Ouya: new competitor in the game industry!

Hey all!

I'm quite happy to announce this: there's a new console coming! Yes, you read that right: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo will have some competition from an unexpected corner...

What is this mystery box? :)

Ouya has a unique concept. This console runs on Google's Android, and everyone who wants, can develop for it. They want to keep it very "open". The only requirement is that your game is free to play is some way. This can be a demo, or a free-to-play game with micro-transactions. Other than that, there's no special test you must pass to be able to develop for Ouya, and developers can choose their own prices (split is 30% for them, 70% for the developer, which is not bad at all). And when they say open, they mean it: you can even screw it open, hack the hardware, root it... "your warranty is safe" (actual quote from their Kickstarter page).

The interface... I do sense some Xbox-influence here :)

The controller is touch-sensitive, like a smartphone, so all current Android-games work on it, but also has the standard buttons and joysticks, so developers can play around with it! Other hardware specs: 1GB RAM, 8GB flash storage, Nvidea 3 Tegra quadcore processor, built-in Wi-Fi... Not super-impressive, but as long as it works, I'm happy. :)

Ouya has just begun with a Kickstarter, with a goal of $950,000, and they've already almost reached it. If you donate $99 or more, you get an Ouya even before it hits the stores! (For deliveries outside the US, they ask to donate $20 on top of that, if you want a second controller, add another $30.) Their estimated delivery is March 2013. Click the Kickstarter link to read more about their offers when pledging a certain amount of money.

Watch their video! I find it so inspiring :D

So, I calculated a bit: 122€ for the console + extra controller + shipping... That's not too much. Guess I'll be going for it! What are your thoughts on Ouya? :)

Greets,
x Marcia