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I guess in the strictest dictionary definition, this is a console that could play games, but is a general purpose computing device really what we colloquially c
by dfxm12 6y ago
I guess in the strictest dictionary definition, this is a console that could play games, but is a general purpose computing device really what we colloquially call a "game console"?
After all, we don't call our PCs game consoles...
- torginus 6y agoI mean, hardware-wise, aren't most recent consoles general purpose computing devices, with game-optimized hardware controls anyway? For example, the Switch is a modified Nvidia tablet chip.
- majewsky 6y agoThe Switch is a game console not because of the form factor or because of any particular piece of hardware. It's a game console because I can just take it out of the box, put a game cartridge in and start playing. It's not a BOM thing, it's a UX thing.
- dfxm12 6y agoExactly. There's more to a game console (or any computer) than its hardware. And further, a Switch is not a general purpose computer because the system, both hardware and software, is designed to be locked into certain uses.
- timw4mail 6y agoThe PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series _ are even closer to the average computer with x86 hardware.
- corin_ 6y agoIf you set up your PC with a joystick and no keyboard/mouse...
- Splognosticus 6y agoEh, it's splitting hairs. Is the Pippin a game console? Is the CD-I? Is the OUYA? Is a PS2 still a game console if you boot Linux? Is a Gameboy with the Workboy keyboard still a game console? All consoles are at the end of the day general-purpose computers. You're just arbitrarily locked out of using the machine you bought and paid for to run whatever you like.
- Triv888 6y agoIs your phone a game console?
- Splognosticus 6y agoIt certainly could be. Pair a bluetooth controller and hook it up to HDMI, and play Retroarch to your heart's content.