MICROSOFT PORTABLE?

When word began spreading about Microsoft's plans for the X-Box, many were concerned because the company already dominates the PC market. Now, word is spreading that Microsoft doesn't just want the PC and console markets - the next best thing is to capture hand-helds as well.

According to numerous sources, Microsoft is also working on a handheld gaming system that will go hand-in-hand with it's upcoming X-Box system. Not much is known about it right now, but it's rumored to be extremely advanced (Toshiba CPU, 3D graphics chip, Direct X) and will retail for about $299.

It will also be like a PDA, in that you'll be able to surf the web, send e-mail, play games, and more on the system as well, essentially making it sort of like a mini X-Box. That's why the price is rumored to be so high.

While some people might consider Microsoft a bit crazy for getting involved in the portable market at all since Nintendo has that all but locked up and everyone else who's tried has fought an uphill battle and lost, Microsoft's timing couldn't be better.

Unfortunately for Nintendo, its own decisions, which have been at the forefront of portable success for longer than anyone can remember, may wind up leading to allowing the competition to swoop in. Having given the GBC a 2 year lifespan with the announcement of the GBA, Nintendo may well find it's in a jam when people who purchased the GBC recently or in the near future find out it's just about obsolete when GBA comes out (it's anticipated within a year or so).

An adaptation of an attitude of "I've gotta buy another GameBoy?" or "They ripped me off" is not unlikely after people find out how short the GBC actually will survive. Despite the rumored high cost, this may be the perfect opportunity for Microsoft to severely dent Nintendo's portable market lead.

Source: Video Game Heaven.com