will be out sometime in January, yet there is next to no action going on over at the Game Gadget's webpage. Similarly, the last post on their Facebook and Twitter page was in November, 2011. It seems that maybe the project has died before it got anywhere.

Still, if the system does end up seeing the light of a day and is well made and the emulation is solid I'd be tempted to pick one up.

I have actually received a few emails from them about it, although they seem to think I'm a game designer and developer

[JoeMD]

Just saw the news post on the site. So it's March now? I'll be holding off until some reviews start coming in but at $150AU I'd be happy to get one if it does what it says. The unit looks pretty damn small though, I hope the buttons aren't too small and fiddly.

[Lilbeard]

Got an email yesterday saying end of the month... £99.99 preorder then another today offering me £20 off a preorder but still I want to know what games are available and how much they'll be.... Any ideas?

[JoeMD]

They haven't released any info in regards to what games will be available at launch from what I've seen. I know a lot of people I've talked to are curious but aren't willing to put down the cash ($150 for we Aussies) until we get more info/ hear some reviews. Blaze really need to release more info about the console if they want pre-orders to be placed.

EDIT: According to their Twitter account, details of what 3rd parties have signed up for the system will be 'revealed in the coming weeks.'

[Lilbeard]

They haven't released any info in regards to what games will be available at launch from what I've seen. I know a lot of people I've talked to are curious but aren't willing to put down the cash ($150 for we Aussies) until we get more info/ hear some reviews. Blaze really need to release more info about the console if they want pre-orders to be placed.

EDIT: According to their Twitter account, details of what 3rd parties have signed up for the system will be 'revealed in the coming weeks.'

That's a really pain in the arse cause with a £20 off voucher that expires on the 29th I'd have to preorder probably before knowing what games are available...... I may do it, but I'll be fuming if the games are a rip off

[JoeMD]

Yeah, me too. I really wish they were more forthcoming with their info.

[JoeMD]

Some new info has been released in regards to titles available at launch, all thanks to a new image on the GameGadgetGames site.

For registering your Game Gadget once you get one you get Golden Axe, Altered Beast, Comix Zone, Ecco the Dolphin, Gain Ground, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, VectorMan, Crack Down, Shadow Dancer and Space Harrier II FREE, which is pretty good.

On top of that it's also been announced that the following will be available for download upon release; Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Kid Chameleon, Columns, Ecco Jr., Fatal Labyrinth, Eternal Champions, Alien Storm, Super Thunder Blade, Columns II, Flicky, another Ecco game, ESWAT, Decap Attack, Golden Axe II, Virtual Fighter 2, Sonic Spinball, Sonic 3D Blast, Dr Robotniks Mean Bean Machine, and a few others I can't ID from the image. So, it's a pretty awesome selection if you're a Sega fan.

Of what (little) I know of Blaze Sega have always supported them so Sega's involvement isn't a huge surprise. The telling factor will be seeing what other 3rd party companies come into play.

Begin a Sega fan this announcement of titles is exciting, however I'm still going to wait for a few reviews to see what the emulation and device quality is like before buying one.

[Lilbeard]

Some new info has been released in regards to titles available at launch, all thanks to a new image on the GameGadgetGames site.

For registering your Game Gadget once you get one you get Golden Axe, Altered Beast, Comix Zone, Ecco the Dolphin, Gain Ground, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, VectorMan, Crack Down, Shadow Dancer and Space Harrier II FREE, which is pretty good.

On top of that it's also been announced that the following will be available for download upon release; Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Kid Chameleon, Columns, Ecco Jr., Fatal Labyrinth, Eternal Champions, Alien Storm, Super Thunder Blade, Columns II, Flicky, another Ecco game, ESWAT, Decap Attack, Golden Axe II, Virtual Fighter 2, Sonic Spinball, Sonic 3D Blast, Dr Robotniks Mean Bean Machine, and a few others I can't ID from the image. So, it's a pretty awesome selection if you're a Sega fan.

Of what (little) I know of Blaze Sega have always supported them so Sega's involvement isn't a huge surprise. The telling factor will be seeing what other 3rd party companies come into play.

Begin a Sega fan this announcement of titles is exciting, however I'm still going to wait for a few reviews to see what the emulation and device quality is like before buying one.

It's up to 30 games free with preorder now by the way.... But the release has been pushed back till next week.... I know I preordered

[JoeMD]

That's great about the games, but it really sucks about the pushed back release date. I'm really looking forward to hearing what people think of this device. Once you get yours, Lilbeard, you'll have to let us know what you think.

[adam763]

I find it worrying that the date keeps getting pushed back - It could simply be a shipping/customs problem that's holding it back, or more worryingly it could be a problem with the hardware, maybe they've discovered some bugs and working on a fix?
Almost anything new and electronic that comes on to the market nowadays seems to require patches and service packs and the like, but as with the original iPhone, it's not always easy updating a system whilst keeping hold of everything that you've installed and your setup preferences are all screwed up too...
I'm not stating this will happen or is the cause of the delay, BUT I for one won't be pre-ordering one, I'd rather wait until it's been released, reviewed and bug-free.

[JoeMD]

So the Game Gadget is now officially out. Any reviews popped up online yet?

[adam763]

So the Game Gadget is now officially out. Any reviews popped up online yet?

I've had a good hunt around and nothing yet. Something I have found is the Dingoo A320 can be bought on Amazon for £69. Very similar in looks to the GameGadget but has been around (and tested) for a few years now... AND it is 'open' ie; can run emulators and their ROMs free of charge....

[JoeMD]

Going off comments on their Facebook page it seems that people who pre ordered the Game Gadget can't use it as it came with no software installed. Also there is a sound issue that needs a firmware update to be fixed. A lot of people are pissed. Not a great start.

[Lilbeard]

This is entirely true, I have mine and it is faulty

[adam763]

This is entirely true, I have mine and it is faulty

Do tell us more... What's up with it? Are you unable to play any titles??

[subzero]

its not faulty, its needing activation, and until the activation software is released no-one can use theirs, i got mine yesterday and im being very patient with blaze.

Im sure once the systems have been activated we'll all be singing its praises (well i hope so anyways)

I'd rather have a non-working console for a few days thats given a complete fix than one thats full of bugs and doesnt work properly.

[rodarkone]

I hope everything will turn out ok - because I just ordered mine last night - I was tempted by their offer (20 pounds discount + 30 free games).

Finger crossed.

[subzero]

some people have received a 'manual workaround' to activate thiers today, which means full automated service for sure tomorrow!

[HankTzar]

Has anyone got any updates on this?

I'm REAAAAAALY tempted to get one now, especially now it's only £59.99... it sounds like a steal.