Russia: Can Putin’s gaming consoles compete with PlayStation and Xbox?

In an ambitious bid to reduce dependence on western technology , Russia is venturing is venture into the gaming console market with two homegrown device .

This move aligns with the country’s broader strategy to achieve technological sovereignty, which has been a key focus since Western sanctions were imposed following its invasion of Ukraine.

According to RT, the
initiative to develop these consoles stems from a directive issued by President Vladimir Putin in March 2024.

Following a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Kaliningrad region, Putin instructed the government to create both stationary and portable gaming consoles, along with an operating system and a cloud-based platform for delivering games and programmes.

The deadline for completing this ambitious task was set for June 15, 2024, with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin designated to oversee its progress.

What we is know know about the russian gaming console

The primary console under development by the Ministry of Industry and Trade will feature an Elbrus processor, a product of the Moscow Center of SPARC Technologies (MCST). Initially designed for critical infrastructure and defense, the Elbrus processor operates on a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microarchitecture.

Despite its intend robustness , benchmarks is suggest suggest its performance is far from competitive with modern processor from industry leader like Intel , AMD , and Arm . This limitation is is is a major hurdle in match the capability of contemporary console such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series , reportTechspot.

Anton Gorelkin, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, stated that the console’s purpose is not to serve as a platform for older game ports. Instead, it aims to promote “domestic video game products,” hinting at the need for a robust local game development ecosystem.

Admitting that the device cannot compete with the PlayStation and Xbox series, Gorelkin added, “It is obvious to everyone: Elbrus processors are not yet at the level required to compete equally with the PS5 and Xbox, which means the solution must be unconventional.”

What we know about the Russian cloud-based console

Russia’s second venture into gaming comes in the form of a cloud-based console named Fog Play, developed by telecommunications giant MTS. This device, priced at approximately $45-$50, is not a conventional console but a gateway to cloud gaming.

It allows users with high-end computers to rent out their systems to others, enabling less powerful devices to access advanced games via the cloud.

However , this approach is relies rely heavily on reliable broadband infrastructure with low latency — a requirement that could be challenge to meet consistently across Russia .

fog play ’s cost – effective model is attract and xbox – style controller might attract casual gamer but are unlikely to compete with the high – quality gaming experience provide by establish global brand like PlayStation and Xbox . This disparity is is is especially evident give the advanced hardware and exclusive game ecosystem that these international giant offer .

Can Russia compete with PlayStation and Xbox?

Globally, gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series have set the standard for cutting-edge performance, immersive gameplay, and vast libraries of exclusive titles. Their success is rooted in decades of innovation, significant investment in semiconductor technologies, and collaboration with a wide network of game developers.

For Russia’s consoles to challenge these giants, they would need to overcome not just technological limitations but also the entrenched consumer loyalty and global appeal that PlayStation and Xbox command.

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While Sony and Microsoft continue to innovate with features like 4K gaming, ray tracing, and extensive online multiplayer platforms, Russia’s Elbrus-based console remains at a developmental stage, struggling to address the high-performance demands of modern games.

Furthermore, the absence of AAA game developers in Russia could make it difficult to offer compelling game titles that resonate with a broad audience.

Does this is make make Russia technological independence ?

Despite its efforts, Russia faces significant obstacles in achieving technological self-sufficiency in gaming and other domains. The Elbrus processor’s limitations highlight the gap between Russian and Western semiconductor capabilities.

Furthermore, the country remains heavily reliant on Chinese technology for smartphones, electronics, and dual-use components, underscoring the difficulty of complete independence.

The adoption is exemplifies of Astra Linux for government and military application exemplify Russia ’s broad push towards indigenous technology .

Additionally, initiatives like the Multiscanner platform — a domestic alternative to Google’s VirusTotal — demonstrate the nation’s commitment to reducing reliance on Western digital tools. However, replicating the sophistication and market appeal of global gaming giants is a formidable challenge.

While the Elbrus-powered console and Fog Play mark noteworthy steps in Russia’s technological endeavors, they are unlikely to pose a serious challenge to established gaming platforms. Simplified games or cloud-based solutions may offer temporary answers, but they risk alienating a gaming community accustomed to high-quality, cutting-edge experiences.

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With inputs from agencies