Every year, much like E3, there is a convention titled the Game Developers Conference. This year, it ran from March 23rd to the 27th. In that time, many new, innovative games (software) as well as hardware were announced. Two of which being new consoles, or perhaps better dubbed as pseudo-consoles, titled the 'Zeebo' and 'OnLive'. Now we shall look over these two "consoles" and examine what may or may not make them come out ahead of the competition, which is their (eventual) goal.

First, we are greeted by the OnLive service console thingy. I am hesitant to call it an actual console, because it completely does NOT meet the normal requirements for a 'console' designation, in any respect.

Slated for release sometime in the Winter of 2009, this console/system/thingy uses a unique method of playing games; it streams them, taking DLC to a whole new level. What do I mean by stream? Well, there will be 3 ways to play games: 1) On your PC, 2) On your Mac, or 3) On your TV. To play games via PC or Mac, you download a small plug-in for your browser, which you then access an "OnLive Server", which streams your games directly to your computer, never saving them directly to your hard disk. Supposedly, this method of streaming should work flawlessly, as long as your internet connection and computer meet the minimum requirements. To play on your television, you purchase what has been dubbed a 'Mini-Console', which acts like the small plug-in for your browser. According to the developers, the mini-Console will work with all Bluetooth accessories, so you will be able to use your 360 and PS3 controllers to play their competitor's 'console'.

My own impression? Well, to put it rather bluntly, crash 'n burn, unless the streaming works as well as they advertise it. If it does do what it is supposed to, and be able to play in HD (if you have a high enough bandwith), then it might have some potential. I guess all we can do is wait and see what the base price for the mini-console and the service will be. Only time will tell...

And up next, we have *drumroll*

The Zeebo! Now, what kind of name is that? Almost sounds suspicious... Like Swoopo... Alas! I am off topic!

The Zeebo was developed by more than 12 companies, and is released under the company TecToy, a distributor in Brazil. The console, dubbed as the "First Brazilian Developed Console", is designed to meet the needs of the ever growing middle class in the 'BRIC', or Brazil, Russia, India, and China. In the next decade, it is projected that over 800 Million will join these ranks, having more money to spend on entertainment. At a base price of only 199.99USD, the console is on par with the Wii in terms of price.

One must remember though, that a Wii in these nations costs a fortune. In fact, the Wii, or PS3, or 360 aren't even officially SOLD there! One must import one from Japan, etc. For example, a Wii costs a Chinese citizen about 1000HKD plus Customs. That's about 450USD! The basic reason for the high cost is because of rampant piracy in these countries. It isn't profitable to market in these countries.

However, the Zeebo is changing this. It will be marketed in these countries, and games will be exclusively DLC only, via a Zeebo specific 3G wireless network, like those used in Smart Phones. The perk is that you do NOT pay for this service. You get the 3G connectivity right out of the box. What you pay for is the games themselves.

While the Zeebo looks a lot more 'childish' than the OnLive, its technical specifications aren't that bad, with a 500+ Mhz Processor, 3D Graphics core, and so on. The console has had interest by many major developers seeking to place their games on the system's line up. To me, the Zeebo looks like a good deal for these people in the BRIC, and can introduce a new generation to gaming.

The verdict is... Well, I'd say the Zeebo swoops OnLive off the board. The OnLive has too much that can go wrong, with its streaming technology. The Zeebo has games that you actually download, and get to keep, even if they are digital. If the Zeebo is ever marketed outside of the BRIC, then I would probably purchase it before the OnLive service.


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