Microsoft adds games to Zune

Microsoft will introduce video games for its Zune music player within 18 months to match features available on Apple’s dominant iPod.

Microsoft has been rumored for the longest time to be considering an entry into the handheld gaming space. It’s not clear whether the Zune is ultimately headed for a battle with the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, but Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Interactive Entertainment Peter Moore, has confirmed that the device will indeed be able to play video games by July 2008.

According to Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at JupiterResearch, the Zune has not been able to really make a dent in Apple’s market share partially because it doesn’t have games and TV programs.

The question that Microsoft has yet to answer, however, is exactly what types of games will the Zune offer? Will it be simple, casual titles like what we’ve seen on iPod (e.g. Tetris, Pac-Man, etc.) or games that are of DS and PSP caliber?

Source: Bloomberg, GameDaily.biz

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