Ouya Outs Revised 16GB Android Console for $129, Does Anyone Really Care?
Do you hear that noise? It's the sound of the big three console makers makers -- Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo -- shaking in their boots over the impending march of micro-sized Android-based gaming boxes into the mainstream. Or, more likely, it's an earthquake or alien invasion and you should probably take cover because immediately because, let's face it, either scenario has a better chance of happening. Nevertheless, if you're still following the micro-console scene and are a fan of these systems, here's a heads up that Ouya has a new model available.
Ouya now offers two SKUs, the original version for $99 and a new matte black model with twice the amount of storage (16GB versus 8GB) for $129. Both the console and accompanying wireless controller have been given an all-black makeover for the new version.
Other specs are the same -- it sports an NVIDIA Tegra 3 system-on-chip (SoC) with a T33 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an Ethernet port, a single USB 2.0 port, a micro USB port, and HDMI output for gaming at up to 1080p. There's no need to buy a separate HDMI cable -- Ouya includes one in the box, along with a pair of AA batteries for the wireless controller.
There was a lot of hype surrounding Ouya when it first emerged on Kickstarter where it raised nearly $8.6 million in funding from over 63,000 backers. Ouya then raised an additional $15 million in a funding round led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the same firm that backed Electronic Arts way back in the day.
It's not clear how many Ouya consoles have been sold to date, though we suspect they're not flying off of store shelves. Why? For one, it seems Ouya would brag about console sales if they were high enough. And secondly, the new black model is Ouya's second attempt to revamp its offering to bring in additional sales -- a limited edition white model with twice the storage emerged last November, and it too sold for $129.
While the white model is no longer available, the all-black version can be purchased immediately direct from Ouya.
Ouya now offers two SKUs, the original version for $99 and a new matte black model with twice the amount of storage (16GB versus 8GB) for $129. Both the console and accompanying wireless controller have been given an all-black makeover for the new version.
Other specs are the same -- it sports an NVIDIA Tegra 3 system-on-chip (SoC) with a T33 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an Ethernet port, a single USB 2.0 port, a micro USB port, and HDMI output for gaming at up to 1080p. There's no need to buy a separate HDMI cable -- Ouya includes one in the box, along with a pair of AA batteries for the wireless controller.
There was a lot of hype surrounding Ouya when it first emerged on Kickstarter where it raised nearly $8.6 million in funding from over 63,000 backers. Ouya then raised an additional $15 million in a funding round led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the same firm that backed Electronic Arts way back in the day.
It's not clear how many Ouya consoles have been sold to date, though we suspect they're not flying off of store shelves. Why? For one, it seems Ouya would brag about console sales if they were high enough. And secondly, the new black model is Ouya's second attempt to revamp its offering to bring in additional sales -- a limited edition white model with twice the storage emerged last November, and it too sold for $129.
While the white model is no longer available, the all-black version can be purchased immediately direct from Ouya.
