Ouya
The Ouya, stylized as OUYA, is an Android-based microconsole developed by Ouya Inc., released to the general public in June 2013. It was the fifth-highest earning project on Kickstarter at the time.
The console features an exclusive Ouya store for applications and games designed specifically for the Ouya platform, of which the majority are casual games targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers. Out of the box, Ouya supports media apps such as Twitch.tv and Kodi media player. It runs a modified version of Android Jelly Bean, with rooting being officially encouraged. The console's hardware design allows it to be easily opened up, requiring only a standard screwdriver for easy modding and possible hardware add-ons. All systems can be used as development kits, allowing any Ouya owner to also be a developer, without the need for licensing fees.
Despite the successful Kickstarter campaign, sales of the Ouya were lackluster, causing financial issues for Ouya Inc. and forcing the company to wind down the business. Its software assets were sold to Razer Inc., who announced the discontinuation of the Ouya console in July 2015. The Ouya has been considered a commercial failure as a result, while ironically also being popular enough to be remembered as that commercial failure. Nobody remembers the dozens of small crowdfunded consoles that launched, let alone the untold number that did not.
System Specifications
- Operating system: Android (4.1 Jelly Bean) with custom Ouya launcher.
- System-on-chip used: Nvidia Tegra 3 (T33)
- CPU: 1.7 GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A9
- Memory: 1 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Storage:
- 8 GB internal flash memory
- 16 GB internal flash memory for $129 version
- Display: 1x HDMI (720p, 1080p)
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce ULP GPU
- Sound: HDMI (ARC), 2.0 channel
- Input:
- 1x USB 2.0
- 1x Micro USB (for connection to PC)
- Controller input: Wireless controller
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth LE 4.0
- Ethernet port
- Power: 12 volt DC, 1.5 ampere max via Coaxial power connector (OD 5.50 mm, ID 2.10 mm, center positive)