Buttons may yet have a future.
A new home console is in the pipeline but it won’t bear the insignia of Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft. A private consortium is working to make an Android powered, download focused, developer friendly platform known as the OUYA (pronounced ooo-yah). The new unit is already the subject of a successful Kickstarter program, surpassing its US $950,000 funding goal within 24 hours.
The OUYA will boast a quad core processor, 1GB RAM and 8GB of internal flash storage. Its controller will feature the dual analogue sticks, triggers and face buttons required by traditional console games as well as a touch sensitive pad to accommodate titles more commonly found on smartphones and tablets.
While no games have yet been confirmed for the system, the OUYA has won the endorsement of industry figures like Brian Fargo (Wasteland) and Jenova Chen (Flower).
The target RRP for the OUYA is a very competitive US $99 and all games will feature at least some free-to-play aspects. The first batch units should reach supporters in early 2013.
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