Although some has said this has been long coming, it finally looks like Nvidia is getting ready to get into the x86 market. However, for those of you that expected a high-end CPU for gamers, we're afraid that you'll be disappointed, as Nvidia is looking to make an x86 SoC (System on a Chip) within two or three years.

Michael Hara, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications was Nvidia's man that was interviewed in the webcast and towards the end of the webcast he was asked a few questions from the audience and the last question was with regards if he could give a framework on when/if Nvidia would need to/ want to get into the general purpose CPU market.
 

Michael Hara said "Sometime down the road it makes sense to take the same level of integration as we've done with Tegra, because Tegra is by any definition a complete computer on a chip" "and some day it makes sense to take the same approach in the x86 market as well, not for every SKU though". It looks like Nvidia is looking at doing an Atom competitor as MID's and netbooks are mentioned. He continues "two or three years down the road it makes sense to have an offering that is a SoC".

Hara also said that on the high-end the CPU has to be discrete, but that there's space in the market for a highly integrated SoC, but it's not needed today as ION with Atom is a good enough solution today. He also said that there's "no question on our mind" with regards to Nvidia making an x86 compatible chip.

This is indeed interesting news, although how important it will be in the great scheme of things is a different matter. Charlie over at The Inquirer is excited about it, as he's been the biggest promoter of the idea that Nvidia will have to make an x86 based CPU at one stage or another, although we're not sure if this is what he expected.

You can listen to the webcast here