Qualcomm Invests In Gaming Console That Promises A Kindle-Like Experience

imageSan Francisco-based Zeebo unveiled a new video game console at the Game Developers Conference yesterday, which targets middle-class gamers in emerging markets like Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC), according to our sister site paidContent.org. What’s interesting is that Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM) invested an undisclosed amount in the startup last year based on interest in its wireless technology, MarketWatch reports.

Qualcomm’s senior director of games and services Mike Yuen predicted the console’s success will be akin to the Amazon (NSDQ: AMZN) Kindle. You can see where this might be headed…If the console runs solely on downloadable games, they could easily be purchased over a wireless network, especially if the console is sold in countries that have less access to wired networks than they do wireless networks. You can even imagine that the price of the console will include the network fee, similar to how Kindle users never get a bill from Sprint (NYSE: S).

More after the jump on pricing, or see the original post at paidContent.org.

CEO John Rizzo told GDC attendees that a console had to be affordable to succeed in the BRIC countries; its launch price is $199, but that’s expected to come down to $150 later this year. That’s a stark contrast from the roughly $1,000 that a new PS3 or Wii can cost in countries like Brazil where they haven’t officially launched, and the only option is illegal trading (per Gamasutra). It also doesn’t compete with the PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii, because it runs solely on downloadable games.

Photo Credit: gamestooges

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