Microsoft: Xbox Phone Launch Bigger Than Xbox 360's

[Tom Goldman]

Microsoft: Xbox Phone Launch Bigger Than Xbox 360's

Microsoft is calling the future gaming launch of Windows Phone 7 bigger than the launch of the Xbox 360.

Microsoft's upcoming attempt to make the Xbox 360 experience mobile is coming in November when the company launches Windows Phone 7, its new mobile OS, in nine cellphone models. According to Microsoft, the gaming launch lineup for Windows Phone 7 will be bigger and badder than what was seen with the Xbox 360.

Kevin Unangst, senior global director for Games for Windows, told TechRadar that Microsoft is "fully thinking of [Windows Phone 7] as a games console." He also said: "We're going to have a launch portfolio of games that's bigger than the one we had with the Xbox 360."

That might not be saying much, but it is an indication that Microsoft is hoping to get the attention of gamers with Windows Phone 7. The Xbox 360 had almost 20 games at launch, including Amped 3 [http://www.amazon.com/Call-Duty-2-Pc/dp/B000B63RSA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1286834446&sr=8-2], and a bunch of sports titles. If Unangst means that the games coming for Windows Phone 7 will be of a higher quality, he could be right, as it wouldn't be incredibly hard to beat out a bunch of ports and a few rushed titles, aside from the standouts in the bunch like Amped 3, Condemned, and Call of Duty 2.

Launching with Windows Phone 7 will be games such as EA's Need for Speed: Undercover, Sims 3, Tetris, and Monopoly, all Xbox Live enabled to allow players to increase their Gamerscores and communicate with Xbox Live friends. The cutest game ever, ilomilo [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/100389-Ilomilo-is-So-Cute-Youll-Vomit-a-Rainbow], was also announced as an AT&T Windows Phone 7 exclusive, though the language used wasn't clear on whether it would be coming to XBLA too as previously planned.

Microsoft says this is the "first stage in the development of Xbox on Windows Phone handsets," so even more features and games are apparently planned for the future. Even though the Xbox 360's lineup wasn't incredibly stellar, it would still take some really compelling games to get the majority of console users to need a Windows Phone like they needed the Xbox 360 five years ago.

Source: CVG [http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/live-from-microsofts-windows-phone-7-launch-event/]

Permalink

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Kameo was amazing D:

Also I would quite like a Windows 7 phone... however I normally buy a new phone about once every 2 years, and normally for less that £100.

Also I generally don't trust launch products, I wait a few months.

 

[The Lost Big Boss]

My senses detect this will be a complete failure.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

My senses detect this will be a complete failure.

Agreed. I just can't see anybody taking phones (any phone) as a serious gaming device. To the credit of Microsoft though, I see this venture doing better than the N-Gage...which isn't saying much I guess but still!

 

[starwarsgeek]

This is certainly interesting; hopefully, it will have a nice setup in two years when I get my next upgrade.

Edit: Any chance of XBLA downloads for the phone?

 

[tehweave]

My senses detect this will be a complete failure.

This.

Everyone thinks that because the iPhone was so popular now anyone can make a successful smartphone. Even... Shudder... Microsoft.

I can't wait to see how this thing red rings, blue screens, or in this case, green crashes. (Because that color hasn't been used yet.)

 

[Vicarious Vangaurd]

My senses detect this will be a complete failure.

This.

Everyone thinks that because the iPhone was so popular now anyone can make a successful smartphone. Even... Shudder... Microsoft.

But Microsoft has been making smartphones forever. I.E. Blackberry

 

[teqrevisited]

I'm failing to see why they would think a phone would do better at playing games than, oh I don't know, a gaming console maybe?

I've never understood the concept of phones as a gaming platform so maybe it's just me.

 

[Chalksoup]

I love how Tetris and Monopoly are part of their "Big portfolio". I think those two games have been availiable for any mobile phone with a screen and the ability to connect to some version of the Internet. I remember getting monopoly on the first cell phone I ever got, and it was one of those crudy clam-shell style samsung ones.

 

[lacktheknack]

Ummm, if you really want it to be bigger than the Xbox 360, START MARKETING IT BETTER.

This is the first I'VE heard of it.

 

[mikecoulter]

Nope sorry, Android has already claimed my love.

 

[PseudoDuck]

Why the negativity? MS have a long history of making mobile OS. Just because this is the first one where they have implemented a strong gaming brand into it (Live) suddenly people think it's going to be a failure?

I have an android phone (because the thought of having to use itunes for my phone as well as my ipod fills me with terror) but I envy the iphone for having a bigger variety of games than the android market.

I'm due for an upgrade in January and I'm seriously considering Windows Phone 7. I think the OS looks cool, the thought of Xbox Live integration is exciting (I've wanted this ever since the announcement - and subsequent vanishing - of "Live Anywhere" a few years ago) and the handsets announced look pretty damn smart.

At the end of the day, I'm glad I have the choice.

 

[SmugFrog]

But Microsoft has been making smartphones forever. I.E. Blackberry

Blackberry? I thought that was all RIM (Research In Motion). Does MS own them too?

It seems like Microsoft is a little late to the "smartphone party". It's a case of, "OH! That's making money for people! Let's do that!" I'm not anti-MS or anything, but geez do they want to have their hand in every pie.

 

[Delusibeta]

But Microsoft has been making smartphones forever. I.E. Blackberry

BUZZ! Blackberrys are made by Research In Motion, which has little to do with Microsoft. Sure, some models used earlier versions of Windows Mobile, but Microsoft hasn't made any smartphones (AFAIK). Had you added the words "operating systems" after "smartphones", you would be right.

 

[Requx]

My senses detect this will be a complete failure.

Agreed. I just can't see anybody taking phones (any phone) as a serious gaming device. To the credit of Microsoft though, I see this venture doing better than the N-Gage...which isn't saying much I guess but still!

The sad thing is, the new Iphone 4 can run the unreal engine where as the new 3ds cant... But I already have a phone so I proabably wont get this even thoough I would like one.

 

[BehattedWanderer]

...Microsoft makes phones? Wow. I am totally surprised. I honestly did not know this. So, Microsoft is trying to mimic Apple again? Man, what a loopy cycle...Yeah, ok, a phone is a decent handheld platform for addicting little mini titles, but I can't really think of anyone who buys one just for gaming...

 

[Mariakitten]

Oh man this is going to tank like the Zune did. It seems to me that Micro$oft always jumps on the band wagon way to late.

 

[Balobo]

...Microsoft makes phones? Wow. I am totally surprised. I honestly did not know this. So, Microsoft is trying to mimic Apple again? Man, what a loopy cycle...Yeah, ok, a phone is a decent handheld platform for addicting little mini titles, but I can't really think of anyone who buys one just for gaming...

I guess if someone makes phones they're trying to mimic Apple who totally invented the phone in the first place

 

[VanityGirl]

I like my iPhone (despite all its flaws). This is really cool, but my phone is used for talking and I only play games on it when I'm bored.