Lenovo-backed game console for China hit by delays

The launch of a Lenovo-backed video game system for China is being delayed again in order to make improvements to the product, according to a spokesman with the company developing the console.

Beijing Eedoo Technology, which is funded by PC maker Lenovo, had originally planned on launching its iSec video game system this year, which was later rescheduled to early 2012. The company, however, has pushed back its launch date again to some time later in 2012, according to Eedoo spokesman Victor Wang.

A source close to the situation, however, said on condition of anonymity that the launch of the product may be delayed further as the product was not found to be robust enough.

The delay may be a significant setback for Chinese consumers who do not have access to gaming systems like Nintendo’s Wii or Microsoft’s Xbox 360, and have to turn to the unorganised market to buy these devices.

"The product still needs work, and we want to invest more research and development in it," Wang said.

The iSec, which stands for "Sports Entertainment Center" was first unveiled in May and works with a motion sensing technology allowing for controller-free play, much like Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Kinect device. Eedoo said it was to cost more than 3,000 yuan (€521), and be sold initially only in China, which has banned other gaming system like Nintendo’s Wii or Microsoft’s Xbox 360 from being officially sold in the country. The company was aiming to target 200 million households in China.

IDG News Service

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