Slightly Mad Studios barely dropped the news that they are working on an independent console to take on the next generation of consoles that the company's CEO, Ian Bell, released the first image renders of the console on Twitter:

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It seems like Bell could not hold his excitement to share these designs as images of early design builds were initially expected to be released in four to six weeks' time.

The console, called the Mad Box, is projected to ship in around three years and is being boasted as "most powerful console ever built" with 4K and VR support.

What do you think of those early designs? Some more fine-tuning is required or you'd be happy to own a console that looks like that?

UPDATE

After sharing the first render of the Mad Box, Ian Bell took to Twitter again to share some more possible looks of his company's upcoming console. Which one do you prefer?

Failed to fetch tweet https://twitter.com/bell_sms/status/1081774150803349504
Failed to fetch tweet https://twitter.com/bell_sms/status/1082036334015868929
Failed to fetch tweet https://twitter.com/bell_sms/status/1082233744797270016
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SOURCE

 

[Zonark]

That's one ugly piece of electronics

Let’s not forget the “Boomerang” PS3 controller...

 

[chrisrlink]

Not to sure what to think, here... But I do know that I hate it.

Imagine if Valve sues them for making it cause of their failed steam boxes/machines (they have to get the money back somehow) also watch the price be steep with no 3rd party support it's gonna bomb HARD

 

[Spiderkid08]

I think my biggest issue with the madbox is that its not even called smth cool like the mad house or the asylum

 

[TunaKetchup]

Steambox should have called itself a console

Might have sold more

 

[XDel]

They need to stop

 

[Espen84]

I feel like I'm the only one here who things the design is kind of awesome. Its different, and it sticks out. The current generation of consoles imo just look like plastic boxes, instead of interesting designs. I mean, look at the original PS3 or the Model 1 Sega Genesis. They broke the mold and still ended up looking pretty awesome.

I do agree, I kinda like it. And it's still in development. So my bet is this is just an idea of how it's going to look. And personally I'm kinda excited. I like the ideas of something different than xbox and ps4. And who know, it could be great.. But the price can't be to high if they are going to compete with two juggernauts like Xbox and Playstation

 

[Kioku]

Let’s not forget the “Boomerang” PS3 controller...

Only because you won't let us..


Honestly? I'm sick of these upstarts coming out with these designs they pull from left field. It's a sure sign they're going to fail.

 

[Deleted User]

I'm the kinda person who enjoys RGB and custom consoles and stuff.... You show me a neon console case and I'm sold.

BUT these are just.... random ass colors for the sake of standing out. You'd have to throw a towel over that cus it'll light up the whole fuckin' street.

Those are also some of the laziest console designs I've ever seen. Dear god, it screams Steam Box and that's NOT a good start off.

 

[RattletraPM]

Looks like a melted and squished Ouya.
wait a second...

 

[cearp]

it's like an rgb toaster...

 

[Delerious]

If this thing really is as powerful as they suggest, I can't help but question the cooling potential. I mean... I can see two fans and a bottom vent, but those fans look choked for air.

 

[Xzi]

Imagine if Valve sues them for making it cause of their failed steam boxes/machines (they have to get the money back somehow)

No they don't, Valve has never been strapped for cash. They can try experimental things like Steam Machines and VR hardware precisely because Steam funds it all. And then some.

That said, I don't expect the Mad Box to fare any better in the general market than Steam Machines did. Most people will recognize right away that it's a pre-built PC, and the people looking for a user-friendly console experience like Switch or PS4 will be disappointed in the software side of things. Plus I expect the price to be ridiculous if it really can handle 4K@60FPS.

 

[proffk]

If this console is to be released in three years time how can it claim to be the most powerful ever built. While technology advances in three years time the specs will be so last gen. Even the PS5 or project scarlett will be well ahead with pro versions of there consoles by this is released.

 

[slaphappygamer]

I can’t wait to play excitebike in 4K. I’ll have to upgrade my TV now. #notreally #newOUYA #sarcastichashtag #

 

[Rabbid4240]

Looks like a fucking cowboy hat

 

[coffinbirth]

Let’s not forget the “Boomerang” PS3 controller...

I actually have a knockoff one of these in storage(would photo otherwise) that *might* be made by Pelican, and I swear its the most comfortable Dual Shock-esque controller I've ever used. Just fills the palms perfectly.

 

[m_babble]

"Things that are not aesthetic."

 

[BlackWizzard17]

False News, this is the actual Mad Box

 

[Xzi]

If this console is to be released in three years time how can it claim to be the most powerful ever built. While technology advances in three years time the specs will be so last gen. Even the PS5 or project scarlett will be well ahead with pro versions of there consoles by this is released.

It depends on the hardware specifics. Being that this is essentially a pre-built gaming PC, a GTX 1070 or above would likely continue to be more powerful than next gen's consoles.

 

[osaka35]

Looks unnecessarily overdone. Needs to be more simplistic and stylish. No surprise it's just a PC, but if it's not coming out for 3 years, it'll be competing with the next xbox and playstation. Be curious if it'll be customized parts or off-the-shelf parts.

When they talk about creating games, they could try and sell it as an indie box. It'd be the only interesting selling point it could possibly make.