Microsoft plots Takeover of Handheld Gaming Market

According to sources that are familiar with the project (so evidently it is already underway) Microsoft plans to take on the Handheld Gaming market by making a device that combines video games, music and video playback all in one device. Microsoft hopes to complete with not only the Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS, but also with Apples iPod audio and video players as well. Apparently Microsoft’s most seasoned talent is working on the project, such as Bryan Lee, the finance chief, and the same designers that brought us the Xbox 360 gaming console.

There are many advantages to having each system (portable gaming / music / video) that Microsoft hopes to roll into one. Press have already retitled the device as a “iPod killer” but with the gaming aspect it may be hard for Apple to compete with such a unit. Without a sketch or design it is rather hard to say how the device will look, however it is rumored to “resemble Sony’s PSP” in respect to control elements.”That would certainly be an interesting development in the market,” said Anita Frazier, a game industry analyst at the NPD Group.

Its obvious that other groups have a large leap on Microsoft. The DS has a widespread market share in almost all parts of the globe. The initial change started in December when Robbie Bach, formerly the chief Xbox officer, was promoted to lead the Entertainment and Devices Group in charge of Xbox, and other mobile and entertainment business aspects. Allard, who designed the Xbox 360 now is employed under the title of “experience and design” for the entire group.

In the past, Microsoft’s efforts to compete portable gaming device have fallen short. The company considered making an “”Xboy” game player a few years ago but shelved the idea. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s efforts in PocketPC handhelds and Portable Media Players have also fallen short in competition with the iPod. But when will we see this device coming from Microsoft? Estimates state that it could easily be 2007 or later possibly before the device ever hits the store shelves. Giving rivals Sony, Nintendo and Apple ample time to setup their markets before the new device comes to contend with currently available products.

According to sources that are familiar with the project (so evidently it is already underway) Microsoft plans to take on the Handheld Gaming market by making a device that combines video games, music and video playback all in one device. Microsoft hopes to complete with not only the Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS, but also with Apples iPod audio and video players as well. Apparently Microsoft’s most seasoned talent is working on the project, such as Bryan Lee, the finance chief, and the same designers that brought us the Xbox 360 gaming console.

There are many advantages to having each system (portable gaming / music / video) that Microsoft hopes to roll into one. Press have already retitled the device as a “iPod killer” but with the gaming aspect it may be hard for Apple to compete with such a unit. Without a sketch or design it is rather hard to say how the device will look, however it is rumored to “resemble Sony’s PSP” in respect to control elements.”That would certainly be an interesting development in the market,” said Anita Frazier, a game industry analyst at the NPD Group.

Its obvious that other groups have a large leap on Microsoft. The DS has a widespread market share in almost all parts of the globe. The initial change started in December when Robbie Bach, formerly the chief Xbox officer, was promoted to lead the Entertainment and Devices Group in charge of Xbox, and other mobile and entertainment business aspects. Allard, who designed the Xbox 360 now is employed under the title of “experience and design” for the entire group.

In the past, Microsoft’s efforts to compete portable gaming device have fallen short. The company considered making an “”Xboy” game player a few years ago but shelved the idea. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s efforts in PocketPC handhelds and Portable Media Players have also fallen short in competition with the iPod. But when will we see this device coming from Microsoft? Estimates state that it could easily be 2007 or later possibly before the device ever hits the store shelves. Giving rivals Sony, Nintendo and Apple ample time to setup their markets before the new device comes to contend with currently available products.