OnLive's steaming gaming service, which has supported PC and Macs since its launch last June, is close to starting another phase of its development. Today the company announced that its MicroConsole, designed to hook up to a TV, can now be pre-ordered from OnLive's official web site. The $99 price (plus taxes and shipping costs) includes both the MicroConsole itself and the OnLive Wireless Controller. OnLive is even throwing a code to purchase a full game on the service for free. Shipments are due to start on December 2 but OnLive says there will be "limited quantities" of the MicroConsole bundle at first.

The MicroConsole does require a broadband Ethernet-based internet connection in order to work. A wired Internet connection is recommended but if your net connection is not close to your TV you can purchase a third party wireless network bridge that can be installed in the MicroConsole's Ethernet port. it also includes an HDMI port to hook up the MicroConsole to the TV but you can purchase an optional $29.99 component cable set-up from OnLive if you have an older TV.

The wireless controller runs on AA batteries but people can also buy an optional rechargable battery and USB cable for $19.99. The controller not only has the typical buttons, analog control sticks, triggers and D-pad like buttons but it also has media buttons for use in viewing the video files on the OnLive service.

Big Download has received a review unit of the OnLive MicroConsole and will be posting up our impressions in the near future.