Fanboys desire Xbox portable

WE'RE NOT THE only ones who believe Microsoft have been tinkering around with the idea of a portable Xbox. Over at Team Xbox it seems they've been exploring the idea of a Microsoft PSP/DS competitor too.

An in-depth article is coupled with a gorgeous mock-up, which looks like a DS coupled with a PDA keyboard and some 'my-first-console' colour scheming. We think that if the device was ever unveiled, it's doubtful a keyboard would exist on the launch product - Microsoft would be concerned with keeping the console specific to gaming. A touch screen would be more likely, considering the success of the DS and Apple's newly previous article.

Custom high spec parts will cause their own problems. Similar to the Zune's problematic pricing (The Zune is coming in at $100 more than a similar spec'd 30gb iPod), the portable Xbox would struggle to find a competitive price point considering the established competition in the Sony PSP ($199) and the Nintendo DS ($129). Economies of scale come in to significant play, and for such a late arrival, Microsoft would have to emerge with some very good competitive advantages. It could probably achieve this via much superior hardware and the close-coupling of the device with its Xbox live/Zune services.

Analysis of an entry into the portable gaming market by Microsoft is really hotting up - with good reason. Zune is the natural first step to entrance, the rumours and speculation will only increase until the inevitable device is finally announced. µ

See Also
Microsoft confirms Zune
Further msPod rumours emerge
Microsoft iPod-spotters rattle their cages
Microsoft working on a portable XBox