VIA & Apex their ApeXtreme gaming console

As a gaming platform the ApeXtreme is no Xbox or Gamecube killer, or even a competitor. The system provides a decent entry into the PC gaming world as simple sports games, adventure games, Counterstrike and other such titles will play relatively well on the ApeXtreme. VIA's goal of making their way into the living room can very well be fulfilled, but not as a gaming platform rather a home theater platform. If Apex can extend the functionality of the ApeXtreme beyond gaming its attractiveness will increase tremendously, the problem with it right now is that the majority of PC games were not designed to be played in front of a TV with a controller.

The other problem Apex will run into is that console games are written to work within the very rigid constraints of console hardware, whereas PC games are not written for a completely uninterrupted gaming experience. Gaming on the ApeXtreme will never be as smooth of a process as on a dedicated console, especially considering the long install times that the majority of games will leave users with. One side effect of the long install times however is that loading times should be reduced significantly as we're talking about having all games installed on the ApeXtreme's hard drive.

The hardware specifications of the ApeXtreme will also limit its success as a long term gaming product; although they are similar to the Xbox specifications, the ApeXtreme is being released over two years after the Xbox. Basically, don't expect the ApeXtreme to have the usual 3 - 5 year console lifespan.