Would an Homebrew Console Be a Realistic Venture and What Would you Need ?

[mentalmummy]

I think it would run a version of linux designed to boot quickly and require minimal user intervention (ie a nice graphic display controllable with a joypad used to select items on screen) so the user has the benefits of a console and a pc without needing to be a pc savvy person.

I think a 1.5 Ghz cpu, 40 Gb hdd, low cost Nvidia gfx card with tv out (say one of the 6600 series?), wireless networking card and digital joypad would be good.

While it is true such a thing is essentially a pc it is a very user friendly one requiring minimal user knowledge and intervention and people would pay for a decent console system able to play films, music, games, emulators etcetera out of the box.

That`s one thing that attracted me to the GP2X and before that the Xbox (once it had been altered to have XMBC on it).

People will pay for an all in one unit

[kiore]

As a few have already suggested ,a pc is the best you'll get.

[spudhead2121]

How about a 3.2 Cell cpu, 256 of ram, 60 GB HDD, WiFi, 500 mhz GPU, BR DVD Drive, HDMI, bluetooth, PS3 and Wii controller support, custom Linux OS and for under cost price of about $600.

If you have not guest I'm talking about the PS3 with a customized Linux OS made for games. I think homebrew works best on hijack hardware. A PS3 and Wii controller are just the best combo.

[J_Villa1983]

How about a 3.2 Cell cpu, 256 of ram, 60 GB HDD, WiFi, 500 mhz GPU, BR DVD Drive, HDMI, bluetooth, PS3 and Wii controller support, custom Linux OS and for under cost price of about $600.

with the luck they've been having it REALLY doesn't inspire confidence in "made with open source products" does it? I'm not saying it wouldn't be cool to hack it though.

[Sterist]

yur cpu n ram choices carry a hefty price tag

[gs01rnb]

The dreamcast fitted the bill nicely as far as the homebrew scene, would be nice if there was a dreamcast 2.0, updating the system but keeping the lack of protection intact

[/.Revenge]

There wouldn't be much of a reason to choose a homebrew console over a pc.
The only advantage would be that it would provide developers with a standardized
platform which would reduce, if not eliminate, hardware compatibility issues.

[Turn2]

Wow, I had no idea that the XBOX was such a versatile homebrew mega-machine. Full speed N64 Emulator? Damn.

I actually saved my old XBOX and it is in great condition. I want to soft mod it but I'm not sure if I can. What if I played Halo 2 on XBOX live a while back? I'm sure Microsoft put some sort of update on it to not allow soft mod, right?

I have one of the games that has the linux installer but now I need Action Replay right?

Actualy you can get on live with a softod but you have to use one of the new ones. If you want the know how go here and start reading the forums

http://www.xbox-hq.com/html/

everything that you would need to know is there tons of VIP members to help out as well.

[curt_grymala]

wouldnt it be a homebrew
not an homebrew

Not if you're a Brit, like Wraggy.

In proper English, the letter "h" is always preceded by the article "an" rather than "a". I think it has something to do with the fact that the "h" is supposed to be a silent letter when properly pronounced.

Anyway - I really don't think a homebrew console would get very far, as software is where console manufacturers make most of their money.

I could definitely see making a reasonably sized computer case, and placing some decent hardware inside, then making it compatible with televisions, but it would never really make any money for anyone.

[opiate81]

yeah a pc does it for sure or if you like console games as well go for an xbox
I'd save my xbox after my missus if my house was burning!! it has 2x250 GB HDD`s and a 10GB (for Linux)
I have about 1GB of homebrew and HEAPS of emulators
its my multimedia and gaming heart.. Id be lost without it!!