Whilst many had felt that Infinium Labs' silence over recent months was a sure sign that the console had sunk without a trace, the so-called 'broadband-only' console appears to still be en route, despite widely publicised cash problems at the new start-up... who at the start of the year lacked the wonga to bring their opus to market. However an early 2006 debut is now being spoken about, with a new round of investments being finalised. A new deal has also been penned with The Mauretania Import Export Company (TMIEC), who specialise in gaming-brand development, and will be working with publishers to get better content for the Phantom ahead of the system's launch.

A world first if it makes it to shelves, the Phantom will buck the traditional publisher model, instead delivering games exclusively via the internet to those subscribing. The Phantom is based on a system, and even features a cut-down Windows-based operating system. Of course, an early 2006 debut would certainly put the Phantom on collision course with the - hardly a fight Infinium can hope to win, though they may be relying on growing a cult-following for the unique system - and will certainly be looking in better shape if some high-profile content partners can be nabbed by TMIEC. More on this soon, then.

By Luke Guttridge