New Zeebo game console unveiled

With the Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 endlessly squabbling , can the world really afford another system?

The folks behind the Zeebo think so. Announced this week at the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco, the budget-priced, network-based console hopes to make its mark by targeting smaller, untapped world markets. To that end, it will launch in Brazil this April at $199 USD, with games ranging from about $7 to $13 apiece.

The Zeebo

Funded by Qualcomm, the Zeebo is an entirely disc-free console running on a constant, free-of-charge 3G broadband wireless network. Several high-profile game makers have announced support of the system, including Capcom, THQ, and Namco.

Don’t, however, confuse the Zeebo with your Xbox 360. It sports comparatively weak tech, and while the Brazil launch systems will come packed with four pre-installed games, those include a port of the mobile game Action Hero 3D, Evil Prey and Quake. Master Chief isn't shaking in his boots.

Still, noted industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities thinks the key is the system's affordability in markets where video gaming is often too expensive for middle-class consumers.

"Zeebo provides a solution for a difficult emerging market problem by combining 3G wireless technology with compelling content and a secure business model that addresses the challenges presented by piracy and price sensitivity," he said in a press release.

Along with Rearden's headline-grabbing On-Live system, the Zeebo is the second new game system announced this week alone. Wasn't the console war crowded enough already?

Previous: The iPhone's Cool And Quirky Games
Next: New tech could make consoles obsolete

MORE ON YAHOO! GAMES:

DOWNLOAD LITTLE SHOP MEMORIES TOP GAMES OF SPRING