Zune integrating gaming? Xboy rumors resurface
by Dustin Burg 
{ Dec 20th 2006 at 12:30PM }
Remember all those rumblings before the Zune came out? You know, the rumors that Microsoft was creating an Xboy, a portable version of the Xbox. Well, there is no Xboy, but we did get a musical MP3 player (that is crazy cool in brown form)! But yesterday, in an exclusive interview with TVG, entertainment chief Chris Lewis spilled the beans on what the future of the Zune may lend itself to. Lewis commented on the possibility that the Zune will turn into a gaming device, stating:
Looking ahead, the vision for connected entertainment provides a number of consumer scenarios and with our heritage in Xbox and Games for Windows, gaming is certainly something we're considering for the device.
Have our Xboy dreams received some legs to run on or will this nasty tease simply end in broken hearts and an empty bottle of Jack? No matter, the Zune brand should eventually lend itself to playing at least some XBLA games or becoming a full fledged gaming device. We'll see ... but until then we're leaving the case of the missing Xboy officially open.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tony @ Dec 20th 2006 1:23PM
I had a Zune and returned it the next day. The thing has other problems to take care of before they get into this stuff.
Honestly, if it did play games (which it certainly could handle), they'd be extremely limited with the Zune's button setup.
E.J. @ Dec 20th 2006 1:44PM
well, there's always that chance a controller accessory can be made.
Hoffer @ Dec 20th 2006 2:54PM
I don't want an iPod that plays games. I want a true handheld gaming machine. Screw the Zune and give us the true Xboy.
SpanishClash @ Dec 20th 2006 4:37PM
That would be SWEET! :) Now let's all hope this comes to fruition at some point in time in the not so distance future.
PS. I love my Zune Leo!!!
Peffer @ Dec 20th 2006 4:45PM
That'd be pretty insane, hopefully it comes out soon
Murc @ Dec 20th 2006 8:27PM
The ipod already plays games...so its pretty obvious that the Zune will play games as well.
The 1.2 update is just got was needed, to increase speed, compatability, & stability...the next update is set for spring...I fully expect many new feature...everything from a clock, to game playing.
nick @ Dec 20th 2006 10:17PM
I did a little research on the Zune. Didn't realize this was the plan all along. Updates would occur from time to time, and add new features. Microsoft wanted to start with basics, and then add-on options over time.
Although I guess this is a interesting strategy, I question why people would want to buy a Zune early with limited functionality. Sure it plays music and videos, but that's not enough to distinguish itself from Apple and other competitors.
I'd like to see Xbox integration. The wireless feature should be more flexible. And yes, games are necessary at some point. Too bad the unit itself doesn't look better. Every time I see the brown version, which is constantly used in ads, I cringe. It's quite ugly.