More and more new games are targeted to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets running Android and iOS, and less games are developed for standard gaming console. To work around this issue, OUYA is working on a gaming console based on Android ICS called .. well… OUYA, and posted the project on Kickstarter to complete development and start manufacturing.
Here are OUYA Specifications:
- Nvidia Tegra3 quad-core cortex A9 processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 8 GB of internal flash storage
- HDMI port (up to 1080p HD)
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth LE 4.0
- USB 2.0 port
- Wireless controller with standard controls (two analog sticks, d-pad, eight action buttons, a system button), a touchpad
- Android 4.0
Although you may just think it will just run existing Android games, the company expects the device to bring higher end games such as the ones available on console. Each box will be a development kit, and developers won’t need to buy an SDK or license to work on the device. The company says the OUYA is easy to root, and doing so won’t void the warranty, so you should be able to do pretty much anything you want, and possibly even run operating systems based on Linux such as Ubuntu or Debian.
You can watch OUYA kickstarter teaser video below.
As I said on the opening paragraph, the project has landed on Kickstarter, and it has already raised over 2 million dollars in about 24 hours thanks to over 17,000 backers who pledged between $10 to $10,000 for the projects. Early pledges to get the console and the controller were $95, and you can now pledge $99 to get the package. Shipping is free for US residents, but you’ll have to add $20 for international shipping, and extra controller can be purchased for $30. However, their FAQ indicates the product will be ready in March, so… That next year.. March 2013.
So that’s another low cost quad core development kit for those who are very patient (but if you have bought a Raspberry Pi, you should already have received a “patience” certification). If you want specific games to be ported to the device, you can answer OUYA survey. Minecraft will be one of the first game ported to OUYA. You can visit OUYA Kickstarter page for further details.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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It’s an interesting idea for sure, giving a platform to smaller game developers. Plus you get access to Android apps and the clever inclusion of the touchpad on the gamepad.
It’s unlikely you’ll see the conventional AAA titles on this as it’s geared towards free to play titles which help neutralize the piracy aspect as the system is so open. OnLive and Gaikai might open up some of those kind of AAA games on this platform in the future.
@ Dan
I understand that the free games can mean free to try. So top games will have to have a free trial version to be listed on OUYA market place, but full version can be paid apps.
“but if you have bought a Raspberry Pi, you should already have received a “patience” certification”
:D:D:D
How powerful is the Nvidia Tegra3 quad-core compared to Intel/AMD processors?
(ie could a person whose current laptop is getting aged consider replacing it with one of these? :p)
@ Onebir
Not sure, my guess is that the Tegra 3 might be equivalent to an Atom processor with a better graphic card, and lower power consumption.
@ cnxsoft
Thanks – there’s lots of variation in the power of Atom processors, so best to wait & see how the unit performs once Linux is ported…
If you’re looking to try it out then I suggest pick up any used or refurbished transformer (with tegra3) and keyboard. Their are plenty out there.
My experience is they give you better user experience then a aged laptop as these tablets are light weight run very long on single recharge, Use fairly modern user interface.
If you’re mainly into web communication, surfing , mailing light attachment etc then these things perform way better with their modern browser’s then any similarly priced laptops.
But if you’re into excel sheets or large document reading, editing etc. Then the hardware and software performance is very compromised on ARM machines.