The EVO Linux Gaming Console is For Real: Does it Have a Chance?
by Sam Dean - Apr. 03, 2009Comments (5)- Related Blog Posts
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Back in October, we covered the Linux-based EVO gaming console from Envizions Computer Entertainment. Then, it was slated to arrive in November, but was delayed, and there was some skepticism about whether it would ever arrive. Now, Envizions has announced that developers, resellers, earlier adopters and potential software partners can purchase EVO beta units, which will ship on April 10th. There are 100 beta units in stock, for sale at $279 to $350, depending on who buys them. The retail price is slated to be $379 after April 17th, which seems a little high for a fledgling console. Here are more details.
The EVO's beta program is slated to run until June 17th, and beta systems will come with free phone support and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Envizions is billing EVO as "the first Linux open source game console." The announcement adds:
"The system will be able to support both digital distribution of content and games from the Envizions cloud. EVO physical game format will be on compact secure digital cards (SD card). Each EVO Enhanced open source SD game will come with a game manual, packaging, support, free expansion levels, and cloud game save storage."
"Most EVO SD games will cost $19.95 and third party developers can set their own price for digital distribution games and applications. Games and accessories can be purchased from the EVO Store. Envizions will also develop first party games for the system."
The EVO console runs an operating system called Mirrors (based on Fedora) that the company claims can start games quickly, allegedly faster than current consoles do. "The initial open source code on EVO is free, but users can upgrade to a more robust version called Mirrors Evolution X with enhance features and applications," the company adds. There are apparently nine games slated to be available for the console, with three games to be pre-configured on shipping hardware.
According to a report on Slashdot, Envizions' cloud service will be stocked with Amiga games. What? That sounds sketchy. Also, apparently in addition to games, you can run MythTV on the console.
 Readers of our original post on the EVO console had many types of reactions. Some thought the EVO will be a gaming revolution, others thought that a limited number of games would give it no chance. I generally agree that if the EVO console is to have a chance, great games need to arrive for it. Still, the Wii was a success right out of the gate with a very limited number of titles created for it. The Wii had massive backing from Nintendo, though. Even if it takes a few years for the EVO to hit its stride, it definitely would be interesting to see open source competition for proprietary consoles and games.
You can find a video of the EVO in action at the top of the page here.Â
