New iPhone-based home console arrives

A new format is heading to shelves this Christmas that merges the likes of plug-and-play TV games, iPod functionality and motion sensitive gameplay.

The iGame Family, a TV games dock from UK IT service providers Elonex, will be available to retailers from September 21st and works as both an iPod dock and a games console.

Users can stream media such as music and videos from their iPod straight to the TV screen. Alternatively, with the touch of a button, it works as a standalone video games console, offering consumers a range of motion sensitive sports and mini-games.

Elonex’s head of strategic relationships Simon Le Jeune told MCV the company predicts the iGame Family will be a hit this Christmas.

Our expectations are professionally and realistically based on our own research,” he said.

Early indications are that we have excellent prospects of a great success. Our initial sales are giving us cause for concern about meeting demand before Christmas hits.”

Le Jeune said the product will grant games retailers access to the iPod peripherals revenue stream typically dominated by general entertainment and music retailers, thanks to the dock’s gaming functionality.

When price, margin and spend are under increased pressure, it offers retailers an unexpected profit opportunity for substantial incremental sales this Christmas and thereafter of hardware and software,” he explained.

It gives retailers an excellent opportunity to take revenue and profits from other industries by having a fresh offering for those consumers who find that current hardware and games prices are still out of reach.”