nD: The Game-Changing Handheld Console

The internet has been abuzz lately with news of "nD", a newly-announced handheld gaming console aimed directly at the indie gaming world. According to the FAQs at the nD site, the console will boast a 16-bit 320x240 display, a 400MHz ARM CPU, 16-32MB of RAM, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity. Interestingly, the console firmware will be Linux based, and the developer SDK will be based on the popular SDL (Simple Directmedia Layer) framework. Games will be sold via an online app store, with developers netting 90% of the sale price.

According to the nD site, the little console is still in the prototyping phase of development, so the entire project still seems a little vaporous at this point. The supposed $20 price tag particularly beggars belief, even taking into account the "exponential decrease in hardware costs" the nD folks refer to in their YouTube commercial:

The nD site also has a passionate statement of their philosophy, which I'll condense here for you (check the nD site for the full version):

In the past few years, the rise of smartphones has caused a sudden, drastic improvement in mobile technology, sharply driving down the cost of production. For instance, a handheld game console such as the DS- containing a 66mhz ARM processor- cost $180 in 2004. Today, smartphones containing a 1200mhz ARM processor (18x faster!), can be had for the same price. Do handheld games really need all that power? What happens to the older technology?

We believe that there is a place for a dedicated handheld game console. especially an inexpensive one. We don't think that large, fragile phones or expensive high-end devices are appropriate for kids, one of the largest demographics for video games. As developers ourselves, we want a device where players can enjoy total immersion with proper video game controls- without being interrupted by phone calls. We think a handheld game system doesn't need to have cutting edge graphics- we liked the cartoon look of 2D graphics and pixel-perfect game mechanics as kids, and kids prefer this style today.

The nD is the solution to this. The shelf space is infinite. The possibilities are endless. A system created by indie developers for indie developers- designed from the ground up to be as fair as possible to all involved- gamers and developers alike. Cheap to produce, sold roughly at cost, and distributed through all possible means to reach the widest audience possible. Of course, large studios can develop for it too, and will surely find the rates attractive- if they can still create interesting content.

The driving force behind the nD is Robert Pelloni of Bob's Game fame. According to the Wikipedia page, Pelloni has a history of viral marketing stunts, so all of this nD excitement may be just a hoax. Of course, I'd love to see a console like the nD actually released, but I'm a little suspicious that this is all an elaborate troll. Still, a GeekDad can always dream, can't he?

Anyway, head over to the nD site for more information on this console...