3/5/97
Game.com - Tiger's Internet-capable gaming handheld machine - will be launched in the US this June at $69. Game.com is a black and white handheld machine with an optional 9600 baud modem (Possibly using a Tiger Internet Service not your own.) allowing users to access the Internet as well as use e-mail. By plugging into a phone-line and using a touch-screen keyboard, users will be able to send e-mail. How Tiger's Internet accessibility claims will square with the tiny size of the screen is not yet understood, although it is likely only text-capable.
A spokesperson for Tiger today announced that the machine will debut at E3 in Atlanta this June, but will also be readily available in stores around the country at that time.
The cartridge-based machine will feature touch-screen technology allowing users to send e-mail via an on-screen keyboard. The unit will come with a built-in puzzle game and various organizer functions. The touch-screen interface will be a stylus.
Technically, the machine is extremely simple. The screen resolution is 160 by 200 pixels, making it slightly better to Gameboy, but with the same number of gray shades (four). Tiger is not releasing full technical specifications as yet, but the custom-designed proprietary chip is said to be at least 16-bit. It is similar in design to the Game Gear although slightly smaller and thinner.
Games under development for the system include Duke Nukem, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Indy 500, Jurassic Park, Arcade Classics, Madden Football, NBA Hangtime and, believe it or not, Virtua Fighter 3. Tiger has a liscense with Sega which they have used in the past with their little VR unit.A series of games based on popular TV quiz shows will also be available at launch. have used in the past for their little VR Unit. A series of games baised on quiz shows will also be available.