the Zeebo.

[guyjin]

http://venturebeat.com/2009/03/19/gamesbeat-09-spotlight-zeebo-launching-low-cost-game-console-for-developing-worlds/

A console intended for 3rd world countries. The important bit: there is no physical media; all games are downloaded.

I think this may be the beginning of the end for games on discs.

[termis]

I smell failure.

[Joe Redifer]

I don't feel that people in 3rd world countries even deserve video games until they start working harder to make their countries better!  Also, do 3rd world countries even have electricity yet?  Maybe 2nd world would be a better market.  At least there are possible customers there.

[guyjin]

Is Brazil a 2nd world country? is there a list somewhere? who decides these things? I'm so confused. 

[Necromancer]

I smell failure.

Agreed, and here's why:

PS1 quality 3D = Fail
ARM processor similar to what's in the DS = DS quality games on a bigger screen = Fail
1GB storage / 50 games = 20MB per game = Fail (for 3D anyway)
Three year old (or older) games for launch titles = Fail
$200 price tag when a new PS2 is $130 = Fail
 

Is Brazil a 2nd world country?

No, it's a first world country in terms of poverty levels and economic development.  Second World refers to socialist/communist countries.

[Sinistron]

The unit itself looks pretty nice though.  Unit- looks nice- har har.  Yeah.

[guyjin]

$200 price tag when a new PS2 is $130 = Fail

A Sony PS 2 costs about $350 in Brazil.

[Necromancer]

$200 price tag when a new PS2 is $130 = Fail

A Sony PS 2 costs about $350 in Brazil.

True, but that's a relatively small market.  They plan on releasing it in Mexico, China, and India (where Brazil's asinine import tariffs won't apply), so it won't be price competitive beyond their own borders.

[guyjin]

Actually, I think most legit, modern gaming hardware and software is overpriced in pretty much all non-G8 countries: due to piracy, they feel like they must make that much more profit on each system and game. That said, I have no idea what a legit PS2 goes for in the New Delhi shops.

[Necromancer]

That said, I have no idea what a legit PS2 goes for in the New Delhi shops.

Nor do I exactly, but the going price for a new PS2 on ebay India is 6500 rupees ($130), and I assumed that Mexico would more or less follow US pricing.