Microsoft rumoured to be working on a powerful handheld game system

Watch out SNK; heads up, Nintendo - Microsoft may be entering the portable gaming market. Rumour has it from sources in the industry that, along with the X Box game system project Microsoft are working on behind closed doors, a handheld game system is also on Microsoft's research and development table.

It's been reported that this handheld gaming system will feature a powerful 3D graphics chip and processor, possibly supplied by Toshiba. The unit will be compatible with Microsoft's Direct X API, making it extremely easy to program for, as well as to port PC code to. We also heard that the unit might integrate in some way with the X Box console that's reported to be in the works.

All this power could come at a price, though - it's been heard that Microsoft are targeting this handheld system at the same pricepoint as the X Box itself: the $299 area. Because of this price tag, it's assumed that the system is also being aimed at the PDA market as well. It will be a do-all portable device, much like a Palm Pilot, with the emphasis on gaming. Can you imagine a version of Quake Arena on the go?

This is all just rumour at present, but if Microsoft do enter the handheld gaming market, expect things to change - could the company finally grab the market away from Nintendo and their Pokémon? Do you think this would be a good thing? Thoughts to the usual address please.


Courtesy of IGN.com