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Via-based Handheld Game Console Runs PC Games

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the also-looks-stupid dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Via Technologies has teamed up with Ministry of Mobile Affairs (no, it's not a government agency) to build a handheld game console based on Windows XP Embedded that runs existing PC games. Described as the world's first handheld gaming device based on the x86 architecture, the Eve Mobile Gaming Console is said to be capable of instantly running thousands of existing PC games. Eve's embedded computer is built around a 533MHz Via Eden-N processor (which supports SSE and MMX) equipped with 128MB DDR266 SDRAM, and a 20GB hard drive. A built-in 4-inch LCD screen supports resolutions up to 640 x 480 pixels." The initial impressions are pretty grim, and the form factor leaves something to be desired, at least for a product vying for a share of the GBA market.

3 of 208 comments (clear)

  1. Is that a Moma in your pocket? by l810c · · Score: 4, Interesting
    First thing I thought when I looked at it, is where are you going to carry it? That thing wouldn't fit in a pocket or bookbag or briefcase. The pictures don't quite jive with this comment from the Moma website:

    Modular -- Screen unit detaches from the controller. Carry just the screen unit around for media on the go. Swap controllers for a customized gaming experience.

    This and the fact that there's nothing on the screen lead me to believe this is a Very early prototype and I'm doubting it's going to make it out 1st Q 2005.

  2. I hope it comes to market by AVryhof · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I hope this thing comes to market. Then Fails, Think Dreamcast Folks!

    It's likely to be cheaper than an iPaq, and if it has USB (which makes me wonder how you get the games onto the 20GB Hard Drive) you can plug a USB Mini Hub into it for Keyboard/Mouse and have a sweet little Linux Box... or even a portable Emulation System....The possibilities look appealing.

    Arrgh! But I don't think you'd want to try word processing on a 4" screen.

    --
    Make America grate again!
  3. Vaporware by KrispyKringle · · Score: 5, Interesting
    This is just plain vaporware. According to the Gizmodo article, it's a mini-ITX. Gee, the advantages of that over an x86 laptop are what, exactly? The lack of a folding screen?

    So let's see...it's a 500MHz x86 with only 128MB of RAM, a fixed LCD that goes only to 640x480, and a case that exists only in the crappy renders of second-rate designers. And it seems like it's meant to be limited only to games, not other Windows applications. Sure beats a standard laptop...

    Anybody care to explain why I should think this is more than (exceptionally incompetent) vaporware?