Along comes OUYA!

Written by Alexander Deluge

There’s a growing movement out there. More and more people are playing games which are downloadable. Often times they are small, casual, and disposable. But something is on the horizon, and it’s going to catch you off guard, if you don’t pay attention.

OH YEAH! Ahem, what I mean to say is “OUYA.” It’s really pronounced “OooYA”, and it’s a project that amassed $8.59 million in funding on www.kickstarter.com They only asked for $950,000, and was raised wholly by donations. Why should you pay attention to another gaming console coming to market? Because all games are free, at least to try. Gone are the days of plunking down $60.00 for a game that bombed. You get to sample it, or play the entire thing for free, or at least in part. (Think micro-transactions)

The console will operate on the Android OS, which means that developers can easily port their games over to this platform. Gone are the days of virtual analog sticks on your tiny tablet. Put this in your bedroom or living room, on the big screen and see what’s inside:

Directly from the Ouya Kickstart Page:

• Tegra3 quad-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB of internal flash storage
• HDMI connection to the TV, with support for up to 1080p HD
• WiFi 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
• ETHERNET! (Announced by Muffi 7/18)

There is something else completely unique about this system. The team behind this project completely encourages hacking this console apart. Let me elaborate: Intentionally designed with standard screws. Take this apart, rebuild it in your image, add USB Ports, Bluetooth, or even the need to root it, (in case you wanted to access the basic Linux OS, that the Android OS is built on.) Whatever your sick little mind can come up with! They want you to do it! Best of all? It will not void your warranty!

What? Did you need more of an incentive? How about this: OnLive streaming gaming service has joined forces with Ouya, even with an exclusive game. What game, did you ask? Final Fantasy! Completely exclusive to this console! XBMC, an open source streaming media player and entertainment hub, has also teamed up with this console, for all of your entertainment needs. TuneIn, and IHeartRadio will also be adding music for your listening pleasure.

This gets into the hands of backers by March 2013. Could this be the beginning of a new era in gaming? Has Ouya thrown down the gauntlet? With the new console generation possibly showing up in October/November of 2013, could give Sony & Microsoft a run for their money. Where will the developers stand? Open source gaming! Make a game and publish it on the Ouya… You could be the next EA Games… Or just have fun playing them.