I'm always suspicious of dreamcast 2 rumors but the architecture of the Ringedge seems to be very suiting for a new beefy kick ass sega console , heres some info ripped off from wiki:
RingEdge specifications
CPU: Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2160 (1.8 GHz)
RAM: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM (PC-6400)
GPU: Nvidia GeForce 8800GS with 384 MB GDDR3 SDRAM (Shader Model 4.0)
Output: 2 DVI ports
Storage: 32GB SSD
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T)
OS: Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 2009
Other: 3 USB ports, 5.1 channel HD Audio, Sega ALL.NET online support
"The Ring series of arcade machines are also based on PC architecture. Initially announced models include RingEdge and RingWide. The 2 pieces of hardware will have Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 2009 as their operating system. The reason Sega decided to use a Windows embedded system was so other third-party companies would find it easier to produce games for it. The first game for the Ring platform is Border Break, running on the RingEdge. Border Break does not take full advantage of the graphics card on the Ringedge, but introduces touch-screen functionality and a special controller system. It allows players to play next to each other in the same arcade or against other people in another arcade using Sega's ALL.NET feature. Also in Fall 2009 an image appeared around the web of what was apparently a leaked RingEdge BIOS and it appears the disc drive supports the now defunct HD DVD. On February 10, 2009, Sega approved a patent for two controller designs, one that looks similar to the Sega Saturn 3D pad with a added touch screen device and one that looks similar to the Mega Drive 6-button pad. Sega has recently stated that they plan to revive the arcade business with these machines.
Sega also approved a patent for USB Flash Memory cards and Hard drive on July 7, 2009. Although the Hard Drive and Controllers remain unexplained, Japanese Arcades have long had access to items such as floor mats and USB flash drives unlike their American counterparts. Because of these patents, rumors have been spreading that Sega is going to release a new home console based on Ring hardware in 2010 or 2011. Sega has yet to clarify exactly why the Hard Drive and Controller patents were issued, possibly because these rumors may be true."
RingEdge Wiki
Right now the only game that runs on this hardware is Border Break.
2 problems.
ReplyDelete1) I doubt Sega's coming back to the console market.
2) Selling a PC as a video game console doesn't work very well, considering anyone who wants to play games for it can just pirate them and play them on their home computer.