Over the holiday, Ouya announced that they have now started shipping their development kits to early adopters who ordered the Ouya open-source gaming console via their successful Kickstarter campaign last year, raising more than $8.5 million. Together with Ouya kits pre-ordered since they were offered as a standalone since November last year.
What is the Ouya Console?
To recap, the Ouya is a hackable, Android-based gaming console, which was priced at $99. It can support up to four controllers and has partnered with the likes of OnLive Gaming, XBMC, Square Enix, and Vevo, to name just a few. The Ouya open-source gaming console is now available for pre-order for $99, and it’s expected to ship in April 2013.
The Ouya console aims to revolutionize the gaming industry by providing an affordable yet powerful platform for both developers and gamers. Its open-source nature allows developers to create and share games without the restrictions typically imposed by traditional gaming consoles. This has led to a surge of interest from indie developers who see Ouya as a way to reach a broader audience without the high costs associated with other platforms.
Features and Partnerships
One of the standout features of the Ouya console is its hackability. Unlike other gaming consoles that restrict modifications, Ouya encourages users to tinker with the hardware and software. This has made it particularly popular among tech enthusiasts and hobbyists who enjoy customizing their devices.
The partnerships that Ouya has formed are also noteworthy. OnLive Gaming, for instance, brings cloud gaming capabilities to the console, allowing users to stream high-quality games without needing powerful hardware. XBMC (now known as Kodi) provides a robust media center experience, turning the Ouya into a versatile entertainment hub. Square Enix, a giant in the gaming industry, has also shown support by bringing some of its popular titles to the platform. Vevo adds to the entertainment value by offering a vast library of music videos.
Community and Developer Support
The success of Ouya’s Kickstarter campaign is a testament to the strong community support behind the project. Raising over $8.5 million, the campaign attracted backers from all over the world who were excited about the prospect of an open-source gaming console. This community support has continued to grow, with forums and online communities dedicated to discussing and developing for the Ouya platform.
For developers, Ouya offers a unique opportunity to reach a dedicated audience. The console’s open nature means that developers can easily publish their games without the need for expensive development kits or licensing fees. This has led to a diverse range of games being available on the platform, from indie titles to more mainstream offerings.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the future of Ouya seems promising. With its affordable price point, open-source nature, and strong community support, the console is well-positioned to carve out a niche in the gaming market. The partnerships with major companies like OnLive, XBMC, Square Enix, and Vevo further enhance its appeal, offering a wide range of entertainment options beyond just gaming.
As the console begins to ship to early adopters and pre-orders continue to roll in, it will be interesting to see how the market responds. If the initial excitement is any indication, Ouya could very well become a significant player in the gaming industry.
Source: Liliputing
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
