In December, you'll be able to play OnLive via your TV and pay for older games via a monthly, flat price.
OnLive made some big announcements this morning. First, it released details about the date and price for its console and wireless controller package. You'll be able to get your hands on a bundle this December for $99, as units begin shipping in limited quantities starting on December 2. Second, the company has announced a new-age pricing tier for an upcoming games backlog and indie games section. Instead of just having users pay full price for games no matter how old or indie, OnLive will eventually begin charging a flat, monthly rate similar to Netflix Instant Streaming for full access to games it deems as a backlog worthy.
A couple of notes about the MicroConsole package: it requires, as you'd imagine, an Ethernet-based connection to work. OnLive has recommended that you physically connect it for performance reasons, but you can use a wireless bridge. As for the setup, the package comes with an HDMI cable for your TV. HD component cables are being sold separately for 30 bones for those of us without open HDMI slots.
As for the controller, it'll require a couple of AA batteries. A rechargeable battery pack and a USB charging cable are being sold separately for $20.
== TEASER ==The flat, Netflix-type pricing for older OnLive games will begin before the end of the year. In a conversation with Joystiq, Onlive CEO Steve Perlam said that the line-up of games and the exact price of this service will be announced in December. He also said that these some of these games will be flawed ports. For example, some games might say "Exit to Windows" instead of "Exit to OnLive" in their menus. Do note that none of the games currently available for purchase on the service will become one of these back catalogue games.
Review units are going out, so you'll be check if this MicroConsole business is right for you before they hit the market. But what is your gut saying at the moment? Is the console something that you want? What do you think about flat-rate pricing announcement?
