GCW Zero

The GCW Zero is a Linux-based open-source handheld video game console created by a start up, Game Consoles Worldwide. The GCW Zero was funded by a successful crowdfunding campaign on kickstarter.com on 29 January 2013 with US$238,499 collected, originally aiming for $130,000. The project was created by Justin Barwick. The device was eventually released that year.

Concept
The GCW Zero is designed to play games by homebrew/indie game developers, as well as run emulators for classic gaming systems. The software infrastructure is open-source and available on GitHub.

Supported systems include game consoles such as the Neo Geo, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation, MSX, as well as arcade machines via the emulator Final Burn Alpha. Version 1.8 of ScummVM added GCW Zero support.

Special Edition
Prior to the Kickstarter campaign there was a limited run of 150 Special Edition units. There are two notable differences: Special Edition text under the GCW Zero screen logo and a 32 GB internal microSD card versus the 16 GB of later production units. A common problem with these Special Edition units is a sticking directional pad in the down direction. Common fixes for this issue include the application of a small amount of dielectric grease in the affected friction area or official 3D printed replacement buttons from the GCW Zero store on Shapeways.

Reception
Reviews have generally been positive, and focused on the emulation capabilities of the device. Steve Tilley, writing at the Toronto Sun, is troubled by the need for copyright-infringing ROMs, but thought highly of the device, describing it as like "holding a chunk of my childhood in the palm of my hand". He also describes the device as unintuitive to use. Tilley repeated these thoughts while presenting a segment for Reviews on the Run where he scored the device 7.5/10; his co-host, Raju Mudhar agreed. David Heywood, writing at Micro Mart, praised the device's excellent build quality, and its use of an operating system which was already well established for handheld consoles.

The GCW was noted for the limited availability of game titles since the release.