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Swing your plastic peripherals with Xavix
by Ian Bogost December 28, 2004

XavixI fell upon the Xavix XaviXPORT at Best Buy this week. It's a small game console that seems to be focused on games that use wireless, external peripheral controllers. More specifically, XaviXPORT seems to be designed for sports games; currently, they offer a bowling game with green wireless bowling ball, a baseball game with wireless bat, and a tennis game with wireless racquet. There's little question that Xavix hopes to benefit from the growing market for videogames that engender physical activity, such as Yourself! Fitness (on WCG: 1, 2) and DDR. XaviXPORT runs a borderline-reasonable US$79.99 retail, and each of the games costs US$49.99 (including the required peripheral). It's hard to tell from the screenshots how these games measure up in terms of graphical and interactive quality, but I feel certain that they are considerably less sophisticated than other console games.

In addition to having the worst product name in recent memory, Xavix also seems to have great expectations, promising a line of products in the Entertainment, Home, and Education categories as well. Their marketing pitch foreshadows evertying "from interactive video games that respond to your physical movements, to motion sensitive home security solutions." Sounds like a bit of a stretch, but I have to admit that I do love the idea of a wireless bowling ball.

Comments (9)

I work for RadioShack and we actually sell these Xavix things. One day out of boredom we opened one up to try it out. The bowling was boring, but the tennis game is a blast. You get two rackets and can play split-screen versus someone else. Much more fun than I expected.

My dad is chair/wheelchair bound and doesn't get much physical activity. Does anyone know if you can play these games from a chair?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

I bought it for my son and we totally love it. The homerun derby is a blast. The graphics have room for improvement but if you have surround sound the interactiveness and sound effects make up for it. A definate must purchase for sports lovers...

I just played the bowling game last night. I like it a lot for what it is. I have 2 bowling games for my xbox that I like a lot that actually are better than the xavix because they offer more choices. But I like the xavix bowling, so far, because it mirrors real bowling motion. I wish there were more choices and levels.

I heard that the xavix is discontinued--is that true?? I hope not. Future versions can only get better

As for sitting and playing, I think its possible. My girlfriends 7 year old was sitting on the floor in front of the unit and playing just fine

Does anybody know where I can find the boxing one? I cant seem to find it anywhere

Sara,

you can get it on xavix.com... there is another mat one too by Jackie Chan that looks fun.

Has anyone tried out the mat or boxing? i am interested in trying these out for fitness reasons and didnt know if they were much of a workout.

thanks!

D

you can also get everything at linens and things.... best part is you can use Bed bath and beyond coupons there and get 20% off everything!

i got the system and the boxing game today.... it is super easy to set up and fun to play. not to mention a great work out.... i am really tired and my arms hurt already! (i played it for about a half hour) for the person who asked if someone in a wheelchair could play.... i would say yes! your dad may have to cover his wheelchair with a sheet or something though because the gloves or whatever is being used, uses reflection to guage the movement and the metal on the wheelchair may affect this (just a guess)

so far i love it!

Finally...was rejected repeatedly. Anyone have the secret to the tennis game? My son and I are frustrated beyond words. I've scored a 13 on the rally training program, but today had 20 zero scores and one 1 score before giving up. The tolerance window seems to be much too small to actually play. Help.
bobandjudy@joimail.com

Bob Mahlstedt on December 31, 2006 8:32 PM