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Infinium Labs Phantom Unveiled In August
Jerek Dain writes "GameSpy.com has an article about the Phantom console from Infinium Labs with some new information. Apparently it will make its big debut (complete with proof of its existence) at the Ultimate Gamers Expo in August. But from the sound of things, can it really compete with gamers' PCs?" Of course, our previous story on the Phantom mentioned prototypes would be available in March, but we suppose delays never hurt anyone, as long as a product has good support and decent game quality when it does ship?
we have seen this kind of thing before haven't we? Anyone remember Atari Jaguar? Ugh! There is no room for a fourth console in this market.
Here.
Until I see some evidence that somebody has actually *seen* or *touched* this wonder console that does everything, it's pretty much my take, too.
Chris Mattern
I don't believe you.
I think there *is* room for a 'fourth' console.
Its just that it had better Seriously Kick Ass if it wants to compete.
Frankly, looking at the existing stock, I can think of at least 10 ways a new 'under the radar' console could compete.
Come on. Does *nobody* remember the actual lessons of MSX? eh?
Okay, I'll give you a hint:
a) There will *always* be a 'dying' console in the console war. Work on the *games*, not the 'marketing'.
Here's another:
b) He who has the most software, wins.
Anyone wanting to build a new console to compete with PS2/XBOX/GC need only keep in mind those two rules, and then get to work.
Complacency is fine, but you wait until someone comes up with a console which breaks some rules. It could, and might, happen.
; -- the corruption of government starts with its secrets. a truly free people keep no secrets. --
Generally, and I say this about lots of computer industry things lately, I think its a case of 'us computer geeks' ignoring the fact that the computer market, and tech in general, is *HUGE*.
There are, as yet, completely untapped *millions* of consumers for products/devices like these - game consoles first, microwave ovens next, etc. - and as current generations grow families, the market is growing faster than we are keeping pace with it.
Its a fact often overlooked by computer geeks, but the plain truth of the matter is that there are a *lot* of places yet for computer technology to get to. Thus, the markets are growing.
Maybe not so much in the good ol' USofA, though, bless its War-lovin' heart... Duh, manufacturing is a *huuuuuuuge* industry, and theres a reason why its going oversees! Its easier to ship final product to local masses!
; -- the corruption of government starts with its secrets. a truly free people keep no secrets. --
"As for the hardware itself, Phantom will use mostly standard PC parts", says the article. Well, we all know what that means: big and expensive! It's all very well if you're Microsoft and can afford to sell a console at a loss after wasting money putting unnecessarily general-purpose components into it. But some startup reckons they can do it? Ludicrous. There may or may not be room for a 4th console in the market, but there's never been room for a "console" built out of standard PC components, produced by a company with no reputation to lure developers and no billions in the bank to buy into the market.