All the tech heads out there will be pleased to finally learn what's inside the Phantom. The plans are to have 2.5 GHz x86 CPU, DirectX 9 compatible GPU with 128 MB of RAM, DirectX 9 compliant sound with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, 256 MB of system RAM (which Bacchus claims is roughly equivalent to a PC's 512 MB since Phantom runs Windows XP Embedded), and a 40 GB hard drive. The system will be broadband only and work with any ISP, will be HDTV compatible, and have a dynamic user interface that's customizable for age, gender, or technical expertise. On paper, this is a very capable machine that should run PC games admirably on a television.

The key here is to realize that the Phantom is less about the hardware and more about the service. What's unique about this system is that it will give you instant access to a broad library of games. It's like combining the best facets of cable television, TiVo, and iPod/iTunes with a game console. If the library is as expansive and the service is as simple as Bacchus hopes it will be, then this might be a really attractive system for mainstream and hardcore gamers alike. Casual fans will enjoy its simplicity, while veterans will be able to feed their gaming needs whenever they strike.

Still TBA


Bacchus is being very deliberate in how much information he's releasing about the Phantom. At this time he revealed hardware specs, pricing information, and a release date (November 18, 2004). What he hasn't revealed are what games will be available on the service and who Infinium's launch partners will be. He's saving that information for August. Be sure to check back with GameSpy when E3 kicks off. I'll be stopping by Infinium's booth to get some hands-on time with the Phantom.