The OUYA microconsole has reached an important milestone. After launching in late June with around 170 games, the console now has more then 400 available. Adding around a 100 games a month, it looks as the the console could have over 500 games by the holiday buying season. I think at that time it would be wise for OUYA to put a sticker on the retail box stating that they have over 500 games available, as this could help persuade some to put down the $99 to purchase the system.

Since release the title “TowerFall” Read more OUYA reaches 400 game milestone ›

Rumors have persisted that Amazon wishes to enter the fledgling microconsole market. With their past success of the Kindle line, and their growing number of entertainment services, this seems like a wise move. Amazon could put out a $99 Android based console that supports their Amazon App Store, Read more Amazon and it’s microconsole ambitions ›

 

OUYA’s road to retail has been a rocky one. After a glorious Kickstarter campaign, delays and missteps have been abound. OUYA was hoping to put some of this behind them and spur some quality game development with their “Free The Games” campaign. They are matching the funding developers raise on Kickstarter up to $250k. The developer must hit a minimum of 50k in funding, and OUYA is offering 1 million in matching. This means that after they have matched a million, no other funding is available. All of this sounded great, but the first two GAMES to reach their goals have done so under a cloud of drama.

Read more The “Free The Games” Fiasco ›

Welcome to MicroConsoleWorld.com. We hope to be the premiere resource for everything related to the microconsole explosion set to happen. This year alone we have seen several microconsoles announced, rumored, or released. OUYA was the first out of the gate quickly followed by nVidia’s Shield, Read more Welcome to MicroConsoleWorld.com ›

Originally planned as an April release, PlayJam’s GameStick was then pushed back to June. June came and went and now confirmed reports put the release date at September 30th. Kickstarter supporters should receive theirs by mid-September.

The Android microconsole will cost $79.99, but similar to the OUYA it will not support the Google Play store directly. PlayJam has stated that over 1000 developers are supporting the device, and they should have over 200 existing Android games available at launch.

The GameStick should initially be available through GameStop (they have invested in the device) and Amazon. For more info you should check out  gamestick.tv.

 

By Chris Garcia via Engadget

 

 UPDATED 2/14/14:

Another deal for the original 8GB OUYA. You can pick one up for just $85 from StackSocial. You also get an $25 game credit to pick up some games with. The sale ENDS in 13 days. There are NO returns for this deal. 

PREVIOUS DEAL:

Get that special someone an OUYA for Valentines, and save yourself some money. This Monday (2/10) the OUYA store Read more Deal Alert: Get OUYA for $85 plus a $25 game credit ›

OUYA has announced the release of their first system update of 2014.  Continuing with mythical creature names (the last one was Abdominal Snowman), this one is called ‘Jackalope’. The update should already have hit your OUYA as it was set free on 2/4. The update includes the following:

Full Release Notes:

• Added a 5-star rating system for games to help gamers find the best quality games.

  • Total rating will be shown on each game’s tile and on the game details page.

  • You can rate a game from the System Menu while in-game.

  • We’ll be changing the criteria for getting out of the Sandbox to incorporate the number of quality ratings.

• Based on gamer feedback, we’ve added the ability to postpone a system update. Now you don’t have to wait for the update when you’ve got a group of friends over to play Bombsquad.

  • For future updates, you will get a prompt asking if you want to download the update now or later.

  • If you choose to postpone the system update, you can play games but you won’t be able to access DISCOVER or update your games until you perform the update. This is to ensure the best possible experience for these features.

  • We’ll give you a reminder about the system update each time you return to the Home screen because updates are important =)

• Changed functionality of O and U buttons for downloaded games. O now goes to Game Details and U will launch or update a game. This is to make buttons more consistent within DISCOVER.

• Better support for navigation with bluetooth and IR remotes – we now respect the “Enter” key in OUYA menus.

• Based on gamer feedback, added an “overscan compensation” option in the advanced settings under HDMI.

  • A reminder that all games now submitted to OUYA are checked to make sure they are within the safe area. This option is mostly for people running sideloaded apps and older games.

  • This option can impact the visual quality, so keep that in mind when using it.

• Fixed an issue where the downloads folder in STORAGE wasn’t appearing for some users.

• Added rank numbers to the “Trending Now” category to make it clear that these games are in O-rank order.

• Added a quick tutorial for new users to inform them how to properly bring up the System Menu.

If the update isn’t showing up for you.  Go to MANAGE -> SYSTEM -> SYSTEM UPDATES.

 

 

OUYA also has stated that their next big goal is to add an ACHIEVEMENTS system. They are reaching out to the OUYA community and developers to help shape what this system might be while fitting in with the current OUYA design. Check out their BLOG post for more info on all of this : OUYA.TV Read more New OUYA system update: Jackalope ›

 

OUYA has updated their Android microconsole. A new version will be available for retail with 16GB of storage, a refined controller, and improved WiFi. All 3 of the changes to the console hit right at the heart of the complaints many had about the original OUYA. The newer version will sell for $129. The original console will still be offered for $99.

Having just 8GB of storage didn’t allow for many games to be installed. Users had to wait until OUYA finally added support for additional storage through USB. 16GB will sit better with many who do not want to bother with USB drives. The OUYA controller has been hated on by many, so any refinements are welcome. We aren’t being told exactly what those refinements are. The improved WiFi will hopefully quell the complaints many had about the range and speed of the original OUYA. 

There is no exact date when the new OUYA will be available. OUYA.tv doesn’t even have an official announcment about it, or is even selling it in their online store. We will have to stay tuned for more info.

UPDATE: A few more things have come to light. The new console has a matte black finish. The controller tweaks are said to be a refind gamepad, with higher-quality buttons and a more responsive Bluetooth connection. Still no listing on OUYA.tv.

 

By Chris Garcia via Slashgear Read more OUYA offers an updated console – UPDATED ›

 

Huawei has announced their entrance into the microconsole market with the Huawei Tron. The Tron is an Android based microconsole featuring a Tegra 4 processor. It will also have 2GB of RAM, and come in 16GB and 32GB storage options. Connectivity wise you have 802.11ac WiFi support, and Bluetooth 3.0. The game controller is Bluetooth based, and as you see the console comes in black or white. Huawei is aiming at offering this device for just $120. The problem for most of us is as of now it will only be available in China.

Huawei is really pricing the Tron aggressively. The only other two Tegra 4 Android consoles on the market right now (M.O.J.O and SHIELD) both go for $249. The specs greatly outclass the competitors that are closer in price (GameStick and OUYA). If the Huawei Tron does make it to the USA it could really be a contender in the fledgling Android microconsole market.

 

By Chris Garvia via The Verge Read more Huawei Tron is an Android based microconsole ›

OUYA has just put their promised controller faceplates on pre-order. The faceplates are available in 6 colors and cost just $9.99. As of right now OUYA is promising that they will ship by February 2014. So if you want to add some style to your OUYA controller, then head on over to OUYA.tv and pre-order one today.

OUYA is also now offering what they are calling the “Couch Gamer Bundle Read more OUYA controller faceplates now available for pre-order – UPDATE 2/13/14 ›