Why is KFC releasing a video game console?
Internationally recognized for the image of Colonel Harland Sanders & his “Original Recipe,” Kentucky Fried Chicken may have just shifted their focus to a new industry. The fast-food restaurant chain recently announced they’d be unveiling a gaming console called the KFConsole. Many on social media thought that KFC was joking. Surprisingly, they’re not.
Not only has KFC entered the contentious market of new gaming technology, but a special feature on their console could make it a cut above the rest. The KFConsole is set to include a chicken warming chamber that gamers can utilize in between playing & snacking. It is a veritable dream come true for video game & chicken lovers everywhere.
People are befuddled as to why the second-most prevalent fast-food chain in the world would choose to enter the heated console war. The bigger question is will it actually work?
The surprise announcement
While KFC’s unexpected business decision has gained more publicity this year, the restaurant’s console was originally previewed in June of 2020. Twitter users thought the KFConsole was just the restaurant chain satirizing the PlayStation 5 announcement.
KFC’s Twitter account posted a video of their new console, which is designed to look like one of their signature buckets. Not only does the KFConsole feature a compartment to keep your poultry crispy, but it will supposedly feature cross-platform compatibility. Even though there may not be very many units released for purchase, the KFConsole is still compelling.
KFConsole’s attributes
In addition to its ability to play games from different platforms & built-in chicken warmer, KFC’s gaming device boasts other notable features. The KFConsole comes included with a Cooler Master NC100 chassis & an Intel Core i9-9980HK CPU inside an Intel Nuc 9 Extreme Compute Element. It also has two PCIe NVMEe Seagate CarraCuda 1TB SSDs.
KFC’s newest product is also VR & Ray-Tracing ready in addition to getting up to 240fps & 4K fps. However, all of this top-of-the-line does not make the KFConsole an actual console. The restaurant chain’s device is technically a custom PC, yet its specs rival those of the latest consoles released by PlayStation & Xbox.
Who’s developing the KFConsole?
KFC is deciding to stick to making chicken instead of developing their new gaming console. Kentucky Fried Chicken has enlisted the help of Cooler Master to develop the KFConsole. Maker of custom PCs & computer accessories, Cooler Master will ensure that KFC’s gaming device is of premier quality.
Swedish modder “Timeplay” is in charge of the KFConsole’s look. Yet with all the fancy PC customizations, the final product sure won’t be as cheap as a chicken sandwich. Gaming experts theorize that since the KFConsole will have a limited release & top-tier hardware, it could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000.
KFC enters the console war
Major companies such as Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation are all competing for cash in the heated video game console market. Perhaps KFC’s entry into the mix will offer something to consumers who are hungry for something different.
In an official statement from KFC U.K. & Ireland PR and social media head Mark Cheevers, the company seems excited to be venturing into the world of video games. Cheevers said that KFC knows “the console war is vicious, but we’re very confident in the KFConsole as our flagship entry.”
Cooler Master seems more than ready to help the fast-food chain on this journey. Cooler Master’s global PR & influencer manager Stephen James said the “KFConsole has been custom built with the gamer at the front of mind. The last thing we want is anyone to go hungry while playing!”
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Despite all the hype revolving around the KFConsole, it’ll be interesting to see when the company plans to officially make the product available to consumers. Just make sure to not get chicken grease on your controller. What do you think of KFC’s gaming console? Let us know in the comments!
