News: Panasonic re-enters the console race

Panasonic today announced that it will be heading back into the console market with its new portable hand-held device simply named, the Jungle.

The Japanese electronics manufacturer tried its hand in the console hardware market back in 1993 with the Panasonic 3DO, which unfortunately failed to strike a chord with gamers.

Now the company is back, creating an offshoot arm of its business, Panasonic Cloud Entertainment, to handle the launch of the new console. The company today unveiled a new promotional website for the device which includes a promotional video of the new machine.

What distinguishes the Jungle from other portable systems such as the Nintendo DS and Sony’s PSP is the fact that this device is aimed specifically at playing online games.

The site calls the Jungle a “new mobile device concept designed specifically for online gamers, a mean little machine that features a kick ass display, touchpad, keyboard and other gaming controls.”

The clam-shell device will reportedly run on the Linux operating system (OS) and features a QWERTY keyboard, touch-pad, dual d-pad controls, shoulder buttons and a high-resolution display. A mini HDMI port, micro USB port and 3.5 mm audio jack will also make an appearance.

At this stage it is largely unclear what kind of content the Jungle will support, but the thought is that it will be able to support most browser-based MMO's. At least one major title will be supported at launch, SyFy and BigPoint's Battlestar Galactica Online.

The new web site also drops a couple of references to free-to-play browser-based game RuneScape. The site states that the Jungle team is “working with leading online game developers to create some exciting new content.”

The site also mentions a collaboration with Machinima.com to create a new comedy show called Online Underground with which to promote the new device.

No release dates or pricing information for the Jungle have been released as of yet.

Panasonic re-enters the console race

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