Zune HD getting 3D gaming in '09

After years of teasing the prospect of 3D gaming on the Zune, Microsoft has finally made it official. As part of its announcement of today's Zune HD launch, the company revealed that the portable media player will be getting at least three 3D titles by year's end. They will include Vans Sk8: Pool Service, Audiosurf Tilt, and Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, a miniature spin-off of Bizarre Creations' pre-Activision buyout racing series.

Microsoft did not provide any prices for Zune HD games, nor did it offer any details on how games would be played. However, given the portable's OELD touch screen and built-in accelerometer, control schemes similar to those of the iPhone/iPod touch's massive game library are all but assured. Currently, Microsoft lists the Zune as having only five 2D casual games: Hexic, Texas Hold 'Em, Checkers, Sudoku, and Space Battle.

Microsoft's confirmation of 3D Zune gaming comes three and a half months after it revealed that HD video content from Xbox Live can be downloaded onto a Zune starting this fall. The functionality will come as part of a second Xbox Live update, expected in November, which will also add Facebook and Twitter functionality to the 360 and Zune.

The prospect of Zune gaming has been in the air ever since January 2007, when then-Microsoft corporate vice president Peter Moore promised that the device would have the functionality by 2008. Some 10 months later, publicity-hungry-Xbox-frontman-turned-reclusive-Zune-chief J Allard said gaming would be "tricky" on the Zune. Then, in February 2008, Microsoft teased the possibility of cross-platform gaming between the Zune and Xbox 360--a prospect that has yet to materialize.