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The Xbox 360 kiosks for children hospitals  (Source: Companions in Courage)
Xbox 360 consoles becoming a part of hospital play areas

Microsoft is partnering with non-profit organization the Companions in Courage Foundation to provide hundreds of Xbox 360 kiosks to playrooms in children's hospitals across the U.S.

The first kiosks are being installed today at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center of Seattle and the Children's Hospital of Orange County in California.

"It's extremely gratifying to witness the joy and excitement of these children and teens when they have a chance to break away from the normal hospital routine, and make new friends while playing video games," said Cynthia Sparer, executive director of Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian.

"The goal for this program is to give these kids a chance to have some fun and just be kids," added Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.

Games such as Grand Theft Auto IV or Gears of War won’t be found on the special hospital kiosks, as the customized and hospital-friendly systems are pre-loaded with a variety of Y-rated TV programs, G-rated movies and games rated E and E10+.

The Xbox 360 kiosks will also be online capable and come with headsets and Vision webcams, but will be connected to a dedicated network created just for consoles in children’s hospitals that allows patients to play games over Xbox Live, but limits chat via voice, text and video to only those children playing from select hospitals across the country. This will keep the profanity and slur-filled communication of Halo 3 games away from young, sensitive ears.

Companions in Courage founder and NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine said, "Entertainment, creativity and personal connections can be important factors in alleviating some of the isolation and discomfort these children experience each day. Xbox 360 offers young patients a fun escape through games, TV shows, movies and positive interactions with others over the Xbox Live network. These gaming stations are a perfect complement to the interactive playrooms."


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But lets keep it orderly..
By CTKP on 4/23/2008 3:43:58 PM , Rating: 3
So the bedridden don't get to play because the controllers are tethered




RE: But lets keep it orderly..
By therealnickdanger on 4/23/2008 3:48:13 PM , Rating: 2
I was just thinking about how exactly kids in wheelchairs will get close enough to play...


RE: But lets keep it orderly..
By daftrok on 4/23/2008 6:06:28 PM , Rating: 3
PR at it's finest. Rehabilitating kids, one frag at a time.


RE: But lets keep it orderly..
By FITCamaro on 4/23/2008 3:52:47 PM , Rating: 3
Where do you see that the controllers are wired? It looks like they're just on mounts to hold them while not in use. Even if its wired, the 360 controller has like a 10-12' cable. And the kiosks are on wheels so they can be rolled into a room. Assuming the picture is accurate.


RE: But lets keep it orderly..
By stburke on 4/23/2008 5:06:52 PM , Rating: 3
The Children's Hospital Denver just opened a completely new hospital last summer iirc. Each room has a 26' LCD, an Xbox 360 and a laptop. I thinks it's great that these kids have an alternative to the disease spreading "play room". I know I would have appreciated it.


Title
By isorfir on 4/23/2008 3:56:56 PM , Rating: 5
When I first read the title, I read it as "Microsoft Helping to Put Children in Hospitals with Xbox 360s"




RE: Title
By ajfink on 4/23/2008 4:04:09 PM , Rating: 2
That would have been far more entertaining. And morbid, and wrong, of course.


RE: Title
By kristof007 on 4/24/2008 12:13:55 AM , Rating: 2
Can someone please rate that up to a 6?


By sapiens74 on 4/23/2008 6:17:07 PM , Rating: 1
Since you are already in the hospital....




By SiN on 4/23/2008 6:53:23 PM , Rating: 2
im lost for words, no wait the words i have are coming to me but it'd be low for me to comment when i think of you based on what you just said.

if ninty or sony wanted to they could do the same, i would have said, "good for MS, now we'll see if nintendo or sony have any kind gestures"

PR or not, theres a lot of hospitals in the US.


By MrDiSante on 4/23/2008 8:26:31 PM , Rating: 2
He may or may not be - what I am offended by is your username. And for the record, I recently won an Xbox 360 with Guitar Hero III in a draw by Microsoft.


By FITCamaro on 4/24/2008 8:03:29 AM , Rating: 1
I love it how you act like you hand delivered the consoles yourself so you know for a fact what they are.

Microsoft tried to do a good thing here that, while yes gets them some good publicity, will make a lot of sick kids happy.

Get your head out of your ass and stop crying RROD any time someone even mentions the 360. The newer models do not have the problems of the earlier ones. And many of the earlier ones still work fine as well.


By theapparition on 4/24/2008 8:44:39 AM , Rating: 1
quote:
Dude, let me know the next time MS gives you ANYTHING for FREE! ANYTHING!

Considering that Microsoft is one of the largest doners of technology in the world and the Bill and Mellisa Gates Foundation (along with Buffet's pledges) is the most philathropic organization on the planet, I'd say you have not basis for your criticism.

I've no doubt that Microsoft's donations are strategic to advance thier own goals, but don't think for a second this is a bad thing. Are you serious that you think giving games to kids is a bad thing? Or has your hatred for the 360 (well documented) blided you? You may not like the system, that's fine you have your own opinion. But how can you possibly dislike the fact that a company gave games to sick children? You need help.