An idea of a gaming console based on android will soon become a reality through OUYA – sporting a new wave of gaming experience. The initial funding of the project was first made with the help of Kickstarter hoping that it would get enough funds to get the project alive. Fortunately, the funding receive massive amounts from excited android gamers.
The initial goal of the fund-raising project by Kickstarter was to reach $950,000 during the 5 day period it run. The original goal seemed to be very high but don’t underestimate the community. Suprisingly, the OUYA project received a whopping $8.6 million from approximately 63,416 backers! Not only that, Ouya successfully bagged in partnership with the likes of Square Enix, Vevo, Robotoki, XBMC, OnLive and just recently, Plex and Namco Bandai. Needless to say, this project have a rock solid back up on its sleeves.
The OUYA gaming console was designed to be a stay at home device. It will be plugged into a television set just like the usual consoles. It aims to give and create a new era of the traditionally gaming since it has declined in the past couple of years. Unlike smartphones and tablets, this type of gaming looked like a daunting task – the time consuming set up of the console and the tiring clean up. Of course, I’m not saying that everybody feels this way but you did feel the same way at least once haven’t you?
Ouya Android Gaming Console Specifications
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
- Tegra 3 quad-core processor
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB of built-in storage
- HDMI connection to the TV
- Supports up to 1080p HD
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth LE v4.0
- USB 2.0
- Touchpad based Wireless controller with standard controls (a system button, eight action buttons, d-pad, two analog sticks)
- Ethernet Connectivity
The OUYA android gaming console will be able to support up to four (4) touchpad controllers so local multiplayer gaming is also in action. Ouya also promises that they will continue improving the device while still waiting for the official release thus we can expect that it will be more powerful by then. The Ouya’s performance is still unknown but given its powerful Tegra 3 chip, it may produce a solid and satisfying result. However, this will only be proven when the Ouya android gaming console starts to ship by April 2013.
What makes this device really cool is that it is open source too because it is based on android. Also, rooting the console will not result to the loss of warranty instead it will be retained. The true power of rooting and hacking is promoted by the developers as well.
Ouya android gaming console is now available for pre-order now at Ouya’s official website for as low as $99. If you are interested in getting one, here’s list of their international prices including shipping fees:
Ouya Android Gaming Console Price
- 1 Console + 1 Controller – $119
- 1 Console + 2 Controller – $149
- 1 Console + 4 Controller – $209