Zune HD promo video offers first glimpse of gaming
by Ben Gilbert 
{ Sep 12th 2009 at 11:30AM } 
We've embedded the video after the break, originally found by Zunited, but will presumably have to wait until at least Monday to hear more about the Zune HD's gaming features (though we've asked Microsoft for comment either way). Considering the fact that the Zune Marketplace is coming to Xbox 360, we'll be holding fast hope for a Microsoft version of PSP's Minis at some point in the near future.
[Via Engadget]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
PR0F3TA (PSN - PROPHETA) @ Sep 12th 2009 11:38AM
much like original Zune, it won't even make a dent on iTouch sales.
Quicksilver4648 @ Sep 12th 2009 11:55AM
Unlike the original Zune, it is actually a very qualified competitor to Apple's iPod line and will achieve much higher sales.
Uknown @ Sep 12th 2009 12:00PM
Normally i would concur with you, But after the apple key note. I'm starting to think that the Zune HD has a fighting chance. I'm not saying the zune HD will over take the ipod in market share, but they can really boost themselves into the double digits!
Microsoft has this weird tendency of release shitty products the first round and then hitting a home run the second time around. For example aside from the failure rate the 360 is overtake Sony in gaming, Vista was an embarrassment but I have not heard one negative thing about Win7, and now the Zune, they made a crappy first production and now they are springing a winner.
Then again i'm bias I've owned a Zune for a couple of years now
KeegdnaB @ Sep 12th 2009 12:17PM
Ironic statement considering the iPod touch didn't exist when the first gen Zune came out, nor has any product named "iTouch" ever existed or will ever exist at that
fwacce @ Sep 12th 2009 12:21PM
Um, Vista was not their first, nor was Win SEVEN their SECOND os.
The new Zune may be the best thing since sliced IPOD, but I wouldn't use Windows as an argument for quality in any discussion.
I would like to see some "I'm an IPOD and I'm a Zune" commercials though.
WINterfang @ Sep 12th 2009 12:26PM
I dunno, I have never had an MP3 player and my phone doesn't even have a Camera but I'm warming up more and more to the Zune HD, the same happened to me with the Xbox 360, I though I was gonna experience this Gen from the bench lines but Microsoft had to release the 360 @ 199.99 and I realized, I could afford next gen gaming.
Zerokku @ Sep 12th 2009 12:33PM
@fwacce
No it wasn't, but it was their first big departure from the tried and true layout/format we had been using for years and years.
PR0F3TA (PSN - PROPHETA) @ Sep 12th 2009 12:34PM
ouch, down-voated over an estimated opinion. Well at least let me clarify how it WILL NOT affect anything Mac related (their #1 competitor)
iTunes, the #1 music store IN THE WORLD. Its where people get their music and it it hasn't slowed down.
Brand Royalty, if you buy one Mac product chances are you will buy another. Not only that but what works flawlessly with your Mac Book then an iTouch
Apps, Thousands and Thousands of them, even stupid ones. i find most useful ones (Facebook, Chase Accounts, Google maps) work almost flawlessly. Even Joystiq's sister website TUAW has a app for the iTouch (which i use)
most important, content. Combine 2/3 things i just mentioned and the Zune has a HUGE and i mean HUGE step to take to even make it worth while to own a Zune over an iTouch.
now down-vote all you want, but if you are at least name things that Zune will provide that iTouch does not do to make it a worthwhile purchase.
Bubbameister33 @ Sep 12th 2009 12:50PM
I just want that Zune pass.
DeoWulf @ Sep 12th 2009 12:51PM
Ok--
HD video out and HD video rentals
OLED screen
More powerful processor
HD Radio
Better audio quality
Quick Play shortcuts to most used content/History
Zune Pass unlimited audio streaming
Xbox 360 integration.
I'm sure many items, like HD Radio, you may claim 'no one wants'. Keep in mind that people have different wants. Some people may not be interested in applications for their device, and some people may not care if the store they buy from is the one making the most money. The basic idea of being a consumer is to analyze the things that each product does better than its competitors, and decide which of those features is more important to you personally.
PR0F3TA (PSN - PROPHETA) @ Sep 12th 2009 1:00PM
i guess you're right, we'll have to see just how much the consumer wants this.
PROTIP: Not so much
Bubbameister33 @ Sep 12th 2009 1:01PM
Most consumers don't do research.
DeepFriedSushi @ Sep 12th 2009 1:02PM
saw an ad for it in the bestbuy weekly i'm surprised at the price starting at only $220. i would have thought that the new OLED screen would make it extremely expensive.
AvA (ice~) @ Sep 12th 2009 1:37PM
How do YOU know what the majority of the consumers want? You act like you speak for everyone out there, but you're coming off as an apple loving douchebag. Juding from what I've heard about the pre-orders from all the stores I've been to, the consumers DO want the Zune HD. just cause it doesn't have i in front of it doesn't mean no one is going to want it...
PR0F3TA (PSN - PROPHETA) @ Sep 12th 2009 2:07PM
blah blah blah blah... yes i bet this Zune HD is a god given gift to where all music players that come after will have to live up to this marvelous tech.
Special Agent Steve @ Sep 12th 2009 2:29PM
The Zune HD isn't a "god given gift". It's what people want out of a portable music device.
HD Radio, 256kb/s playback, can output HD video on the go, can stream music from the internet. I mean honestly, this IS the complete deal for MP3 players.
The other features just make it a bonus, and something to compete with.
PR0F3TA (PSN - PROPHETA) @ Sep 12th 2009 2:43PM
i'm sure only Audiophiles care about those things you just named. Try explaining 256kb/s playback and HD video output to a person at best buy looking at a iPod.
you know what, try expalining it to your mom. Tell her do you want a iPod or a Zune with 256kb/s playback and HD output. I'm willing to bet more people will go with the iPod for name recognition
deaftly @ Sep 12th 2009 3:12PM
PR0F3TA, just shut down your computer for the day. I'm sending you home.
Misfit Toy @ Sep 12th 2009 3:38PM
Maybe the Zune HD isn't marketed towards his mom. You think of that?
Its clearly marketed towards the gadget lover. If his mom loves gadgets, then yes...she'll get the lingo. If not, she can buy a 4 gb Zune that's small, cute, and pink and be happy.
Variety. That's what Microsoft has now.
ecko @ Sep 12th 2009 4:05PM
How about not having to touch any part of iTunes, being able to update and dump music from any pc running wmp/zune. The dev community behind Windows mobile products has been around for longer than the ipod has existed. Not to mention having a tesla chip from nvidia...ZuneHD please!
And if you think the iPhone has a nice ui, just wait for what Windows Mobile 6.5 and 7 have in store.
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Sep 12th 2009 4:18PM
@Bubba ZunePass is good as LONG as you pay for it on time every month....if you MISS a Monh you will have to REDOWNLOAD EVERYTHING!!! as the DRM on the music has locked it up for not being current...
Mouthsmasher @ Sep 12th 2009 4:36PM
someone who says things like...
"won't even make a dent on iTouch sales,"
"WILL NOT affect anything Mac,"
"Zune has a HUGE and i mean HUGE step to take to even make it worth while to own a Zune over an iTouch,"
"we'll have to see just how much the consumer wants this. PROTIP: Not so much"
...is obviously pretty ignorant of what the Zune HD actually IS and DOES. Yes, Apple has a huge slice of the market share, and probably will for years to come, but that share IS in fact taking a "dent" from Zune. Despite the fact that it's surrounded on both sides by iPod, Zune HD is currently the 2nd best seller out of Amazon's mp3 players. Here's the list: http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/electronics/1264866011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_e_1_4_last
As far as I know Zune never did that well, and if that assumption is correct, they're apparently already making a "HUGE" step in making it worth while to own a Zune over an iPod. And with Apple's recent drop in price for the iPod Touch, apparently they're aware that Microsoft has a valid iPod contender.
Geoff900 @ Sep 12th 2009 4:38PM
@PR0F3TA
Your an idiot, the Zune is doing remarkably well, considering that the ipod has most of the market.
The Zune offers allot of features which the ipod doesn't, like Zune pass and when the Zune first came out it had WiFi.
I have an ipod touch, and the zune is a serious contender, to the ipod the ipod itself is good, but I hate itunes, and I don't like the fact you have to pay for updates unless you get the software other ways.
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Sep 12th 2009 5:12PM
Zune would do better if sold outside the US and MS got Zune Marketplace to go GLOBAL...until then it wont do shit...
JDRE_124 @ Sep 13th 2009 5:59PM
I'm in the market right now to upgrade my old mp3 player. I'm not a big guy on videos or anything but does anyone have any suggestions?
The Zune HD is looking real nice but the bad things I heard about the 1st generation Zunes make me kinda worried. Still the touch screen is definetly nice.
Special Agent Steve @ Sep 13th 2009 11:20AM
"The Zune HD is looking real nice but the bad things I heard about the 1st generation Zunes make me kinda worried. Still the touch screen is definetly nice."
Microsoft took care this time, and with Nvidia backing them up, I doubt this thing is gonna fail.
Rhamsey @ Sep 12th 2009 11:40AM
If I can play some of my arcade games with this, without having to rebuy it. I'll pick it up.
Special Agent Steve @ Sep 12th 2009 11:44AM
Such a wonderful device. Especially compared to the ipod touch; too bad Steve's brainwashed everyone into buying it a 3rd time.
R (Planeteers | Power of Penile Pulse) @ Sep 12th 2009 4:25PM
*Reads your comment.
*Looks at your name
Hmmmm. I'm watching you buddy....
Special Agent Steve @ Sep 12th 2009 4:54PM
Lol, it's actually a reference from G4's Splinter Cell Co-Op theater. It was such an amazing show.
Snowblind @ Sep 12th 2009 11:47AM
If the thing can play XBLA games and is linked to your 360 gamertag, I'd get one immediatly, it would instantly provide a much better gaming library than the iPhone can ever hope for.
But they also have to actually release the damn thing outside the US.
Haon @ Sep 12th 2009 12:16PM
If you could connect a wireless 360 control to this thing that would open up a bunch of possibilities.
Rhamsey @ Sep 12th 2009 3:35PM
Haon, I didnt even think of that, I was thinking a type of puzzle quest type thing. But being able to use your wireless 360 controller would be brilliant.
ill trooper @ Sep 13th 2009 6:15AM
That would be cool, but it wouldn't be a better gaming library if it used XNA games.
Northerngeek @ Sep 12th 2009 12:11PM
If Microsoft can get some of their top studios on the Zune I can really see it taking off, Apple relies on the unpredictable smaller studios mainly whereas Microsoft could leverage the skills of teams like Rare, Lionhead etc.
One problem, most of their talent lies in the UK and whilst we're being ignored constantly I doubt the devs are too enthusiastic about developing for it!
a31kiwi @ Sep 12th 2009 1:37PM
Small unpredictable studios making iPhone/iPod games - What are EA, Sega, Capcom, id Software, Namco, Gameloft plus others to small ?!?
northerngeek @ Sep 12th 2009 2:05PM
@a31kiwi
They're exceptions to the rule, I did not exclude those publishers/developers I merely mean that the indie market makes a lot of Apple's appeal for Apps etc, there's a lot of room for a contender for bigger titles in PMPs.
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Sep 12th 2009 3:27PM
yea he has a point...those BIG companies may only be responsible for 5-10% of those 21,000+ "Entertainment" titles that Apple is bragging about
a31kiwi @ Sep 13th 2009 2:41AM
Chris D: You can't tell me that if Microsoft's Steve Ballmer had that many games for the Zune he wouldn't climb up the Empire State Building shouting Developers, Developers, Developers while bragging about the amount of games available.
Northerngeek: I actually like the mix of large and small games developers, feels like the 80's-90's where a game was sold on its merits not the brand name.
DeoWulf @ Sep 12th 2009 11:54AM
That looks like the Burnout game a few people were talking about. Tegra makes it look pretty nice.
Special Agent Steve @ Sep 12th 2009 11:58AM
Tegra's awesome. Definitely one of the most innovative things Nvidia has done.
Special Agent Steve @ Sep 12th 2009 11:57AM
Huh, just realized that this was confirmed in August.
http://zunited.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=e62e479c926051cfc19d3bc578016553&topic=10392.0
It'll have apps too, not just games.
Jacksons @ Sep 12th 2009 12:00PM
Quit rotating the thing, sheesh.
iluvmyzune @ Sep 12th 2009 12:03PM
i really luv my zune now!!!!!!!!!!!!
Special Agent Steve @ Sep 12th 2009 12:06PM
Because it's inferior?
Solace @ Sep 12th 2009 12:14PM
lol the first and last zune fanboy is on joystiq
Jerome36 @ Sep 12th 2009 12:58PM
@ Special Agent Steve
The 2nd gen Zunes were superior to their iPod equivalents in almost every category, from available features to the most important thing of all in a PMP, audio quality. Battery life was probably one of the few things the iPods did better. This is excluding the touch because there wasn't a Zune equivalent at the time.
Now if you want to say it's inferior in sales, then you are more then correct.
Special Agent Steve @ Sep 12th 2009 2:31PM
@Jerome.
I was saying it's inferior to the Zune HD.
Don't be so quick to judge, but I should have mentioned that.
kojo87 @ Sep 13th 2009 2:22AM
Jerome is right. just because Microsoft doesn't re-release the same player every year doesn't mean they don't hold there own. the second gen Zunes were launched November 2007 and still hold their own. if the Zune HD still competes with what Apple has out there in two years, what's that tell you. and since when has popularity necessarily coincided with superiority?
i might have to get a Zune HD just to play with. i have to keep my Zune 120 to have something to hold all my music though...
ChuckBartowski @ Sep 12th 2009 12:12PM
Is it me, or do all the commercials make this thing look gigantic. Until i saw it someones hands it looked like it was going to be tablet PC sized.