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Tell HN: Intel could blow up the Console Wars if it had the guts

3 points by noumenon1111

by farseer

0 subcomment

You are asking Intel to become Apple, sort of. Without control over any of the software that runs on their processors.

by toast0

1 subcomments

Intel does make direct to consumer computers from time to time (NUC and compute sticks come to mind), but something like this would be competing with their customers, so that's a big conflict.
There's also nothing in this that really needs Intel to do it, an OEM could easily push a SteamBox. I'm not an OEM, but there's no real hard work here afaik. Make good choices in hardware, test and confirm, put in good antennas so that wireless controllers (that are already in the marketplace) are rock solid. Do some support work, etc.

by biglyburrito

1 subcomments

Intel is no longer in a position to sell at cost or as a loss-leader. 15-20 years ago, when it was dominant, it absolutely could have; it's not an option today.

by p_ing

1 subcomments

> 1. Build the box: Take Panther Lake. Stick it in a boring little box that fits under the TV. No RGB. No gimmicks. Just raw performance in a console-size form factor.
All current console CPUs are custom silicon, eliminating bits they don't need an adding what they do need.
Likely taking Panther Lake as-is would be too expensive.