Ever since the release of the PSP there have been all sorts of rumors buzzing around that Microsoft would eventually create a hand-held Xbox system for the gaming world to enjoy. At games-com, our prayers have been answered…well…sort of.
Xbox Mobile has been announced, meaning that XBox LIVE is now portable. But will it be a for a new console? No it’s for the new Windows 7 mobile phone. Meaning all your XBox live features will now be accessible through the new device or indeed and smart phone. You can access the XBox LIVE market place, customise your avatar, all sorts. It doesn’t sound that huge yet, rather than just a new app for your smart phone but there is more.
With the new XBox LIVE system for phones you can now download phone specific games, meaning that this thing will actually be a mini XBox LIVE. This is, as I said going to be released with the new Windows 7 phone. You will have a lot of games at your disposal.
This is a big step for Microsoft, and judging by the scale of this project, if executed well these guys could in fact get 1up on apple and their iPhone with console phone integration.
Not much else is known about what is going to happen with Xbox LIVE mobile, but I am very curious to find out. It is defiantly one of those projects that will flop or be a huge success.
On a side note, Microsoft is planning to relaunch the XBox avatars. Avatars 2.0 as they call it will be more human like to integrate with the Kinect system better. This I find very understandable, but does that mean Microsoft and other game companies have some pain staking hours making all Xbox LIVE avatar items and avatar awards compatible? Lets hope so, I’ll be pissed if my new Crackdown 2 helicopter isn’t compatible.
Garv
Both the PS3 and the Xbox 360 have very various methods they’re approaching “waggle gaming”, but is it some thing “proper” Gamers will wish to use