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Gizmondo

Not to be confused with Gizmodo, the technology blog.
Gizmondo
ManufacturerTiger Telematics
TypeHandheld game console
GenerationSeventh generation era
Release dateMarch 19, 2005 (2005-03-19)
DiscontinuedFebruary 6, 2006 (2006-02-06)
Units soldFewer than 25,000[1]
MediaSD, MMC
CPUARM9 S3C2440 processor at 400 MHz
Online servicesGPRS
Best-selling gameSticky Balls

The Gizmondo is a handheld gaming console developed by Tiger Telematics. It was released in the UK, Sweden and the U.S. starting in March 2005.[2] Its first-party games were developed in studios in Helsingborg, Sweden, and Manchester, England. Gizmondo Europe, Ltd. was based in London, England, and was a subsidiary of Florida-based Tiger Telematics, whose chairman Carl Freer led Gizmondo's development.[3]

Before its launch, the Gizmondo had high expectations by some journalists due to its extensive feature set, and it was aimed to compete against Nintendo and Sony;[4] it ended up as a major sales failure.[5] The company extravagantly spent millions on promotions such as a celebrity party at London's Park Lane Hotel, and taking part at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, despite never making a profit. Its American debut was delayed several times, and a widescreen version was announced shortly before its release – resulting in low sales.[6][7] With fewer than 25,000 units sold, the Gizmondo was named by GamePro as the worst selling handheld console in history.[8]

The Gizmondo was further overshadowed when Swedish press revealed criminal pasts of several executives, causing their resignations including Tiger Telematics CEO Carl Freer. Director of Gizmondo Europe Stefan Eriksson was involved in a Swedish criminal organisation, the "Uppsalamaffian" (the Uppsala mafia).[9] By February 2006, the company was forced into bankruptcy after amassing US$300 million (£160 million) debt, and the Gizmondo stopped production.[10] Weeks thereafter Eriksson crashed a rare Ferrari Enzo driving at 260 km/h (162 mph) in California,[11] and was later jailed and subsequently deported for driving under the influence in connection with the crash and other criminal offenses.

  1. ^ Snow, Blake (2007-07-30). "The 10 Worst-Selling Handhelds of All Time". GamePro.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  2. ^ "Gizmondo gadget hits the shelves". BBC News Online. 2005-03-19. Archived from the original on 2008-02-15. Retrieved 2007-11-23.
  3. ^ "Gizmondo Launch Brings London's West End to a Standstill - Press Release". Archived from the original on 2016-08-20. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  4. ^ "CEBIT 2005: Gizmondo out this week - Hardware - News". HEXUS.net. 2005-03-16. Archived from the original on 2012-08-01. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
  5. ^ "Gizmondo price drop - Hardware - News". HEXUS.net. 2005-04-12. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
  6. ^ "Tiger Doesn't Want You to Buy the Gizmondo! - Defunct Games". Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  7. ^ Smith, Tony (5 August 2005). "Gizmondo US launch 'put back to October'". The Register. Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  8. ^ Snow, Blake (2011-06-07). "The 10 Worst Selling Handhelds Of All Time". Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
  9. ^ Sullivan, Randall. "Gizmondo's Spectacular Crack-up". Wired. Archived from the original on 2016-12-27. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  10. ^ "Gizmondo Europe goes into liquidation". Pocket-Lint. 2006-02-07. Retrieved 2013-01-14.[permanent dead link]
  11. ^ Winton, Jeffrey Fleishman and Richard (15 May 2006). "Life in Fast Lane Long Before Ferrari Crash". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2017-02-13. Retrieved 22 January 2017.

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