Alienware PC goodness in an Xbox sized package

In a move that could be seen as targeting console junkies, Alienware has unveiled a sleek new console that’s black with a hint of lime green – and Xbox sized.

In fairness, the Alienware X51 looks gorgeous and is still a great gaming machine despite its diminutive size. The entry level model will be priced at £699 and has a 3.3GHz Intel processor, Nvidea GeForce GT545 graphics card, 4GB of RAM and 1TB of memory.

If you’ve got an extra £300 to spend, you can max it out with double the RAM, a more powerful processor and the Nvidea GeForce GTX555.

Well established as the style and gaming leader in the PC market, Dell owned Alienware is looking to stretch further into the mass market, a la Apple, with these new machines.

Speaking to TechRadar, Alienware senior product consultant Eoin Leyden said: "Desktop as a category has been declining and the only shining light has been small and ultra-small form factor PCs.

"These PCs have been predominantly digital hubs for the living room that have no regard for the gaming population at all."

He went on: "Within the confines of the form-factor we have totally developed an Alienware product. We didn't go out going to hit a price point but this is a PC that can do all of the things a desktop computer ought to do, but for that extra bit of money it can also play the latest games."

It’s certainly a stylish enough beast to look good in your living room, while having the power to both game at the top rend while giving all the other benefits of a desktop PC. But will it catch on? Sadly, in the face of our dumbed down app generation, probably not.