In a bid to reduce dependence on Western technology, Russia is charting a new course in gaming hardware. The initiative centers on the development of game consoles powered by the domestically-produced Elbrus CPUs, offering an alternative take on gaming innovation over sheer performance.
Skolkovo Foundation’s Elbrus Console
At the forefront of this effort is the Skolkovo Foundation, tasked with designing a console built around the Russian Elbrus processor. The console’s operating system will likely be based on either Aurora OS or ALT Linux, though the final choice remains under evaluation.
While the Elbrus CPU is acknowledged to fall short of competing with high-performance systems like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, developers aim to introduce a distinctive feature described as “groundbreaking.” Specifics of this feature are still under wraps, leaving enthusiasts curious about what sets this console apart.
The exact Elbrus chip to be utilized is yet to be disclosed. Early testing with the Elbrus-8SV processor, however, indicated limitations, with struggles to run older games smoothly at 30 frames per second.
Cloud Gaming Console by MTS
In a parallel move, Russian telecom giant MTS is developing a budget-friendly, streaming-centric console to complement its MTS Fog Play cloud gaming platform. The device is expected to retail at an affordable price of under $50, inclusive of a controller, aiming to make gaming accessible to a wider audience. Hardware details for this console are still under development.
These projects underscore Russia’s broader strategy to establish technological self-sufficiency while offering fresh alternatives in the competitive gaming market. Whether these consoles can carve out a niche amidst global industry giants remains to be seen.