Dingoo
A handheld console with media playback and open development support.
The Dingoo is a portable gaming device that can also play music and video, and allows for open game development. It includes a built-in FM radio and a recording function. Launched in February 2009, the console sold over one million units and was available in white, black, and pink. The company behind it, based in the Futian District of Shenzhen, specialized in games and media products. Other models include the Dingoo A330 and A380.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- Dingoo Digital Technology
- Generation
- Seventh
- Lifespan
- CN · February 2009
- Os
- μC/OS-II · Micro-Controller Operating Systems
- System On Chip
- Jz4732 / Jz4740
- Cpu
- 360MHz XBurst (MIPS)
- Media
- SD card
- Memory
- 32MB RAM (Dingoo A320) / 64MB RAM (Dingoo A330)
- Storage
- SanDisk 2GB Mini SD internal flash memory
- Dimensions
- 125,55.5,14mm
- Weight
- 110g
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Dingoo A320 uses a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery with 6 to 8 hours of battery life. Its native operating system is a variant of μC/OS-II, a real-time multitasking kernel for embedded systems. All official software, including emulators, runs on this OS. A Linux kernel was generally released by Booboo on Google Code on May 18, 2009, and a dual-boot installer called Dingux was released June 24, allowing users to boot either the original firmware or Linux without a PC connection. Other versions of the console include the Dingoo A330 and Dingoo A380. The system supports open game development through free official SDKs, and a community has produced homebrew games and emulators for both the native OS and Dingux.
Reader's Guide
The Dingoo's significance lies in its combination of portable gaming, media playback, and open development in a compact, affordable device. Its support for a wide range of emulators—from classic consoles like the NES and SNES to arcade systems and even the PlayStation via Dingux—made it a versatile platform for retro gaming enthusiasts. The release of a Linux kernel and the Dingux dual-boot system further expanded its capabilities, allowing users to run Linux-native games and applications. The device's open SDKs encouraged homebrew development, resulting in a library of original and ported games. With over 1 million units sold, the Dingoo demonstrated a market for open, multi-purpose handhelds that could serve as both a gaming console and a media player, influencing later Linux-based handheld gaming devices.
Did You Know?
- The Dingoo A320 includes a digital FM tuner with a frequency range of 76.0 to 108.0 MHz and can save up to 40 channels.
- The system supports voice and radio recording in MP3 and WAV formats.
- The Dingoo A320 can play SWF files, but only Flash 6 format.
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