Phantom Console Spotted in Brazil

April 12th, 2007, 23:03 Posted By: wraggster

Via Insert credit

Something I like to do in that magical time in-between quitting my job and actually leaving my job is look at stupid crap on the internet. It's harmless, zen-like fun that once in a while produces interesting finds, which I link to people on my buddy list with text like "haha this is awesome!"

One of my favorite archives of stupid crap is MercadoLivre, the Brazilian online auction site that is now affiliated with eBay. I like to look at their video games section because, as it turns out, I enjoy video games. A lot of the games stuff is imported from America, and that's boring. But there's some neat bootleggy crap too, and that's where the fun is!

Today I discovered, via several MercadoLivre merchants, that the Phantom System is easily available in Brazil! You may remember the Phantom home console, the pay-to-download streaming game console ready for launch since about 2003. I was about to link you to WhereIsPhantom.com, which was a pretty awesome blog for awesome Phantom and Infinium Labs news, but it's dead, and the domain forwards to an advertising portal now. I am sad, as indicated with the following emoticon:



Anyway. The Phantom may be hilarious vaporware in the United States, but it's enjoying healthy sales in Brazil, and if you'd like one, MercadoLivre has you covered. Here is a close-up photograph to study before making your purchasing decision. As you can see, they've abandoned the pay-to-download service for the Brazilian market, and have instead opted for a cartridge-based interface. Currently available titles include Galaga and Falling Block Game. The Phantom comes with one controller, which looks a bit awkward, though I do admire Phantom System's innovation in design.

With its high level of software piracy, Brazil seems an odd choice for a test market. But given Phantom's history, nothing surprises me anymore. Godspeed, Phantom System!

There are 3 comments - Join In and Discuss Here