It's been nearly a decade since Microsoft stepped foot into the console arena, successfully joining Nintendo and Sony to become one of "the big three." Since then, there have been numerous rumors of an "Xboy," or portable Xbox. With the impending release of Windows Phone 7, Microsoft is finally releasing a portable gaming platform, one branded with Xbox Live. But, does Windows Phone compete against not only Sony and Nintendo's handheld offerings, but the iPhone as well?

A few weeks ago, I received two Windows Phone devices, both on AT&T. Unlike Apple's iPhone, Windows Phone is not a single device. It's a platform, allowing phone manufacturers and carriers to offer some personalization. The HTC Surround, for example, comes with a sliding stereo surround speaker and the "HTC Hub." The Samsung Focus features a 4-inch AMOLED screen and weighs 110 grams (a quarter pound). While each device is different, there are a few tenants that must remain the same across the platform -- and Xbox Live is one of them.