Console manufacturer Microsoft and non-profit organization Companions in Courage have partnered to provide children's hospitals nationwide with customized Xbox 360 kiosks, the two announced today.

Said to be "hospital-friendly," the kiosks will come pre-loaded with a number of child-appropriate games, movies and television programs. Equipped with microphones and cameras, the hardware will provide online communication and multiplayer via a special version of Xbox Live that is only accessible from the custom kiosks.

"These gaming stations are a perfect complement to the interactive playrooms [Companions in Courage creates]," said founder and NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine.

The first wave of kiosks will be installed at three hospitals today: 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," added Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian executive director Cynthia Sparer.

"We are grateful that our partnership with Companions in Courage helps us meet the needs of our patients and allows kids to be kids even when they're sick."