There are rumours coming from all around the web that IBM will develop and manufacture the CPU for Microsoft’s next-generation game-console known as XBOX 2. The information is fully unofficial, but unexpected decisions may really come from Microsoft, as earlier this year the Redmond, Washington-based software giant changed its graphics and possibly core-logic partner – now ATI Technologies will make the VPU for the XBOX 2, not NVIDIA, who produced the XGPU for the original XBOX. Even though the deal may be interesting for IBM, there are still a number of obstacles on the company’s way.

One of the trumps XBOX has is its PC-like architecture. It uses Intel IA32 microprocessor, NVIDIA NV25-based GPU integrated into MCH of the system, PC3200 memory, USB connections, Ethernet, conventional HDD as well as Windows operating system. Basically, XBOX is just a PC, it does not contain any special technologies developed for particular console from the ground-up, a paramount advantage of every Sony or Nintendo console. In short, XBOX is based on x86 architecture, works like a PC and may use various components from various suppliers.

Currently IBM supplies its Power processors for high-end servers, a special cut-down version of Power processors for desktop Apple computers, additionally, IBM developed the microprocessor for Nintendo GAMECUBE console, also based on Power architecture. The chips are 64-bit and do not support x86 in any way. This may not be the problem, as there unofficial claims about XBOX 2 incompatibility with XBOX games. However, in case IBM supplies a 64-bit processor for Microsoft’s console, the largest software creator will have to develop a special operating system for the XBOX supporting IBM’s 64-bit CPUs, while other companies involved in the project will probably have to write special drivers.

It is possible that IBM will develop a special processor for the XBOX based on some existing architectures, like x86-64, for instance. Though, historically IBM preferred to utilise its own Power architecture in almost all its processors, such as IBM Gekko designed for the Nintendo GAMECUBE.

I should point out that unless Microsoft and IBM started working on the XBOX 2 CPU back in 2001, IBM will hardly be able to develop a truly special version of its chip for the XBOX 2, as it took Nintendo and IBM about 3 to 4 years to tailor PowerPC micro-architecture for Nintendo GAMECUBE console and create the actual CPU.

To sum up, it is pretty hard to estimate the probability of IBM’s processors in the next-generation console from Microsoft. On the one hand, IBM may deliver a better solution from price : performance point of view than Intel due to some reasons, on the other hand, there are only two years left before the XBOX 2 should emerge, does IBM have enough time to develop that magnificent CPU?