History of video games/Platforms/XGameStation

Introduction
The XGameStation was a series of simple hobbyist consoles intended to help encourage game development education.

Development
The system began development as a handheld console known as NanoGear, before becoming a home console.

Launch
The original system was slated to launch on December 12th, 2003. The original kit cost around $200 and was well received well by programmers.

At the end of 2004 the XGS Development contest was held.

The XGameStation Mini cost $130. The system was covered in a companion book Design Your Own Video Game Console by André LaMothe.

The XGameStation Pico launched around 2005 and cost $60.

Legacy
The system was succeeded by the HYDRA Game Development Kit in November of 2006, though interest in the XGameStation continued following this. Notably, that same month on November 1st, 2006 the Game Institute began a course on development which used the XGameStation as a platform. Additionally the XGS PIC and the XGS AVR were released around 2009.

Technology
Components used between models of the XGameStation vary considerably. It is one of the few consoles to use multiple unrelated processor architectures between models.

XGS AVR 8-Bit
This system is based on the Atmel MEGA AVR 644 8-bit microcontroller, capable of 28 MIPS of performance.

XGS PIC 16 bit
This system is based on the PIC24HJ256GP206 16-bit microcontroller, capable of 40 MIPS of performance.

XGS Micro Edition
This system is based on the Ubicom SX52 8-bit microcontroller, capable of 80 MIPS of performance.

XGS Pico Edition
Two versions of the XGS Pico Edition were made. The system is based on the Ubicom SX28 8-bit microcontroller, capable of 80 MIPS of performance. The Pico edition was compatible with Atari 2600 gamepads.

Read More
There is a WikiBook on Deving The XGameStation.

External Resources

 * Official Website in 2003 (Archived)