Phantom Console Unveiled: Lowdown

Infinium Labs have lifted the lid on the mysterious Phantom console, with online game delivery playing an integral part in the system. Details, screens, and video.

When the word first got out that Infinium Labs, a previously unknown technology outfit, would be releasing a new console by the name of 'Phantom', most of the games industry either laughed or ignored it, assuming the whole thing was a big, elaborate hoax.

Phantom unveiled - get all the details here.

But now, Phantom looks like less of a hoax every day. After the scheduled Ultimate Gamers Expo was cancelled recently, Infinium Labs said they would reveal the machine online.

Well it happened - and here are the details about the mysterious console, which will be taking pre-orders from this October for an undecided release date.

According to Infinium, the machine will boast "blazing fast processor speed, cinematic graphics, and Dolby Digital Surround Sound" to deliver "a true high performance gaming environment."

Phantom is described as the next-generation game console that supports PC games, games on-demand, game rentals, game demos and seamless upgrades. It also includes a broad selection of pre-loaded games, right off the shelf.

The dashboard and menus do look quite nice,
especially when you see them moving.

Vital details were revealed about the online abilities of the machine, which position Phantom as a true broadband content delivery station. Phantom is an always on broadband device, which allows gamers a wealth of options, from wireless connectivity to massive multiplayer capability, to allowing gamers to demo and experience games before purchasing or subscribing.

Phantom runs on a custom Operating System on Windows XPe Kernel, atop a high-performance Intel motherboard. "Up to" 3.0 GHz processor speed with 256MB RAM is available, with an nVidia video card taking care of visuals (at least nVidia still have some kind of videogame contract).

The machine also boasts a 100GB internal storage device, which will most likely be upgradeable, Dolby Digital 7.1 Surround Sound, 10/100 baseT Ethernet, wireless controller, mouse and keyboard, and best of all, a range of high-quality video outputs including "S-Video, RCA or component video and PAL." In addition, the unit will fit into any 19" entertainment center.

Take a look at the video unveiling available for download below, to see if you're more convinced that Phantom is for real.

We're starting to believe it - but there's still a lot that needs to be answered. If it does get released, and it's as good as it sounds, we think it will enjoy limited success with hardcore gamers, but Infinium themselves must realise that the audience Phantom will appeal to can't yet match those of traditional games console manufacturers.

If it's simply a high-end PC in a box that plays PC games, and offers sophisticated means of delivering game software to the machine, then Phantom will, at the least, be something very interesting to keep an eye on. With some good ideas, it would be nice to see a newcomer successful with the launch of something fresh and ambitious in the industry at the moment.

Stay tuned for more as Infinium spill the beans.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com