Zeebo, is the name for a brand new low-cost videogame console targeted at “the next billion” gamers in developing countries including Brazil, Russia, India and China where it is hoped the device will become a third-world Xbox. With wireless broadband technology & multiplayer capabilities as standard it has been designed to download videogame software over 3G broadband wireless technology built by Qualcomm, which is among the early investors in Zeebo.

Using technologies such as wireless game delivery, Zeebo fundamentally alters the economics of interactive entertainment in the developing world, opening a vast new opportunity for users and content providers. The Zeebo Entertainment Platfort is currently shipping in limited quantities in Brazil, to be followed by broader rollouts in Latin America, Asia and beyond.

The system provides a new approach for both publishers and developers looking to extend their footprint into emerging markets, including:

• Secure 3G wireless distribution of digital content designed to overcome lost revenues from rampant piracy
• Simple, intuitive wireless shopping mall making it easy for consumers to discover and purchase content
• Giving publishers and developers direct access to a potential one billion consumers in the emerging middle class
• Shorter development cycle as well as lower marketing costs

A growing list of supporting Publishers and Developers include: Activision, Capcom, EA, Gameloft, Namco, THQ, PopCap, ID Software, and Machineworks who are all making versions of previously released titles compatible for the new system.

Zeebo consoles have a suggested retail price $199 each, but the price is expected to drop when the consoles start being shipped to other countries outside of Brazil later this year. Included with the console are 4 embedded games, Fifa 09, Need for Speed Carbon, Quake, Prey Evil & Brain Challenge, with a redeem code for a free 5th title of your choice from many over the air titles available.

The whole system connects to a dedicated Zeebo Live service called ‘ZeeboNet’ which will have it’s own marketplace for purchasing extra games and content.

Zeebo Official Website

Source: WAToday