Amazon set to enter the game console war

January 30, 2014

Online retailer Amazon.com looks like it’s gearing up to throw its hat into the video game ring, with website VG247 reporting that a console is currently in development.

The console will reportedly run on an Android operating system, much like its Kindle Fire line of tablets, and will offer downloads and streaming video games, as well as movie, TV and music services. The console will also target a lower price range than the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U, with VG247’s sources predicting below the USD$300 mark.  No word on whether subscribers to Amazon’s Prime service will have any perks or benefits, but it won’t be surprising if the company makes the push.

How far along is it in development? Publishers have already started meeting with Amazon to discuss the hardware, and a number of popular Android and iOS games have been used in demos of the device. There are also reports of what the console looks like, which at this point is “roughly the same size as the PSone redesign, grey in colour, oblong in shape and with sharp edges”.

Amazon has not yet made any comment on the reveal, but we’ll be sure to have you updated if they do.