[Release] GP32 Emulator for Android – Bringing the 2001 32-bit handheld back to life

[renun3]

Hey everyone on Pyra & Pandora boards! As long-time retro handheld enthusiasts and admirers of the legendary gp32x community, our team at Wonderple is excited to share a dedicated project we've been crafting: GP32 Emulator for Android. With physical SmartMedia cards increasingly failing and original hardware becoming harder to keep running in 2026, preserving Korea's pioneering 2001 32-bit handheld and its unique software library feels more important than ever. We wanted to build a modern, high-performance emulator so everyone can easily revisit classics like Astonishia Story R, Her Knights: Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Dungeon & Guarder, Princess Maker 2, and Wanna Be a Wizard! without the hardware headache. Key Features:

• 60 FPS Full Speed: Highly optimized ARM9 core emulation running smoothly on modern Android devices.
• Rewind & Fast-Forward: Instant rewind to recover from tricky moments, plus configurable fast-forward.
• Save States & Load States: Up to 10 visual save slots with quick auto-resume.
• Built-in Memory / RAM Search: Integrated in-game cheat and memory value search engine.
• Controller & Touch Mapping: Full support for physical Bluetooth/USB gamepads, keyboards, and customizable touch controls.
• Display Shaders & Filters: Pixel-perfect scaling with retro LCD color profiles and CRT shaders.
• Fast Boot: Option to skip the firmware launcher after initial setup.

(Note: An iOS version is also in the pipeline and currently undergoing App Store review!) Download & Links:

• Google Play (Lite - Free): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wonderple.emul.lite
• Google Play (Pro): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wonderple.emul
• Official Project Page: https://wonderplecorp.com/apps/gp32-emulator

Since this board carries the true spirit and history of the GP32 scene, we'd love to hear your thoughts, feedback, and any obscure homebrew or software you'd love to see tested. Thank you!

 

[matzesu]

I find this Projekt quite interesting, i Wonder how to deal whit games that Need the Fenix runtime, did a quick search on the gp32 File Archiv there where Lots of cool Games

 

[mediocrevegetable1]

Hey! It's cool to see this is a thing, not sure how this stacks up against the existing (and incredibly old by this point) GP32 emulators.

Some questions I have:

• When you say the Pro version has an existing game library, does that mean ROMs come built-in? Is there a list of these ROMs and were they all freeware and acquired legally?
• Does the Lite version not support a physical gamepad?
• Any plans to release this on any other platform?
• What's the compatibility like for homebrew titles?
• I see a lot of different firmware files on the file archive, will all of them work? Which firmware versions have you tested?

I do find it a shame that the emu is closed-source and the full version requires payment, as I feel that emulation for an old obscure console like this is more-so good for preservation than anything else, but I can't complain too much, considering this exists at all. The fact that it's android-only and the lite version seemingly doesn't support physical controls is a big blocker, I doubt I'll get this myself in its current state. In an ideal world I'd like to have this as a libretro core or at least a cross-platform PC emu so that more devices that matter to me support the emu. I am not an old member of this board and have no prior experience with the GP32, so I genuinely would be interested in trying out some games and homebrew for it, just not on a smart phone with touch controls.

Actually, I am just seeing there is finally an open-source GP32 emulator as well on github: GP32emu. It's not really in competition with this emulator because it has no Android/iOS support but it probably suits my needs better. It's got a "mixed" recommendation on the Emulation General Wiki so not sure how compatible that is either, and worryingly there's been no commits since June when it was first published, but hopefully the author will contribute more over time.

 

[renun3]

@matzesu
Thanks for checking out the project! The emulator boots through genuine BIOS to run binaries, so in theory Fenix homebrew should execute just like standard GP32 software. However, we haven't specifically tested Fenix-based titles yet, so we can't guarantee compatibility out of the box right now. If there are specific Fenix games you'd love to play, please let us know—we'd be happy to test them first and fix any issues!

@mediocrevegetable1
Thanks for the great questions! Here's a quick rundown:

1. ROMs, Packages & BIOS: Neither version bundles ROMs or BIOS files due to copyright; users supply their own files and firmware dumps. The emulator supports running .smc files as well as installing .fpk packages. The Pro version focuses on library management (folder/zip batch import, custom cover/title editing, multiple save state slots).
2. Gamepad Support: The free Lite version currently supports virtual on-screen controls only. Physical Bluetooth/USB gamepads, keyboard input, and custom button mapping (fast-forward, rewind, quick save) are Pro features.
3. Platforms: Currently, only an iOS release is planned. There are no plans for PC or RetroArch (libretro) cores.
4. Firmware Compatibility: We support a wide variety of official and community/multi-firmwares out of the box (with automatic CRC recognition), and any 512KB ARM GP32 firmware dump can also be loaded as custom firmware.

 

[matzesu]

I wanted to try it yesterday, but unfortunally someone did release a new Cemu Fork, which did not work whit my WiiU Dump Format .. so maybe later then .. also i need some time to prepare some Homebrew from the File Archive (if you wonder: The Mighty File Archive from EvilDragon there you also can find the Firmware Files, )

I have to say though, the GP32 brought me to the Pandora Projekt, because EvilDragon was a guest on an German Gaming Show called Giga Games, but i never had an GPH Handheld myself .. i should had known back then how long the Pandora would take, and get me an GPH Wiz as well ..

 

[renun3]

@matzesu No rush at all, take your time! Whenever you get around to giving it a spin, we'd love to hear your thoughts or any feedback on how it runs. Thanks for checking out the thread!