A lot of manufacturers are trying to redefine the way that people play video games in the comfort of their living room, between consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and new machines like the forthcoming Steam Boxes and the OUYA. However, Razer may have taken the cake with the announcement of its newest device, the Forge TV.
Available later this quarter for the price of $99.99 (or $149 with the Serval controller and Cortex: Stream software bundled in), the Forge TV is a high-performance Android TV micro-console that will be able to provide both mobile and PC gaming experiences for the living room. The console utilizes Cortex: Stream software put together by the company to allow PC games to stream to your living room, as well as support for Bluetooth-enabled peripherals, such as Razer’s own Serval game controller and Turret keyboard and mouse devices.
While other companies, like Alienware and other manufacturers, have previously attempted to optimize PC game experiences for the living room, Razer hopes to break the mold with its Cortex: Stream software ($40). Using this, players will be able to take part in ultra-low latency PC gaming with full-HD resolution, across either a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. This would open up plenty of streaming opportunities, without the need for massive PC hardware or hard drive storage. That enables the low price and, in turn, better convenience for general audiences that aren’t willing to pay $600+ for a new device, assuming you already have a capable gaming PC. The $130 Turret gaming mouse and lapboard (a slim keyboard designed to be used on your lap) allows the use of any PC game, including ones that haven’t been optimized for use with a controller.
The Serval Bluetooth controller works with the Forge, and also with Android smartphones and tablets (you can clip on a smnartphone to the controller), as well as with compatible PC games. The Forge can handle up to 4 controllers, though additional Servals are $80 each.
“Razer Forge TV is a device that is able to bring together the most popular elements of an entertainment center,” said Min-Liant Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer. “It powers popular music and movie apps and plays Android TV games that an entire family can enjoy. For the hardcore gaming audience, it will bring PC gaming to the couch. Razer Forge TV is what we see as the future of consoles.”
While the Cortex: Stream service isn’t avaialble yet, the company is planning on launching a beta with it in Q1 2015, the same time as the Forge TV device. Each of these consoles will come with the ability to use the service right off the bat, which steals one of the major selling points of Valve’s long-delayed Steam boxes. It will be interesting to see how Valve responds to this direct and compelling competition.
Those in attendance at the Consumer Electronics Show this week can stop by Razer’s booth and check out the Forge TV, along with the company’s other newly announced devices, including the Nabu X, its debut in the wearable tech department, and the Open-Source Virtual Reality project.
