GP2X WIZ : a very know unknow game console…  Like the WIZ  GP2X “The most know unknow” was the name of one of the better hip hop albums from the band called 3-6 Mafia. And well defined a new concept today: the concept to be famous and ignored at same time.

There are brands very popular, with thousands even millons of fans in the world, but are UNKNOW at the same time. How is that possible? Because that brands have good position on certain very defined targets , usually urban underground sectors or targets that prefer alternative communication media than mainstream media to make a choice.

Bands like 3-6 Mafia (even after won an Oscar) , Insane Clown Posse, Faygo (a cheap soda) and Cleopatra (a record label) are not same famous as Eminem, 50 cent, Coca Cola and EMI .   But , all these brands got millons of fans. They are the most KNOW UNKNOW. And all them has a customer loyalty that no any mainstream brand can dream.

Game Park is one of these MOST KNOW UNKNOW in the game industry. A small company in Korea , never was able to compit with Nintendo or Sony in terms of massive production and diffussion but always stand with a loyal and solid base of fans that are capable to buy any product that Game Park (today Game Park Holdings) release to the market.

If you are not a gamer you probably don´t know what the GP2X WIZ is, or what i am talking about wen i say WIZ GP2X console. Perhaps you know what a NINTENDO DS or SONY PSP is, but you have not idea about GP2X WIZ.

But even before its release the WIZ already sold thousands of units: pre orders from fanatical Game Park followers ready to put the hands on the last Game Park console.

This is a case of high position on a certain sector of market and can be compared with a solid conquer of a small territory on a war. Ok, perhaps the GP2X WIZ fans are not as many as the NINTENDO DS buyers… but they are not casual buyers. Most of them take the Game Park products more than a gadget or device: they consider that products a philosophy, a way of life. Game Park products always were related with the free software and open source philosophy and the brand take advantage of that position in the mind of potential owners. GP2X WIZ is not the exception .

Their competitors got their own position well solid: SONY = “incredible graphics” , NINTENTO = “Simple fun” . GP2X WIZ = “Best console for homebrew and emulators”. They know that. It was not the original plan wen they launched the GP32 , but after coders start using the GAMEPARK linux based console to create tons of emulators and homebrew the GP2X (the next generation) was released with that in mind. Now, the WIZ is having success in the same target. Is not the biggest market , but is a big one. And GP2X WIZ has no competitors in that market. Even wen you can play emulators on PSP you need to modify your console… even wen you can play emulators on NINTENDO DS you need to buy an accesory appart (the flash cart)  GP2X WIZ is ready for emulation, is linux based and open source.

And is currenly the most powerfull console in the market. Power doesn´t means “good graphics” . Take a look to the old NINTENDO DSL. It has only 66 processor and runs very good 3d graphics. Look at the Tapwave Zodiac: incredible 3d games at only 200 mhz. But.. processor is very important to run EMULATORS, that´s the reason GP2X WIZ is the perfect console for do that, without patches or accesories or modifications to firmware.

Game Park need to keep that in mind and focus on that market . I saw a little concerned a tendence to move to the world of 3d games and commercial games. It will be a waste of time on a battle that GP2X WIZ already lose. GP2X WIZ got a very solid territory for defense: the homebrew and emulator console. Distraction with other territories with giants like Nintendo or Sony can make them lose position against a new player on that target: DINGO A320. A new cheap and powerfull console ready for homebrew and even with a lot of emulators included , capable to run NINTENDO GBA and NEO GEO backups as is, with its built in emulators full speed and without any skill on programming needed.

Another unknow… not same know as GAME PARK, but be carefull gamepark. Search google for: “emulator portable console” and keep concerned if you see more forums about DINGOO than about GP2X. Distraction is the best weapon for a small enemy.

The gp2x WIZ need to keep its own target and consolidate it on any aspect: organing homebrew contests, supporting independent programmers, and other open source related moves.

Next article i will write about the position and S.E.O. of some GP2X WIZ and gaming related stores and their position on the gamers perception.