New Zeebo Game Console Launches in Brazil

Just when you thought everything's about Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft in the gaming console world, then comes Zeebo, the brightest and cheapest new kid in the gaming block. Wireless chip designer Qualcomm said Monday that it's backing an effort from start-up Zeebo to build a gaming console for the developing world. With a vision of providing one game console per child. Hopefully, it's as good as it sounds.

Zeebo will build the $199 console, which goes on sale in Brazil next month and is one-fifth the price of consoles sold there. (Zeebo is also backed by Tectoy SA, which will build the console in Brazil.) In other markets, Zeebo says it will sell the console for less than $179 this year and less than $149 next year.

Good thing Zeebo got strong support from the game publishers, they’ve managed to get some big names. EA Mobile, Namco Networks, THQ, and the 800 gorillia of the casual game market, PopCap have all signed on to support the Zeebo. Because no matter how great your console is, if the publishers don’t make games for it, you’re screwed.

Basic Zeebo specifications:

Zeebo is a game console based on Qualcomm technologies for high-end mobile devices. It has a nominal processing power somewhat equivalent to a PSP, OpenGL|ES 1.0 hardware compatibility over a dedicated GPU and is capable of 3G mobile network connection (HSUPA), scaling back at 2.5G (EDGE) or 2G (GPRS) where necessary. It features BREW 4.0 as the operational system, three USB ports for joysticks and accessories, one SD card port, and composite video output along with stereo audio. There is no media - games are downloaded through ZeeboNet network, making Zeebo the first of the forthcoming download-centric generation of game consoles.

Zeebo Press Release:

Zeebo Targets the Next Billion Gamers in Emerging Markets

SAN FRANCISCO, March 23 /PRNewswire/ — Capcom(R), EA Mobile(TM), Namco Networks, PopCap Games and THQ today announced their endorsement of Zeebo, the first affordable 3D videogame console designed specifically for emerging global markets. The innovative console will launch in Brazil next month. The console features secure 3G wireless game delivery and addresses the special requirements of these regions where current generation videogame consoles are expensive for the middle class and software piracy is rampant.

“We are humbled to have the support of these gaming industry giants,” said John F. Rizzo, CEO, Zeebo. “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.”

“We are excited to partner with Zeebo on their visionary and ambitious global gaming initiative,” said Takeshi Tezuka, general manager of Mobile Contents Development, Capcom Co., Ltd. “The evolutionary combination of fast 3G wireless digital distribution and a simple yet elegant business model will open up new avenues to reach gamers directly with some of our top titles such as Street Fighter(R) Alpha.”

“Zeebo is an innovative partner in our efforts to reach consumers in emerging markets, we are supporting their launch in Brazil,” said Antonio Curi, EA Mobile. “We are supporting the Zeebo launch, offering Need for Speed Carbon and FIFA 09, which will feature a Portuguese voiceover.”

“Zeebo’s vision to bring gaming to the ‘next billion’ aligns well with our goal of bringing casual entertainment to consumers any time and any where,” said Scott Rubin, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Namco Networks America. “We are pleased to support Zeebo as they enable gaming in emerging markets around the world by publishing games like PAC-MANIA, Ridge Racer and Alpine Racer for the platform.”

“The emerging markets of the world have historically presented a very interesting dichotomy between a huge untapped consumer base and a very real piracy issue,” said Doug Clemmer, president of THQ Wireless. “Zeebo has solved this problem by providing THQ a direct path to deliver a great entertainment experience to consumers in emerging markets.”

Additional publishers and developers actively supporting the Zeebo console platform include Com2uS, Digital Chocolate, Gameloft, Glu, Id Software and Machineworks Northwest LLC.

For more information on the Zeebo videogame console please visit www.zeeboinc.com.

Mike Yuen from Qualcomm and John F. Rizzo from Zeebo will present “4 - Gaming for the Next Billion,” this morning at 10:30am PDT at Game Developers Conference Mobile in San Francisco in Moscone North, Room 134. On Tuesday, March 24 at 11:00am PDT, Rizzo will also participate on the panel, “How will startups and the industry giants wrestle over the future of games?” at the GamesBeat 2009 Conference at the Mission Bay Conference Center.