Panasonic has pulled the plug on its Jungle portable gaming system citing market concerns and a shift in the company's gameplan. Thecancellation comes four months after the ambitious MMO-on-the-go device was first revealed, and amidst a flurry of hype for both Nintendo's 3DS and Sony's upcoming NGP. Coincidence? Maybe. We prefer to call it a sound business decision.
In a short statement to the public, reps for the Japan-based electronicsoutfit explained, “Panasonic decided to suspend further development due to changes in the market and in our own strategic direction”.
Translation: “Holy [expletive], the 3DS sold how much?! And have you seen the [expletive] NGP? No way, man, we're out [double expletive]!”
The Jungle was first introduced back in October as Panasonic's solution to mobile MMO gaming. Early screenshots and specs promoted the system as something of a graphical powerhouse featuring a keyboard, USB port and other multiplayer-friendly features. Its reveal was complimented by ananimation campaign with Machinima, an intriguing (and now dead) website and a publicized public testing which came with an email stating, “We know other companies out there have traditional hand-held gaming covered. We’re doing something very different.”
Above: The last time Panasonic bothered to create a console
It's true: the Jungle had potential. Unfortunately for Panasonic, now is not the time to be an underdog in the portable gaming market.Try back in2013?
[Source:Reuters]
Mar 1, 2011
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Public testing begins for Panasonic's Jungle
Welcome to the Jungle. It's got fun and games
Let's forget about the 3DO and try again, eh?
