| The Gizmondo is a seventh-generation handheld gaming console developed by Tiger Telematics and released in March 2005 (initially in the UK, followed by Sweden and a short US run). It featured a 400 MHz ARM9 processor, Nvidia GoForce 3D graphics, 2.8‑inch TFT color screen (320×240), and ran on Windows CE. The device offered multimedia features uncommon in consoles at the time, such as Bluetooth, GPRS, GPS, a VGA camera, MP3 and video playback, SMS/MMS messaging, and SD/MMC card support using SmartMedia. It included two main variants at launch: a full-priced unit and an “ad‑supported” version (“Smart Adds”) priced lower in exchange for loading ads on the device. Despite an ambitious PR campaign—including celebrity endorsements, a flagship store in London, and sponsoring a Le Mans racing team—the Gizmondo sold fewer than 25,000 to 30,000 units. It received weak game support (around 14 titles released) and was criticized for buggy performance, underwhelming 3D graphics, and shifting focus away from its core gaming functionality. Financial issues and scandal engulfed Tiger Telematics, including revelations of criminal connections among executives (notably a high-speed crash involving Stefan Eriksson) and lavish spending. The company declared bankruptcy and discontinued the Gizmondo in February 2006, making it one of history’s most spectacular handheld hardware failures. |
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