History of video games/Platforms/LeapFrog Didj

Launch
The system was announced on February 5th, 2008. The Didj was marketed more as a gaming device with educational value, rather then an educational device with entertainment value.

The Didj was launched in mid 2008. The system cost $89.99 at launch with games costing $29.99.

By February 2010 the system was being sold for as little as $25, gaining the interest of Linux enthusiasts looking for cheap portable computers. By the middle of 2010 the device was discontinued.

Legacy
As the system was popular with Linux enthusiasts, a surprising number of mods were developed for it. Such mods included adding MicroSD card capabilities or doubling the RAM to a capacity of 64 megabytes.

Technology
The Didj was built on the Leapfrog Pollux Platform. The Didj uses the same CPU as the GP2X at a lower clock speed, with software being relatively portable between the two. This processor used a 32-bit ARM9 architecture. Different sources list the processor clock speed at either 300 megahertz or 393 megahertz. The system had 32 megabytes of RAM, with different sources listing either "DDRI" or "SDRAM". The system graphics supported basic 3D with OpenGL ES 1.1 support.

The system had 256 megabytes of internal storage, and cartridge media held 64 megabytes.

The system used Brio Firmware.

The Didj has a 3.2" screen with a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. The screen can output 16.7 million colors. The system has unused composite out hardware, which can be enabled with modding.

The system was powered by 4 AA batteries, with an optional $35 rechargeable NIMH battery pack available. 35,000 early rechargeable battery packs sold between October 2008 were defective, and recalled on October 23rd, 2008 as they could burn the user, with one incident of a burnt hand reported.

Games
Games could be enhanced with a custom vocabulary.