As with Gizmondo (a machine that actually made it to market) investors in Infinium's Phantom console won't know just how badly burned they got until the receivers are in and carrying off the trinkets of a company some assert is little more than an elaborate means of extracting foolcash.

Though according to the firm, already dragged through the headlines for only the wrong reasons, all is well. What's more, the Phantom isn't vapourware and will see market.

"We are on a fast pace crossing over the threshold of manufacturing and marketing our first product, the Phantom Lapboard," a spokesperson from the firm commented. "Everything is on schedule for first arrivals of the Phantom Lapboard this October in the US market."

No mention was made of the actual console which licensing executives have assured SPOnG over recent years simply will not see release. Indeed, one highly-placed exec in charge with the milking of IP and existing releases simply said, "...as far as we know, no one has heard from them since the originating blanket emails they sent out three years ago. If they're snapping up content, it isn't from any of the top ten publishers." Not ideal.

Of course, investors will no doubt be concerned with the situation as stands today, as Infinium's roster of shame continues to grow. The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating the share dealing activities of certain Infinium executives, with the ever-amusing Tim Roberts still making headlines for everything a games hardware firm can do that isn't releasing games hardware.

And there's the unfortunate case of former CEO Kevin Bachus, who, after launching the Xbox and fledging a game finance company with long-time partner Seamus Blackley, now finds himself suing Infinium over unpaid wages. This after a stint of being dragged around the city assuring everyone who'd listen that the Phantom and its creator was the best thing ever, including few toe-curling stints on TV.

We'll keep you fully informed on the Infinium, if only to tell you we told you so in about 18 months time.


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