I already reviewed the OnLive service here a few months back, and while I still use it on occasion it has taken a back seat to the fall release flood. Since the service was first introduced, the company was clear in its vision: get it going for the PC (and Mac) first, then over WiFi, then roll out the set-top console-like device.
Well, as I noted the PC and Mac client works great, WiFi is an ever-improving work in progress … and now OnLive is ready to launch their new box on December 2nd and has just opened up pre-orders.
Here is the email I received this morning:
Introducing the OnLive Game System for your TV—the fastest, simplest way to play, watch, share and demo the games you want, right in your living room.
Limited quantities! Pre-order yours today. Shipments start on December 2.
When your OnLive Game System ships, you will receive a promo code via email for one FREE Full PlayPass for any game!
This a very good deal – OnLive sells new games for the same price as stores, so by pre-ordering you are getting the system and a game for $99, with a new game valued at ~$50 for free! Of course, all of the value proposition questions I have raised remain, and I still wonder to what extent people would do this rather than just get a game console … but for a PC gamer such as myself it is intriguing – especially if they can manage to build out the library beyond the 40 or so games they have now.
Here is a video of OnLive’s Steve Perlman demonstrating the new device:
Head on over to OnLive to check it out and pre-order the new set-top box.
