Hey there, Gamers! This is the first time I’ve ever done a news related game article, but I feel that everyone should know about the newest console coming out. No, I’m not talking about the Wii-U. The Ouya is all the hype now! Haven’t heard of it? That could be because it is still technically a proto-type, but it is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2013. Now to answer the big question, what exactly is it?
The Ouya is an android-based console developed by a small gaming company in California, but there are a few things about it that makes it stand out amongst the other gaming systems out there. For one, the developers promise the console will be less than $100 (though it is estimated to be $99). Sounds like a good deal, right? Well, it gets even better. The console is fairly priced to begin with, but all game developers are welcome to make any game they choose for the Ouya. EA, Square Enix, Valve, Blizzard – even small developers are welcome to make an Ouya-compatible game. But wait, there’s more!
Possibly one of my favorite features of the Ouya is it requires all of its games released to include some sort of free-to-play portion. Yes! This is what we’ve been waiting for, is it not? This could be anything from free downloadable content, free demos, or even a full-on free-to-play game. I don’t know about you guys, but I would be more than willing to spend $99 on a system like this. I’m sure there are plenty more questions to be raised, but it sounds like a good deal to me.
The Ouya console will have an HDMI connection for TV at 1080p, bluetooth, and an ethernet port, as well as 8 gigabytes worth of data space. The controller looks similar to a PS3 controller but with a touchpad included. The Ouya will also feature an intergraded custom game store installed and SDK for game development. The best way to look at this is a mobile platform with better graphics, a controller, and free games (to an extent).
I know what you’re thinking: Sure it sounds awesome, but what about the games? Are they even worthy of playing? This is an opinion-based question so I can’t say for sure, but for the most part I would say the games will be worth playing. Many notable developers support and/or helped endorse the Ouya and Minecraft and Angry Birds are titles that could possibly be launched for the system. inXile Entertainment and Thatgamecompany are planning on making games for the system along with other companies including Gearbox Software and 5th Cell who say if the Ouya succeeds, they would love to make games for it.
Will this be as successful as other systems? Probably not. But if it does manage to succeed, it will definitely open a whole new mindset for the gaming world. If you have a small budget, don’t be afraid to give it a try. It will definitely save you money compared to buying a $200 system and the $60 games to go with it. The choice is yours! Until next time, Gamers – stay golden!