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Phantom Game Console

Posted by michael on from the jokes-are-almost-too-easy dept.

jasoncart writes "In a bold move newly formed US technology company Infinium Labs Corporation have announced the release of a new gaming console. They promise that it will be faster than any other console on the market, and have a huge games catalog (32k+ games apparently) available over broadband. Can they take on the big boys? Is broadband pentration high enough? Only time will tell - prototypes are promised in March." There's also an interview with their PR spokesdrone. *cough*Indrema.*cough*

2 of 513 comments (clear)

  1. Too many already. by _ph1ux_ · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I grew up with the rise of consoles - from the early ones like the atari and pong - through NES and its siblings to now, the ps2 xbox etc, just as many of us have. But I still do not own one.

    I had a sega, I had NES and super NES and dreamcast. But I choose not to buy any new ones now.

    I have played computer games religously ever since I was in 3rd grade. I play games on my PC and thats how I like it.

    I have a big comfy chair - a huge monitor and a very fast machine - in a room dedicated to computer gaming. I prefer this setup greatly over sitting on the floor in front of my TV. I prefer the level of interaction that a PC can provide.

    I dont have any desire for an xbox, ps2 gamecube or other... my PC is just fine. and it serves a hell of a lot more functions than a console system.

    The current prices of hardware is incredible. I just built another great system for $400. at just twice the price of an xbox/ps2 I get 1000 times the functionality.

    Unless the system they are offering is $25.00 and I dont have to pay any sort of monthly access (like if it were to utilize my *exisiting* lan and broadband connection - without a large price for a lan adapter - i will continue to have no interest in console systems.

    What they should do is focus on making a PCI card that you can insert into your PC and utilize its hardware to make it a "console" system in that it can hold the controllers and play all the games - for a minimal cost.

    then make all the money off the price of the games (which are already overpriced at $50.)

  2. Speaking of too much... by thatguywhoiam · · Score: 5, Interesting
    I, too, grew up with the various historical consoles. Since this comment was deemed 'interesting', let me ask you a few things. Consoles... But I still do not own one.

    That's cool. What I want to know is, how do you find maintaining this bleeding-edge level of gamer gear?

    I ask because, honestly, the PC gaming rig puzzles me. Even with the basement-level prices you speak of ($400/box), it still strikes me as prohibitively expensive. I suppose it depends on your dedication ot the hobby.

    Let me illustrate - I do most of my gaming on a PS2. My personal computer is a Mac, which isn't good for anything but the biggest mainstrain PC games (ala WarCraft).

    PS2 = $US 200 (new when it came out)
    PS2 game = $US 50

    Now, this thing, if its anything like my PS1, will last me for about 3-4 years. I get to sit on a comfy couch, with friends who can also see clearly my large television, with my surround-sound stereo (that I already forked out for), and play 1st-rate video games. It boots very quickly, the graphics are great, most importantly the games are great. The controller is custom-designed just for gaming. It never crashes. I don't apply patches or download things, 99% of the unit's uptime is actively gaming.

    Now, before you go off and shut me down, tell me.. you've got:

    Gaming PC = $US 400
    PC Game = $US 50

    now add to that PC Game Controller = $US 35
    Large Gaming PC monitor = $250
    Good PC Speakers = $100 Windows license to run said Games = $50

    How is that better? You're paying a premium for graphics and sound that are only ever going to be marginally better.

    I know its not all about economics, but the games, man! You must have as much money as possible to buy games. That is the whole point.

    How often do you update your rig? If it's 'fast', as in fast enough to run a cutting-edge PC game all the time, the turnover must be at least one a year, no? (Of course, the PC is more functional than a PS2, but we are talking about games, no?)

    I wish you luck, PC Gamer, but I fear your days are numbered. The consoles are custom-designed to eat your lunch.

    --
    If Jesus wants me it knows where to find me.