Russia Makes Two New Video Game Consoles

Russia’s Response to Sanctions: Two New Game Consoles

Facing economic sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is venturing into the video game console market with plans for two distinct systems. This initiative comes after President Putin’s push for domestic game console development.

A Traditional Console and a Cloud-Based Alternative

One console, a traditional model, will utilize the Elbrus processor, primarily used in critical infrastructure and defense applications. It will run on a domestic OS, either Aurora or Alt Linux. According to a Telegram statement by Anton Gorelkin, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on information policy, the Elbrus processor’s limitations mean the console won’t focus on ports of existing games but instead on fostering domestic game development.

The second console takes a cloud-based approach, developed by the telecommunications firm MTS. This system, priced at $45, leverages MTS’ Fog Play platform, allowing users with high-end PCs to offer their processing power to others.

A Move Towards Technological Independence

These developments reflect Russia’s broader effort to promote domestic technology in response to international sanctions. Microsoft has previously reported Russian infiltration of gaming communities, adding another layer to the geopolitical context of this initiative.

Sources: TechSpot, Telegram, TechSpot, GameSpot