homebrew and retro heaven
It's been over a year since I got the Mk I and I'm still using it today. It's a special device to get used to, little glitches here and there that gets better with firmware and some hardware issues you fix yourself but is fixed with new releases of the hardware. Even with that, it's a very playable device and very worth it in the end.

The MAME, Sega Genesis/Megadrive, C-64, and Neo-Geo emulators supports most games perfectly and could keep you happy for long. It also has a strong community so there's always something new to fiddle with and people to help.

gp2x owns
I've got it, I love it. Being a classic gaming fan and a gamedev wannabe, I really gotta.

pros:
- a good bunch of emulated platforms, and a miriad of games on them (my choices are Vice (C64), PocketSNES (SNES) and MAMAgP2X (MAME)), also a considerable amount of good homebrew stuff.
- video player, mp3 player, photo viewer, txt reader
- very high quality display
- open source development
- good expansibility via the GP2X Cradle

contras:
- bootup takes a tad too long (downgrading the firmware to 2.1.1 (you'll need to downgrade to 2.0.0 first) solves this and the access restrictions to the internal flash memory (NAND) -- but it isn't recommended by all), and navigation through the menu system isn't fast either
- using the GP2X with the SD card as a removable drive is EXCRUCIATINGLY slow -- you'll need a card reader.
- glitches with mp3-player (arbitrary channel swapping).
- weak (but not hopeless at all) 3D gaming

You can really do without the carry case, relying on the protection pouch coming with your GP2X, if you carry it around in a bag, in it's own compartment. If not, do consider buying it.

A powerful, unique handheld!
It's been a few days since I got my GP2X from Play-asia now, and as of so far the console has been utterly fantastic.

The look and feel is actually very impressive, the system feels solid and the buttons are usually responsive. The (replaceable) joystick is a little odd and takes some getting used to, but once you do it is brilliant.

The wealth of classic games and original games makes this device a must have for some people, and video playback is superb at that.

It's worth saying that the firmware that comes pre-installed, 3.0.0 is not the best, there are compatibility issues with some applications because of changes, these changes are not very significant and only result in system slowdown. You'll want to downgrade it to 2.1.1 as soon as possible because of faster boot up and almost the exact same features, as well as improved compatibility with skins.

The batteries that come packaged with the value pack are useful because of how powerful they are, I recommend getting another 4 batteries along with a recharger if you'll be taking your GP2X out all day, so you can switch between sets, be sure to use an AC adapter when indoors.

The screen is quite notably very high quality, you will notice that whilst it does not compare to the screens of the PSP or DS Lite, it certainly exceeds the original DS screen quality by far, my only complaints are that the screen is sort of "dark" and is difficult to see in daylight.

All in all, this is a great system, though it will never replace my DS lite and it's library of fantastic commercial games, my GP2X will continue to entertain me with high quality nostalgic gaming and homebrew games made by all sorts of people for free. :)

Great System
Got my yesterday. Fast delivery from Play Asia.

Still finding out new ways to use my GP2x.

re: 8 way controller sux
If you buy this product MAKE SURE to get the hard case...the joystick controller (left side) is fragile and needs that case to protect it. Other than that, awesome system :)