[img width=300 align=right]http://www.rfgeneration.com/images/hardware/U-083/bf/U-083-H-00011-A.jpg[/img]Prior to releasing their revolutionary controller with the debut of Wii, Nintendo had previously experimented with this in 1995 with the release of Laserbirdie, a golf game simulator for the Super Famicom.  Though Nintendo does own the bragging rights to be the first to actually implement motion-sensing technology into a game, the Wii can not lay the same claim in regards to a console.  That honor belongs to SSD Company Limited with their release in 2004 of the XaviX Interactive System (XaviXPORT).

The XaviXPORT was the first home video game console that fully utilized and required the use of full, wireless motion-sensing controllers.  No games are included with the system - game packs, all sport/fitness related, are sold separately that include the game and a specialized controller shaped like the athletic equipment used in the respective game (i.e. golf club or tennis racquet).  Besides being the first console devoted entirely to this new technology, the XaviXPORT has a number of other unique features - some good, others not so much.

The XaviXPORT makes the Sony Playstation 2 slimline model look like a behemoth.  This system has to be one of the smallest consoles ever made measuring 1.0"� H x 7.0"� W x 5.5"� D and weighs less than 1 pound.  The front of the simple satin-silver casing features two (2) push buttons to the left (power and reset) with the infrared receiver on the right.  A stylish, clean XaviX logo is featured front and center.  The top of the system is more of the same - straight, easy to use features (four (4) up/down buttons flanked by an enlarged Rest and Enter button).  The cool-olive colored game cartridge slot also resides here.  Standard AV connection jacks, power and an AV Out port adorn the back of the system.  This is as simple as it gets.  The XaviXPORT hardware mirrors the simplicity of the main console design.

[img width=300 align=left]http://www.rfgeneration.com/images/hardware/U-083/bb/U-083-H-00011-A.jpg[/img]The XaviXPORT system, contrary to the innovations delivered in their game interface devices, harkened back to a method used in the 1970's of delivering gaming applications and processor in one medium - through the cartridge itself.  I am not sure of the exact specs of the internal components of the XaviXPORT (though I have read is of an 8-bit variety), though it is safe to say that some basic processors are included to process sound and video output along with the software bridge required to communicate with the cartridges.  The premise here, as it was back with Pong-On-A-Chip technology (PC-50x family), was to include the processing power onto the game cartridge to avoid having to keep upgrading the central system every time a leap in technology occurred.  In theory, this is an excellent approach to keeping the games up to date and providing the gamer the best experience.  Now to the important question - what about the games?

Interactive sport and fitness games are the only genre for this system.  A total of eight ( 8 ) applications have been released for the XaviXPORT from golf to baseball to fishing to boxing.  I would have to say the graphics are somewhat similar to the 3DO - obviously not that great considering the year of its release.  The games are fun though - physically demanding you to get off of your couch and participate.  Correct positioning of the system is paramount for the optimal enjoyment because the game peripherals range does not seem to be that great (maybe 15-20 feet or so).  If you are looking for a good workout, you will not be disappointed.

[img width=300 align=right]http://videogamecollectors.com/albums/Marriott_Guy_Games/2004_Xavix_Game_Collection_001.jpg[/img]Overall, the XaviXPORT is truly a first among video game consoles.  SSD Company Limited fully embraced wireless, motion-sensing technology and ran with it.  Having to compete in the marketplace with the Sony Playstation 2 and Microsoft Xbox did not help their cause, nor did the lack of their brand name recognition.  I rather view this system like Worlds of Wonder release of the Action Max - intriguing technology at the time, but too much competition to overcome.

The XaviXPORT is still being sold in some select stores (both online and retail).  A brand new system costs $80 USD, with games running approximately $50 USD (some higher).  This is a recommended purchase for the gamer that likes to get a physical workout and fun game experience but is not necessarily addicted to cutting edge technology.  This is also a recommended purchase for the console collector due to the place in history that the XaviXPORT will have and the small library of readily available for purchase games.

Permalink | Comments [1] | Digg This Article

[img width=300 align=right]http://www.rfgeneration.com/images/hardware/U-057/bf/U-057-H-00010-A.jpg[/img]Commodore, the noted home computer manufacturer of the 1980's, had endured failed attempts entering the video game console market with their releases of the Commodore 64 GS and the Commodore Amiga CDTV systems. Their final attempt at capitalizing in the very profitable hardware arena was the Commodore Amiga CD32, debuting in the UK on September 14, 1993. The CD32 was marketing as being the first 32-bit CD-ROM based system (though the FM Towns Marty, released in Japan in 1991 actually owns this true distinction) and enjoyed moderate success in the UK, gaining more than 50% of the CD-ROM game market share in Britain (1993). However, this success was short-lived and did little to save the console, and Commodore, from eventual demise.

As in their previous efforts, Commodore relied on their roots and talents in the home computing market in the development of the CD32. Basically an Amiga 1200 computer wrapped in a dark granite-gray casing, the console is rather nondescript in appearance. A large top-loading 2x CD-ROM drive is featured as the centerpiece of the design, with a rather ordinary white label of "32bit" embossed on it. An enlarged "Reset" button, volume slide switch and headphone jack complete the top of this unit. Strangely, and not convenient at all, the controller ports (2) are located on the left hand side of the unit (along with an auxiliary port for a keyboard). The back of the system features standard AV, S-Video and RF outputs along with the expansion port interface. Surprising, the power switch is also located in the aft section of the CD32. The controllers have to be one of the worst designs I have encountered. Though quite wide, the thin U-shaped controller has four colored coded buttons which are crowded onto the right side of the controller and a simple directional pad flanks the left. Two shoulder trigger buttons complete the controller interface. Overall, the design is rather lackluster and not at all user friendly from any point of view.

Inside the chassis resides a modified 32bit MC 68EC020 processor running at 14.3 MHz that is complimented by 2 MB of RAM and a variety of co-processors - 8374 Alice (memory controller), 4203 Lisa (video control chip), 8364 Paula (sound & I/O), 391563-01 Akiko (I/O controller). This multi-processor system rendered games in 16.7 million colors and up to a resolution of 1280 x 400 (1280 x 512 PAL) and in full stereo (4 channels). The CD-ROM drive supports the Audio CD, Karaoke CD, CD+G and CDTV software formats. With the purchase of an optional FMV cartridge, Video CD, Photo CD and CD-i media could be played. Overall, the internals were quite adequate but the games produced for it leave a great deal to be desired.

Having an extensive Amiga library already at its disposal, the system launched with many ports of existing games. Unfortunately, many third party developers saw this as an opportunity to cash in. Many ports were simply supped up originals with added color depth, CD quality tracks and FMV cut scenes interspersed. Though the number of games released for the CD32 is extensive (150+), there are few notable titles that were released exclusively for this system. Overall game quality is a little better than the SNES and Sega Genesis, but less than that produced by the 3DO. Though this system was the first 32-bit console released outside of Japan, Commodore did not invest heavily in advertising the CD32 outside of the UK. This was partly due to the marketing strategy (or lack there of) in recent years by Commodore as well as a severe cash flow problem within the company. Though highly successful in the home computing market (the C64 is still the best selling home computer of all-time and is pictured below), the failed attempts of their previous console entries (C64 GS, CDTV) and the emergence of affordable PC-based home computers decapitated their liquid assets. The CD32 was released in Canada in limited quantities after it debuted in the UK, but was never sold publicly in the USA. This was due to a limited hardware supply because Commodore was unable to meet their credit obligations with the Philippine government, whose factories were used to manufacture the console. Commodore filed for bankruptcy on April 24, 1994, less than a year after the release of the CD32. 

[img width=300 align=right]http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/images/1990s/93_Amiga_CD32/93_Amiga_CD32_Hardware.jpg[/img]The CD32 was not a bad machine, but ended up failing due to poor significant third party software support and a lack of financial viability of Commodore to both fund the manufacturing of the hardware as well as to properly market it outside the UK. The CD32 initially was sold for $399 USD, well below its primary competitor the 3DO ($699). An overall poor design, a dependence upon outdated technology (primarily software) and a lack of any substantial games for this system spelled it's eventual doom. 

A CD32 system is readily available and can be purchased for approximately $80 USD ($50 USD for shipping from Japan or Europe). These systems are primarily unsold units that were seized by the Philippine government from Commodore to try and recoup their debt requirement, or a standard PAL system. Acquiring a CIB North American unit will run you a bit more â€" upwards of $100 USD or so. Not recommended for the average gamer, unless you can score one with packed in games - moderately recommended for the console collector (NA version).

---

NOTE: Thanks to 98PaceCar (Darren) for my oversight of the FM Towns Marty that was actually the very first true 32-bit system - not the CD32 as was previously listed.  Much appreciated Darren!!

Permalink | Comments [6] | Digg This Article