Alibaba and maker of failed Nintendo NES clone team up to create China’s next game console

Ecommerce titan Alibaba has teamed up with Chinese home electronics maker Xiao Bawang to make a game console, according to ZOL.com.

The G20 will run on Aliyun OS, Alibaba’s Linux-based smartphone OS. Along with the console, several peripherals like yoga blankets, an exercise bike, and more will be available. A few of the games demoed today involved ping bong, beach volleyball, snowball fights, and something that looks a lot like Fruit Ninja. The controllers bear a strong resemblance to Wiimotes sans nunchucks.

The console also doubles as a set-top box for streaming television and movies, along with some shopping functions. The expected starting price will be RMB 598 (US$96) and it will be exclusively sold on Alibaba’s Tmall starting April 10.

(See: This handheld game console crossed with a smartphone could be the future of gaming in China)

Over 20 years ago, Xiao Bawang made a console to serve as an alternative to the Nintendo NES. That turned out to just be wishful thinking, as the device never caught on. In the 20-plus years since then, the company has made a wide range of home electronics – everything from hair dryers to DVD players. This could be Xiao Bawang’s chance at redemption in console gaming … but probably not.

China recently lifted its 13-year-old ban on game consoles, and several potential machines have come out from the woodwork since, like the Huawei Tron and the ZTE Fun Box.