Via-based Handheld Game Console Runs PC Games

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.

Comments

Is that a Moma in your pocket?

[l810c]

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.

Re:Is that a Moma in your pocket?

[black mariah]

Well, what happens when you lose your Gameboy? You bought it, you take care of it. Lose it, tough shit.

Solution in search of a problem

[erick99]

Sometimes folks come up with a solution for a problem that doesn't exist. Then, they try to reverse-engineer the problem. Anyway, from one of the articles:

"It's funny that you say that it comes out of nowhere," said Andrew "Bunnie" Hwang, the "minister of mobile affairs" at The Ministry of Mobile Affairs (MoMA), based in San Diego. "It actually fills a vacuum in the market," of an X86-based handheld, he said.

It actually gets better when he explains that you can pay to "unlock" the device (like hackers won't figure this out within a day or two...":

If a user wishes, Hwang added, he can purchase a separate SIM card "for a reasonable price" that will completely unlock the console, so users can download whatever content they wish.

I guess we will see what happens in the marketplace.....

Happy Trails!

Erick

Re:Solution in search of a problem

[Lord Kano]

like hackers won't figure this out within a day or two

Can you say iOpener?

LK

It can play PC Games but....

[tsunamifirestorm]

most PC games have too many buttons.

Re:It can play PC Games but....

[Carnildo]

Whereas this has too many joysticks. The renderings show a directional pad, a pair of joysticks, four buttons, and what looks like a rocker switch. How are you going to emulate games that need all that on a PC?

Existing games.

[Humorously_Inept]

When they say existing PC games, they must really mean it! Not current, but existing. The question is how long do those games have to have existed for? The hardware config is totally insufficient, aesthetics and usability aside.

Forget gaming - this gadget has other uses

[Weaselmancer]

Looks like a low power server to me. Or a GPS unit with software you can update. I'd sit one on the dash of my van.

It'd also be great for emulation. The thing just screams MAME. Or Ultimate Amiga Emulator.

How about portable network analyzer? It'll probably run standard Linux distros.

This thing is not a toy. Well..ok. It is a toy, but it's useful too.

Weaselmancer

Can it run outlook or palm desktop

[Billly Gates]

... and maple or mathmatica?

Yes it wont sync but it would be nice to use it as a pda/calculator/game machine. Why settle on just one this.

Hmm maybe if any VIA employee's are reading this, you may want to consider mathmatical keys and a mini qwerty keybord. If it runs more things than games you could expand your marketshare.

First handheld device !

[lethalwp]

Via is proud to present its first new line of handheld game console that has all the abilities of windows XP, this all into your pocket!

- it bluescreens
- it eats more power than required, replace the batteries every 2 hours
- you have to reinstall windows xp every month
- it can get worms if you plug it on internet! (no need to install outlook, the disk share will be enough)
- ... :)

Can it run linux? :)

I hope it comes to market

[AVryhof]

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.

Vaporware

[KrispyKringle]

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?

CD-ROM

[rayde]

how about all those PC games that require the CD to be in the drive while playing??

*COUGH* vaporware *COUGH*

VIA vs. VAIO

[Kozar_The_Malignant]

I think this niche is already filled by the Sony Vaio TR series. At 1.4"x7.4"x10.6" the Sony is pretty darn small. The Sony has a 1 GHz pentium M, .5 GB DDR ram, and a 40 GB drive. It comes wireless equipped, and, no, I don't own one. Base model runs $2,200 US, which is probably a bit more than the VIA/MOMA will sell for, I'm sure.

Re:PC games

[System.out.println()]

If you play play Diablo II without a mouse, you deserve a cookie.