PGR confirmed for Zune HD this year

By Games Industry.biz Published 15 September, 2009

Microsoft's handheld campaign begins.

Microsoft's newly released Zune HD touch-screen media player will function as a gaming device, Microsoft has confirmed, and 3D versions of games such as Project Gotham Racing will be available for it by the end of the year.

On the day the device launched in the US, Microsoft revealed it plans to release games such as Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, Vans Sk8: Pool Service and Audiosurf: Tilt by the end of the year. Games will be made available for purchase digitally through the Zune Marketplace, where users have access to a range of media using either a wi-fi connection or a PC running Zune software.

Free applications such as Twitter, Facebook and MSN weather will also be downloadable for Zune, Microsoft confirmed.

"With today's announcement, the Zune business is growing into a comprehensive entertainment service that's no longer tied to any one screen or device," said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the TV, video and music business at Microsoft. "Zune lets consumers connect to their music, TV shows and movie content and enjoy it on the three screens they use every day."

The Zune HD went on sale today in the US only, at the price of USD 219.99 for the 16GB version, and USD 289.99 for the 32GB one.

Plans to release the device in Europe are yet to be announced. However, Microsoft will be bringing the brand to Europe when Zune starts to deliver video content to users through the Xbox Live Video Marketplace later this year.

"Eventually we’ll offer the full digital entertainment experience spanning screens, devices, platforms and geographies," Chris Stephenson, general manager of consumer marketing for Microsoft's TV, video and music business, has previously commented.

Picture of Games.

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Comments (17) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • miiiguel #1 2 years ago

    Now bring it to Europe! I can understand the problem with the music licensing, though, just IP block that content until you sort that out, mr. MicroSoft.

  • Bazfrag #2 2 years ago

    Who has development duties on pgr?

    Also, i miss Jay Allard! iirc.

  • Toothball #3 2 years ago

    Audiosurf might be quite good to have on an mp3 player. Probably not enough to get me off my current solutions though.

  • Shinetop #4 2 years ago

    "Eventually" meaning "Hopefully in the 22nd century."

  • CARL05 #5 2 years ago

    That's nice... Now how about a release over here!?!?!

    ... It can be done!

  • Vroom #6 2 years ago

    Interested to see who the dev is. Better not be gameloft.

  • peterfll #7 2 years ago

    Soft launch eh? Must be.

  • matrim83 #8 2 years ago

    I really hope either Apple or MS release a controller add on.

    I like some of the touch based games on my Itouch but a lot of them actually could use a Dpad and buttons.

  • mcmonkeyplc #9 2 years ago

    You bastards! I just bought an iphone and now your probably going to bring all my favourite games to a Zune HD and make me buy that! Cause you are going to release it in Europe aren't you?!

  • Der_tolle_Emil #10 2 years ago

    Very happy with my Zune 80 and I would love to get one of these as well. Not that interested in being able to play games on it but it's a fantastic music player. Too bad it doesn't look like it's going to be released in Europe as well even though there were lots of rumours about an international release.

  • darleysam #11 2 years ago

    Same as the rest, bring this out in the UK please. I really will buy one.

  • Les #12 2 years ago

    Surely some company could do better than just launch a poor iPod Touch rip-off to give Apple some much-needed competition?!

  • yorkieshaman #13 2 years ago

    Touchscreen only - why? WHY?

    I get that they want it to be small and sexy and iPhone-like, and that you don't want twin analogue sticks sticking you in the hip when it's in your pocket playing music, but why not just have a clip-on surround that increases the size and provides decent controls? You want your music, leave the controller part at home/in your bag. You want to play a game, clip it on. I'd be happy with something the size and shape of a 360 controller with the Zune sticking out the top (a bit like a reversal of the messenger pad thing that clips underneath). It doesn't have to be pocketable: just portable. If they could make it a bit smaller, so much the better.

    Nothing against iPhone games, you understand: it's amazing what you can do with a touchscreen and tilt when you think about it. But I'd still rather have 'proper' controls for at least some sorts of games. And it seems like they're forgetting what they do well (Sony fans may harp on about the dual shock being the best controller ever, but let's face it, the 360 pad isn't half bad) just so they can ape every other MP3 player out there.

    Zune that's basically an iPod touch - possible buy. Maybe.
    Zune with clip-on controller and downloadable original Xbox games, only with achievements and, if you happen to be near WiFi, Xbox Live awareness (message your friends, start downloads going to your 360, etc. etc.) - instant buy.

  • Xerx3s #14 2 years ago

    Fuck the zune, what about full games support for my glorious 800*480 touch HD? ScummVM and such have been doing it, wtf i the problem?

  • Xerx3s #15 2 years ago

    "You bastards! I just bought an iphone and now your probably going to bring all my favourite games to a Zune HD and make me buy that!"

    Wtf would you do that? If you own one device, there really isn't a point in buying a similar device. :/

  • schnide #16 2 years ago

    "Hey Apple, I like the look of your pie - can I have a slice?"
    "For the last time - NO Microsoft, get your own ideas!"
    "Get my o.. get my owwwn.. what? I don't understand these fancy words."

  • WinterSnowblind #17 2 years ago

    @Les
    In what way is it a "poor" iPod rip off? Even the older Zune models have been better than iPods, now with Apps and game support, it's a no brainer. All we need is proper integration with the 360 and it could easily destroy the iPod, at least in the gaming scene.

    But again, we actually need them to be released in Europe first.