NEC Back in the Console Business!!!

[KingDrool]

Japanese semiconductor giant NEC has announced that it has been tapped to provide embedded DRAM chips for Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, which will be used as part of the graphics solution in the system.
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The deal sees NEC providing eDRAM "macros" for the Xbox 360, which are described as a vital component in enabling the console to output high-definition visuals, and presumably integrate with the system's ATI-designed graphics chipset.

"NEC Electronics' cutting-edge embedded DRAM technology plays a vital role in enabling our graphics engine's performance," explained Xbox Product Group corporate VP Todd Holmdahl, "while its manufacturing process provides a reliable resource that can deliver the volumes required to support what will be an extremely popular gaming platform."

NEC is just the latest in a string of blue-chip suppliers to be announced for the Xbox 360 manufacturing process - with the two highest profile partners, of course, being ATI and IBM. ATI is supplying a next-generation graphics chipset design for the console, while a number of IBM's Power-series processors will lie at the heart of the system.

Ok, I gotcha.  I just wanted to get a rise out of you guys.  Sorry!

(But technically it's true.  )

 

[xolik]

That's NOT NICE.











 

[esteban]

Ok, I gotcha.  I just wanted to get a rise out of you guys.  Sorry!

(But technically it's true.  )

 

ohhhhhhhh, you got me!

[DragonmasterDan]

Japanese semiconductor giant NEC has announced that it has been tapped to provide embedded DRAM chips for Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, which will be used as part of the graphics solution in the system.
Advertisement

The deal sees NEC providing eDRAM "macros" for the Xbox 360, which are described as a vital component in enabling the console to output high-definition visuals, and presumably integrate with the system's ATI-designed graphics chipset.

"NEC Electronics' cutting-edge embedded DRAM technology plays a vital role in enabling our graphics engine's performance," explained Xbox Product Group corporate VP Todd Holmdahl, "while its manufacturing process provides a reliable resource that can deliver the volumes required to support what will be an extremely popular gaming platform."

NEC is just the latest in a string of blue-chip suppliers to be announced for the Xbox 360 manufacturing process - with the two highest profile partners, of course, being ATI and IBM. ATI is supplying a next-generation graphics chipset design for the console, while a number of IBM's Power-series processors will lie at the heart of the system.

Ok, I gotcha.  I just wanted to get a rise out of you guys.  Sorry!

(But technically it's true.  )

 

They made chips for the Dreamcast, I believe they made some of the model 1 Game Cube components (RAM) as well.

[KingDrool]

Sorry guys.  

I read that article and immediately thought of these forums.

Feel free to flog me now.

[nodtveidt]

Let the floggings begin!

[zborgerd]

They made chips for the Dreamcast, I believe they made some of the model 1 Game Cube components (RAM) as well.

They fabricated the *awesome* PowerVR Series 2 DC (2DC) chips that went into the Dreamcast.  They were based off of the same tile-based rendering technology that went into the ST Kyro chips for PCs, and the technology that is now in the integrated ARM/PowerVR hardware (like the MBX).

It was (and is still) great graphics hardware, outclassing even the newer PS2 for features and performance.

NEC has the capabilities to fabricate some pretty kickass hardware.

[trapjaw76]

We use some NEC equipment in our TV station...they really still have a nice foothold in the market, just not in the game department.

[twor2005]

Hmm well NEC made Tubesldier for the 'Cube semi-recently.  But I think its been discontinued, and the necgames.com website doesn't seem to load. Easy come easy go!

[GUTS]

^^ God that was an f'n disgrace.  They re-enter the US games market just to  release a horrible wipeout clone for the worst system of the current gen; what complete f*cktard was in charge of that?

[esteban]

well, I thought they also published Culdcept, which supposedly is a decent game with a small contingent of fans.  I honestly don't know what Culdcept is like, so I can't say.

UPDATE: Here's the scoop folks...
http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/culdcept/news_6092468.html

03.29.04  -- TOKYO -- NEC revealed today that it will be selling off its video game subsidiary, NEC Interchannel. Best known in America as the publisher and developer of Culdcept, NEC Interchannel is also one of the largest dating-sim publishers for home consoles in Japan....

[lord_cack]

Not to go over old news or anything but, where do the rights to the old NEC/TTI games lie? Does Hudson Still have control or what?

[KingDrool]

No idea.  But I bought both Tube Slider and Culdcept.  Tube Slider was a marginal F-Zero clone, but Culdcept was a great game.  Steve's right, though.  NEC dumped off their US publishing branch after Culdcept.  They had so much promise, but then just tanked quickly.

[zborgerd]

Last Hudson game I played was "Elemental Gimmick Gear", for Dreamcast.  It's a very underrated action RPG.  It's very fun, and you can find it for a great price these days.

I've heard reports that NEC's "Tube Sliders" was supposed to be the next F-Zero game, but the deal went to SEGA instead for F-Zero GX/AX.  This is a good thing, in my opinion, because SEGA's work on F-Zero was absolutely AMAZING.  Not only that, it's totally loaded with awesome SEGA butt-rock music, and that's bonus points in itself.  Anyway...  I believe I also heard that the Tube Sliders team instead programmed F-Zero:  Maximum Velocity for the GBA;  A team by the name of NDCube.

[GUTS]

Oh yeah actually I have Culdcept, that game is awesome.  I always forget it was NEC for some reason, great game though.  I think you can pick it up at EB for like $15 now.