How to Install Games on Your Zune

The XNA 3.0 Beta is available, and with it comes the ability to install XNA games on your Zune.

[realistgamer]

freakin awesome!

[wow4u]

MS is moving into the handheld gaming space. I just wonder if they intend to do it on the Zune exactly.

I still imagine another device, more geared toward gaming is coming. Getting XNA titles onto Zune is a good move for sure -- perhaps the next Danger phone will run this same library of games (my bet).

Whatever the case, handheld gaming is about to get a shake-up.

[Bladestar]

and this is where microsoft rules... Nintendo nor Sony can every acomplish something like this... PC, XBox 360 and Zune game development using the same tools, same computer language... ohh and free... I can't wait to see what how far XNA will go... already 3.0 in less than 1 year... and already support the Zune... Ipod... be careful if you don't work on doing something about gaming the next Zune may really hurt your marketshare.

[wow4u]

The XNA Community is going to be setup that will bring XNA titles to Zune, Xbox 360 and PC -- develop one game, ship to three very differnt audiences.

Pretty great idea.

I predict they'll open it up to Windows Mobile Phones and/or the next Danger device.

There are a lot of cool games under development too, check out the XNA forums; http://forums.xna.com/

There are a lot of different people/groups showing what they are working on... if you join the Creators Club, you can play them for free on your PC.

[CViper]

You and N4user trying to convince eachother that its cool, or innovative. Well good luck with your zunes guys.

[Defectiv3_Detectiv3]

I own one and wish I would have got an ipod instead. Zunes are much more restrictive. Almost all mp3 player files are built for ipods anyway.

[RecSpec]

iPod isn't so great either, there are a bunch of better mp3 players out there.

[wow4u]

IT is clear you dont know wtf you are talking about. I think the world might be better off not taking technology advice from someone who says

"Almost all mp3 player files are built for ipods anyway"

Thanks for your input.

[MattFoley]

I think MS is testing the waters in the portable arena. I wouldn't expect them to just come out with one all of a sudden.

I wonder how good of a game you can make with a 4 button control scheme.

A portable with the ability to make and share/sell games you create would be pretty sweet.

[riksweeney]

This is good news for the <20 people who actually own a Zune.

Seriously though, if Microsoft were serious about this product they'd try selling in Europe.

[wow4u]

The Zune is 2nd in hard-drive based Digital Audio Players.

Many many people have Zunes -- and they are (easily arguably) the best player in the market.

[RecSpec]

I almost busted out laughing in a Gamestop a few days ago, a girl and her mother walked in asking if they sold iPods, (which was probably laughable in it's own right) but the guy said "No, but we have Zunes!"

When did Gamestop become Zune Headquarters anyways?

[SL1M DADDY]

Considering that the Zune is capable, as capable as any Cell phone, it is the likely chance for success for them in the handheld gaming sceene. It seems to me that Cell Phone games are getting more and more popular and to have an MP3 player do just that, it just makes sense to me. I would love to have these games on my Zune. I'll have to get working on this tonight.

[wow4u]

I imagine the XNA Community is going to play a big part in all of this. And, with them purchasing Danger, I'd imagine the HipTop will also become a target for these games.

That would be Computer, Console, Handheld and Cellphone as a market for XNA games.

I'm thinking they want to bring together a collection of "small games".

[brothersimon]

Zune is the shiz