Peanut butter and jelly. Batman and Robin. Rock and roll. Fried chicken and video games. Some things just go together – like KFC Gaming and Cooler Master, who worked together to create a game console with a built-in grill.
The KFConsole, a Bargain Bucket-shaped machine with an internal cooling system to extract heat, is the ‘world’s first’ device with a chicken chamber, specifically designed to keep the contents warm and ‘ready for consumption during intense games sessions’, KFC says.
The American fast food restaurant chain is no stranger to unique PR stunts: it has hired a bunch of well-known colonels (Rob Lowe, Ray Liotta, Billy Zane, Reba McEntire and Mario Lopez have all donned the iconic goatee and toudas); edible nail polish and fragrant bath bombs released from fried chicken-flavored; and it follows only five Spice Girls and six guys named Herb on Twitter.
However, you will be forgiven for looking forward to the KFConsole scheme, which began in June – amid a global pandemic and a fierce US presidential campaign. As a result of an initial teaser campaign, the company took its first look at the cock-a-doodle dashboard last week.
“We are so pleased to finally give the fans exactly what they wanted: to make the KFConsole a reality,” said Mark Cheevers, PR and social media at KFC UK and Ireland, in a statement. “We all know that the console war is fierce, but we are very confident in the KFConsole as our flagship entry. This machine is capable of running games at top-level specifications, all on top of keeping your meal warm. so you can enjoy it during your gaming experience.What do you dislike?
A greasy controller, for one. KFC has partnered with Cooler Master to create the device’s “unique cooling system and … distinctive chicken chamber” that promises high performance through an Intel Nuc 9 Extreme Compute Element, Asus-powered “buttery smooth” graphics and fast speeds. It is also VR ready, supports 4K TVs and contains two Seagate BarraCuda 1TB SSDs.
The machine can be a real lifesaver during the long lock hours of buttons. “If Sony or Microsoft want tips on how to design a chicken coop next time for their efforts, feel free to get in touch,” says Cheevers.
“When we were approached by KFC Gaming to make the KFConsole, we jumped at the chance to get involved and enter the console war,” said Stephen James, PR and influencer manager at Cooler Master. “The KFConsole is specially built with the gamer up front. The last thing we want is for someone to get hungry while playing.”
It is very possible that this thing will never be in your living room or kitchen. So if you can not get your hands on a KFConsole, check out our PS5 vs. Xbox Series X Review.