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GDC: Zeebo console targets "next billion" gamers

News by Patrick Garratt Founder & Publisher (Former)

Published on March 24, 2009

A new console was announced at GDC yesterday, a 3G-enabled box packing a punch somewhere between a PSone and a PS2, according to maker Zeebo. Here's its home site.

Zeebo plans to launch its "video game console for the next billion" in Brazil next month for $199 and in other countries later this year for $179.

The discless box is aimed at developing countries and is a little larger than a Wii, apparently.

Zeebo CEO John Rizzo said the machine isn't meant to directly compete with the likes of PS3 and Xbox 360, but rather give consumers in India, China, Brazil and Eastern Europe - those who generally can't afford the latest high-end consoles, or the games published for them - a bite at the gaming cherry, so to speak.

In many of these countries, cell phone service is more readily available and cheaper than wired broadband, said Rizzo.

One word: Phantom.

"Launching a new console is not for the faint of heart," Rizzo said.

Live the dream, dude. Get lots more on Yahoo.