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... Read more