XGameStation Console Tries DIY Angle

Alex Varanese writes "We've released new information about the XGameStation, a revolutionary new video game system which comes with a complete game development kit, and is trying to revive the magic of programming for systems like the Apple II, Atari 800 and Commodore 64. Unlike systems from Nintendo and Sony, XGS developers face no legal or financial restrictions with XGameStation. There's no official license, no royalties to pay, and no guidelines to follow." Any 'console' with vector monitor interface and Atari 2600 joystick adaptor add-ons is at least worth a second glance - it certainly looks a little unconventional.

Comments

um... Dreamcast?

[paradesign]

Not to say that this is bad, but isnt it a lil obsolete? I can see it being useful maybe in an educational setting, "Game programing for beginners" whatever. but if you want a decent modern platform to work with, drop the or, you could get a PS2 linux kit and learn how to program for that. ive noticed that the demo scene has started working wth PS2 linux, tAAt comes to mind.

theres also the GBA that has a large dev scene, and you dont even need to buy the hardware to get started for that, the emus work so well. or what abut the GP32, its completely open hardware.

i just wonder how successful this product will be, and i think a large factor to that will be the cost, which i cant see being cheap since its sales probably wont be that high.

Re:um... Dreamcast?

[topside420]

No its not obsolete. I don't believe its made to be able to play badass new 3d games, but to get AWAY from that for a second. To go back to the past where young hackers had a very imtimate understanding of all the low-level details of any given system they were working on. I don't even think this is really ideal for future game developers as much as its for future hardware/software engineers.

This is definitly made to be used almost exclusivly in the educational setting, although - not necessariy the class room.

I am a second year computer engineering student. This little XGameStation seems like a godsend. I am not buying it because of its game development ability. I am buying it for its ability to be an example to new & upcoming hardware engineers.

With this XGameStation it seems I am pretty limitless when wanting to modify the hardware. Every design & implementation detail is documented, thereby creating one AMAZING learnign experience.

I believe because of this, they aren't going ot focus on making it a fun & modern gaming system to program for because modern gaming systems do not require as intimate of an understanding of the hardware and software.

I believe making the games may only be a VERY small part of what hackers will be doing on it. I dont see myself programming any games, however I do see myself hacking on the kernel or hacking on the hardware itself. My main concern is how all the low level software & hardware details all fit together.

Thats where this project fills its niche. I can't think of another system like it where all documentation is out in the open and is specificly made for those who wish to hack on it. Nothing like turining a whole bunch of conductive/non-conductive material into a complete working computer system AND knowing how it ALL works together and why :)

i just wonder how successful this product will be, and i think a large factor to that will be the cost, which i cant see being cheap since its sales probably wont be that high.

Having said all that, I expected to see this system at around $250...again, not because of its gaming ability but its educational abilities.

However, this product is priced VERY nicely at a mere $99 for all necessary equiptment & software to get goin!