If that d-pad is microswitched, then I would definitely not get rid of it, since I'm a huge fan of the NGPC control stick, but otherwise I'd want a cross-pad.
GP32 emulators are generally pretty good, especially for Genesis and 8-bit stuff.
The GPX2 should be able to handle SNES, NeoGeo, and even GBA without any trouble.
It really all depends on how much effort the hobbyist programmers put into it.
I'm not really sure why there are two different systems coming out from what is essentially the same company.
I suppose the XGP is intended as more of an alternative to the PSP, with its 3D capabilities, lithium-ion battery, and wide aspect screen.
The screen in the XGP has the exact same resolution as the PSP, so it should be perfect for UMD rips. :)
