New Console: "Ouya"

A NEW CHALLENGER HAS APPEARED!

It seems a tech startup company is making a $99 game console running on Android, named the "Ouya", that is built specifically to be hacked.

Yes, a cheap game console running an open source OS that a lot of developers can already build for.

One really has to wonder whether or not this is gonna take off. It certainly sounds like it could do so quite easily if people buy it.

Why go with Android? It's touch-orientated. Why not Linux?

Android is a build of Linux...

Yeah, in that case, Android is a smart choice. It's based off the traditional Open-Source OS, yet appeals to people who own smartphones (which is a fairly large amount, I believe).

Yeah, but that's why I mentioned Linux.

But Android is designed for Smartphones and Tablets :/ And so are it's apps.

Now that I think about it though, I suppose it could have a touchscreen controller.

I really wonder about the controller. I mean, we have no indication of one, nor USB ports.

Controllers are one things I dont want on touch screen.

I just love my good old mechanical buttons.

On another note, I am puzzled as to what can come out of this. I mean, how could anyone get money out of this console is beyond me. Maybe some f2p games with money-purchaseable bonus or shits. I mean, Riot Entertainment seems to be doing fairly well with League Of Legends...

I am curious to see how this will un-fold.

Yeah, I see this as mostly freemium stuff - not a good thing.

Though, if there are USB ports, people could sell games externally and have people transfer them onto the system on a USB.

Not that freemiums are bad per se, just that there's a fine line between failure and success when adding purchaseable bonuses.

That's what I think anyway.

And I'm not quite sure porting games with USB ports would be practical. But what do I know on the subject anyway.

Who says you need a touch screen to play games with an Android? I have a Sony Xperia Play (aka that Playstation Phone), and it uses Android and has its own controller.

Well, would you look at that.

This can only end badly.

So...a console that plays...smart phone games?

Riiiight.

...this can only end in tears.

"Hey guys here's our console, what do you mean its an android with a controller? You think we spent all that million dollars on "research" for nothing?!"

You realize that most of the pledges on KS are simply pre-ordering the system at lauch price + other stuff, right?

Honestly, the entire point is that it's an Android with a controller, that's also cheaper and plugs into your TV with HDMI output, thus making it cost less. It makes it easier to develop for.

You underestimate the power in most tablets out there.

edited 10th Jul '12 4:05:32 PM by burnpsy

The way I see it, this thing either flops terribly or is a huge success and puts the other consoles out of business.

Either way someone gets screwed over.

For the record, these are the specs according to their Kickstarter:

• Tegra3 quad-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB of internal flash storage
• HDMI connection to the TV, with support for up to 1080p HD
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth LE 4.0
• USB 2.0 (one)
• Wireless controller with standard controls (two analog sticks, d-pad, eight action * buttons, a system button), a touchpad
• Android 4.0

As for the freemium point from before, it seems their Kickstarter's FAQ claims a free demo is enough to satisfy their requirements.

—

That could be a problem.

edited 10th Jul '12 4:10:13 PM by burnpsy

I'm underestimating that power?

I've seen laptops who can run that without trying...

But if they market this right, people will eat it up.

and now I fear for Nintendo.

If I'm not mistaken, those specs beat or tie with most consoles on the market, and is more than enough for indies on all platforms that currently exist.

Also, you seem to have not read their FAQ, since they specifically went out of their way to address your problem.

edited 10th Jul '12 4:13:48 PM by burnpsy

Come on now, it's a good idea, and it's cheap. It won't likely revolutionize anything for real, but it'll be something worth looking for if it actually happens.

I am reading it.

Still looks like a glorified android with a controller.

OH BOY ANGRY BIRDS ON A TV.

I don't know. It can be done well, I guess, but most Android games I've seen are subpar. It really depends on whether they can pull in enough good developers — although it seems to appeal to indies as well. That could work out.

Whats wrong with a PC?

edited 10th Jul '12 4:17:10 PM by Thorn14