3D gaming on the way

Australian company offers 500 current games converted for 3D viewing

An Australian company claims that it can offer a 3D gaming experience to players.

The Vortex Home Entertainment system is also said to be able to convert two-dimensional films and television programmes into three-dimensional experiences. The company behind it, Fountain Consulting, has modified high-end Nvidia graphics cards which, in their own PC systems, can offer a full 3D environment.

Vortex is being demonstrated at the Melbourne eGames Expo, and the company says that all the products on display will be on sale in 2007, with several configurations. A $150 (£80) add-on pack will be sold in future that will allow people to make existing PCs 3D-compatible.

To get games in three dimensions, players need to don a pair of 3D glasses - compatible sets are available from several manufacturers. Fountain has converted several current games, including Star Wars Battlefront II and the latest version of Quake.

Full details will be announced in January 2007.