To show off the capabilities of the chip Intel ensured that some examples of MMX-optimised software was available at the launch, and most of it will be bundled with machines as they are sold.
The problem is that these demonstrations are poor.
One of the first available games is POD, from Ubisoft www.ubisoft.com, a scifi racing game, which has some nice touches in the graphics rendering but is essentially naff.
It looks and feels primitive compared to most console-based racing games, bad news for Intel as it strives to take on Nintendo and Sega in wooing the sweaty palms of the consumer market.
M aris Multimedia's Space Station Simulator also has a few nice ingredients, taking advantage of improved CD-ROM control, but overall doesn't really impress.