Zeebo Raises $17M For Internationally-Focused Game Console

San Diego-based Zeebo Inc. has now raised $17 million in total equity funding for its 3G-enabled game console focused on the developing world, according to a new SEC filing. The Qualcomm-backed company had previously raised $13.5 million in total funding, according to an SEC statement filed last June. First launched in Brazil in 2009, and in Mexico later that same year, the BREW-based Zeebo console sports a downloadable game library primarily made up of mobile game ports, including some in major franchises such as Tekken, Resident Evil and FIFA. The system saw a significant price reduction shortly after launch, and a major hardware upgrade last year which added 3G internet connectivity, a keyboard and a new ergonomic gamepad. Earlier this year, Zeebo Inc. announced a new focus on educational titles ahead of a launch in India earlier this year. The company also plans a launch the console in China sometime this year and is "currently working on a next generation platform for launch in 2012," according to its website. Speaking to Gamasutra last year, Zeebo SVP of content and services Mike Yuen pointed out some of the unique opportunities challenges in making a console for the developing world. "Most of China has now moved into the middle class," he told us. "20 or 30 years ago that wasn’t true. It’s not all about games. It can’t be, because it’s usually a single television household. We believe in convergence, because these families won’t be able to diverge into multiple devices."