How To Convert The GPD XD Into A Home Game Console System (Part 1)

The GPD XD is an ultra portable game system that is designed for playing emulated video games while on the go.  This little powerhouse runs on Android 4.4 so it can also play all of the popular Android games that one would normally play on their large screen smartphones.

What I like specifically about the GPD XD is the fact that it can run pretty much any high end graphic intensive Android game flawlessly as well as all of the popular emulation platforms like the following:

• Nintendo Entertainment System – otherwise known as NES.
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System – otherwise known as SNES.
• Commodore 64 and Commodore VIC 20.
• Game Boy, Game Boy Colour and Game Boy Advance.
• Neo Geo.
• Playstation 1.

The above list is just a small sample of what the GPD XD can run.  The fact that it is a clam shell form factor means that the gorgeous 5 inch screen can be protected when the system is not in use. The GPD XD is also a tablet as well (seeing that it has a fully functional touch screen) and therefore it can run all of the supported Android applications.

In this article I want to talk about how you can expand the capabilities of this little device to be that of a full home game console by doing a couple of things:

(a.) Connecting the GPD XD to a large screen TV with or without the need for an HDMI cable.

(b.) Connecting gamepads, like the PS3 or similar controllers with or without the need for wires.

Part 1, which is the particular blog, will explain how you can connect the GPD XD to a large screen television set via a wireless connection.  In fact, in addition to being able to stream video to the TV you will also be able to stream sound as well from the device.

You will need the following items to get this done:

• A Microsoft Wireless Media Adapter (Version2)

Simply follow these steps and you will have established the wireless connection between the game device and the TV.

Step 1 – Connect the HDMI part of the Microsoft Wireless Media Adapter to any available HDMI port that is located behind your television set.

Step 2 – Connect the USB part of the Wireless Media adapter to an available USB that is located on the back of your TV set.  The USB port will provide the 5V power supply for the wireless media adapter to work.

Step 3 – Turn on the TV and select the appropriate HDMI input source.

Step 4 – Turn on the GPD XD game system and go to the settings tab and select the “cast screen” option.  You will see a list of available wireless Miracast devices (yes, the Microsoft Wireless Media Adapter is a Miracast compatible device) and look for the name of the Media Adapter.  You can find the name of the adapter on the Television screen when you have selected the HDMI source that the adapter is connected into. Simply select that adapter from the list.

Step 5 – In about a couple of seconds you should see your GPD XD screen on the TV as well as hear the sound of your games and other media such as movie and what not coming through the TV’s speakers.  That’s it.

In part 2 I will explain how you can connect gamepads (up to two) to your GPD XD game system to complete the conversion of a portable game unit to that of a full home console system on your large screen TV.

Check out my YouTube video below where I show how to complete part 1 of this process.