Meet the ZEEBO - Or : me getting angry for nothing again

Bells · 11-21-2008, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KOTAKU + GIZMODO

The Tectoy Zeebo doesn't scream gaming console powerhouse by any means, but what makes it interesting is the free 3G connection as the means to purchase and download games. In addition to keeping distribution costs low and titles accessible to those living outside of metropolitan areas, the downloadable content helps cut down on game piracy, which is rampant in Brazil.

The system itself features an SD card slot, two USB ports, and comes preloaded with a few games, including quake. It's not intended to go compete with the current-gen offerings, but as mentioned earlier, it's for markets where the average consumer can't afford the cost of a Wii or Xbox (considering the cost of games after import fees). The Zeebo will arrive on Brazilian shelves in July 2009 and sell for roughly $258 USD. Games will cost between $10 and $30. [Folha Online via Engadget]

The Zeebo is a new console from Brazilian outfit Tectoy that uses a 3G SIM card to download games. It is a bit on an odd beast - looking like an unholy marriage of the PS3 and a Wii, and the strictly last-gen games selection (Quake, Crash Bandicoot, etc.) may seem a bit underwhelming.

The Unique Selling Point of games downloaded over-the-air is an attempt to combat Brazil's thriving market in pirated software and the console is being priced to suit a market where huge import costs make legitimate copies of games a tough sell.

Incidentally, Urban Dictionary defines 'Zeebo' as "A mad, often confused, lonely and possibly misunderstood ape from the hill-like village of Menzieshill." Just, you know, FYI.

So, it's actually a Console running on BREW platform, ARM11 528Mhz. 3D resources are similar to cellphones, 128Mb DDR Ram, and 1Gb Flash memory to store the games. It seems so easy to hack and... just ignore... that i dont even know why they bother...

The price around here? R$600 (about $250 dolars due to currency exchange) a Modded PS2 costs around here R$400 (about $175 dollars )

So, while you folks enjoy your Gears of War, Rockbands, Guitar Heroes and Crysis, getting nuts about all the new games they are releasing at the same time. I'll be here in the corner silently hating y'all... mmmkay?

Daimo Mac, The Blue Light of Hope · 11-22-2008, 12:48 AM

Oh my god, the Phantom Exists...only as a cheap South American knockoff.

Seriously though, this is ridiculous. With new and new games coming out, making a device to play last gen games is a bit...stupid.

Jagos · 11-22-2008, 12:52 AM

Not really...

If you don't have the money for the biggest games, this could be a pretty good alternative.

Bells · 11-22-2008, 04:01 AM

except for the fact that you're paying 600 bucks and then an extra 19,99 to play Quake 1 and Crash Bandicoot Racing ... right?

PS: Im not even going to say just how much it pisses me off the amount ot copypasta they did with the Wii / PS3 / 360 console design for this...

Mind you we're talking about the same company that launched this recently

That's a Megadrive...

it comes with 82 games, which includes Alex kid, Sonic and Fifa 2008, Need for Speed Pro Street, The Sims 2 e Sim City!... expect Sonic and alex kid, all the others are all Cellphone game versions adapted FOR the Megadrive.

...and my rage piles on

Ryong · 11-22-2008, 08:59 AM

Waaaaait a second. That's not a mega drive. Mega drive was the Brazilian name for the Genesis.

Also, geez, a modded PS2 costing that little? It costs roughly the same as the Zeebo over here...I think. Been a while since I've checked prices on PS2s.

And, wait, they want to get rid of piracy by making a console that can't be pirated but can't compete with next-gen consoles and apparently, COULD compete with last-gen but...It's still pricier than last-gen?

11-22-2008, 12:48 AM	#2
Daimo Mac, The Blue Light of Hope Definitely NOT a samurai Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Location: Wherever the wind leads me Posts: 5,347	Oh my god, the Phantom Exists...only as a cheap South American knockoff. Seriously though, this is ridiculous. With new and new games coming out, making a device to play last gen games is a bit...stupid. __________________ Lost in the Music ~ On Hiatus Tales of a Torn World ~ World Building

11-22-2008, 12:52 AM	#3
Jagos FRONT KICK OF DOOM! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Howdy pardner... Posts: 6,399	Not really... If you don't have the money for the biggest games, this could be a pretty good alternative. __________________ Copyright musings World ramblings Scifi stories

11-22-2008, 04:01 AM	#4
Bells That's so PC of you Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: In a Server-sided Dimension where time is meaningless Posts: 10,490	except for the fact that you're paying 600 bucks and then an extra 19,99 to play Quake 1 and Crash Bandicoot Racing ... right? PS: Im not even going to say just how much it pisses me off the amount ot copypasta they did with the Wii / PS3 / 360 console design for this... Mind you we're talking about the same company that launched this recently That's a Megadrive... it comes with 82 games, which includes Alex kid, Sonic and Fifa 2008, Need for Speed Pro Street, The Sims 2 e Sim City!... expect Sonic and alex kid, all the others are all Cellphone game versions adapted FOR the Megadrive. ...and my rage piles on __________________ *BELLS STORE : Clothes! You wear* them! Free US Shipping Subscription System? WTF?! Zazzle Black!** Last edited by Bells; 11-22-2008 at 04:07 AM.

11-22-2008, 08:59 AM	#5
Ryong Professional Threadkiller Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Brazil Posts: 3,798	Waaaaait a second. That's not a mega drive. Mega drive was the Brazilian name for the Genesis. Also, geez, a modded PS2 costing that little? It costs roughly the same as the Zeebo over here...I think. Been a while since I've checked prices on PS2s. And, wait, they want to get rid of piracy by making a console that can't be pirated but can't compete with next-gen consoles and apparently, COULD compete with last-gen but...It's still pricier than last-gen?