Omni-Games - System 246 Platform Hub

System 246

Arcade system board

Ecosystem: Namco
Released: 2000-2008
Media: Physical

Overview

The Namco System 246 taught arcade players several important things: sometimes a PlayStation 2 really is a perfectly good arcade machine, arcade hardware can be surprisingly familiar under the hood, and there is no need to reinvent the wheel when the wheel already handles 3D graphics rather well.

More importantly, the System 246 represented Namco's move towards a more flexible and cost-effective arcade platform, building on PlayStation 2 hardware while adding the components and security features required for commercial arcade use. Rather than designing an entirely new architecture for every game, Namco could use a familiar foundation that offered substantial 3D processing power, dependable performance, and a more straightforward route from console technology to the arcade floor.

The System 246 became home to a range of Namco arcade titles, including games such as Soulcalibur II, Time Crisis 3, and other releases that demonstrated the capabilities of its PlayStation 2-based architecture. Its close relationship with the PlayStation 2 also created an interesting overlap between the arcade and home markets, with several games sharing technology and gameplay concepts across both environments. The following chart visualises the growth of the System 246 library and how it was distributed across regions throughout the platform's lifespan.
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