Zeebo Console Reduces Price, Expands Game Selection

Brazilian console maker Zeebo says it will reduce the price of its self-titled console from BRL 499 (US$278) to BRL 399 (US$223) by Children's Day on October 12, while expanding its game selection by more than 10. The console, whose software is developed using the BREW SDK common in mobile platforms, offers its games through download only, and has seen many of its games ported from existing mobile versions. New games expected for the system before Children's Day include Bejeweled Twist, Galaxy on Fire, Tekken 2, Zeebo Extreme - Air Race, Zeebo Family Pack, and Zenonia. PopCap, which developed Bejeweled Twist and has also released the game on PC and mobile platforms, said Zeebo has opened up a new market for the company. "Zeebo is the first system to enable PopCap Games to bring popular family-friendly games such as Bejeweled Twist directly to consumers in Brazil," said PopCap's mobile business development director Andrew Stein. "We are excited to deliver fun and easy-to-learn games that appeal to everyone from age 6 to 106." Currently, the system is officially available only in Rio de Janeiro, but Zeebo plans to expand distribution out to more regions of Brazil as well as Mexico next month. Said Zeebo CEO John F. Rizzo, "New content drives sales of both titles and consoles, and higher volume means lower prices. Zeebo has already proven to be quite popular in Rio de Janeiro, and as we expand distribution in Brazil and launch next month in Mexico, consumers will enjoy a larger catalog of games to play as well as bigger savings on the price of a Zeebo system."