One game console per child: Zeebo
Today, video game companies Capcom, EA Mobile, THQ, Namco, and PopCap Games announced their support for Zeebo, the first video game console designed especially for emerging markets.
It's an interesting concept indeed. Zeebo is a home video game console based on cell phone technology; it runs on Qualcomm's BREW platform and MSM chipset, consumes only 1 watt of power, and offers quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and tri-band UMTS/HSPA connectivity.
The main processor is a 528 MHz ARM 11/QDSP-5, the same processor found in phones such as the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1. Graphics is tackled by the Qualcomm Adreno 130 integrated graphics core, and it includes 1 GB of NAND Flash, 128 MB of DDR SDRAM and 32 MB within in the MSM chipset. The video output is 640 x 480 via composite outs, and there are three external USB ports and an SD slot.
Zeebo will only support downloadable content, and offers its own marketplace (with ads, of course) where new games can be purchased. The unit comes with a handful of built-in titles, however, such as FIFA '09, Need for Speed Carbon, Brain Challenge, Prey Evil, and there is an included download credit for ID Software's Quake.
"Content is critical for the launch of any new console platform and with the support from these influential publishers, and the long list of impressive brands they have to offer, we are well on our way to making gaming for the next billion a reality," said Zeebo's CEO John F. Rizzo.
Zeebo will be launched in Brazil next month and will retail for or $199. The console is expected to launch elsewhere this summer for $179, and then be dropped to a price below $149 in 2010.