The 3dfx return is a joke

Update 2021-08-06 01:35

The user behind the acclaimed 3dfx Interactive account on Twitter is now tearing down the facade and revealing that what was expected is a joke. The account description now reads “parody account”, while the user writes that it will be deleted.

Original article: The dubious 3dfx return is said to include Voodoo 6

As promised, the Twitter account with a 3dfx stamp today presents more information, where the plan is that only 10 percent of the business will focus on graphics cards.

There is no ambiguity that two graphics card players are well on their way to becoming three, when Intel shifts up the Xe architecture to take place in game-oriented graphics cards. Uncertain rumors suggest that a fourth player is stomping in the foyer, in the form of the long-discontinued 3dfx, which after the bankruptcy around the turn of the millennium was bought by arch-rival Nvidia.

Via an unverified Twitter account with alleged sender 3dfx Interactive, a return and more information was promised in the near future. Yesterday, another post from the same sender claimed that it is the investment company Jansen Products that wants to breathe life into the old brand, which according to information will be registered and used for graphics cards, TVs and speakers. In a series of presentation photos shared on Twitter more details now appear on the plans.

Most striking is perhaps the image that speaks of products under development, where “Voodoo 6 PCI” is listed at the top. Whether this is just a name flirtation with the legendary series is unclear, but it could also be a product based on old hardware. The at least as likely alternative is still that it is a joke and that no product is to be expected at all. The product is said to be ready for the fair “CEC 2022”, which is probably “CES 2022” in misspelled form.

According to the presentation images, graphics cards should make up only 10 percent of the business, which 90 percent should consist of smart phones, TVs and sound systems. This essentially different division, set against the original 3dfx, is perhaps what mainly proves that the brand actually returns. There are lots of OEM-made products that can be refined with a sticker with a well-known name, something that is used by many companies – large and small.

However, the image material suggests that self-designed products may also be possible. A forecast that according to the headline applies to the fourth quarter of the year and the first quarter of next year describes that over 600 projects are underway and that 300 jobs are waiting. The estimated number of customers exceeds 900,000, customers who will probably be attracted by the products that are under development: a 5.1 sound system, tablet and telephone, a TV, a wireless speaker and the said graphics card.

It should be emphasized again that no actual products are displayed and that it is not a dance on roses to find details about Jansen Products, which also uses the domain arcticmail.com to receive e-mail. As before, salt shakers and low expectations are recommended, but if the information is correct, official channels should soon be able to confirm, for example, registration of the trademark. Confirmation in the form of real products should appear no later than the beginning of next year when the CES trade fair kicks off – if only the CEC trade fair is not something completely different.

Would you consider buying a speaker or TV with a 3dfx sticker on it?