Your Guide to the Android Consoles

What began with a Kickstarted system has evolved into an all-out micro console war. The development of Android consoles is providing gamers with a cheaper alternative for gaming and everyone wants to cash in on this newfound market. These are the contenders so far:

OUYA    M.O.J.O.    Nvidia Shield   GameStick    GamePop/GamePop Mini    Rumored Google Console

OUYA

Last summer's Kickstarter prodigy marketed itself to its over 63,000 backers as a console by the gamers, for the gamers. By running on Android, the hope was that developing for the 10.5 oz. console would be simple for anyone interested in taking a crack at game design. Even an 8 year old could do it.

The Hardware

One special feature about the OUYA is that the 6.4in x 4.2in x 2.1in box is easy to open up and tamper with. Here's what's on the inside:

CPU: NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-Core Processor
Memory: 1 GB RAM
Storage: 8 GB Flash Storage
USB: 1 USB 2.0 Port, 1 Micro USB Port
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Ethernet Port, Bluetooth
Output: HDMI (Up to 1080p HD)

The Games

There are currently 256 games and counting on OUYA's game store. As a console "for the gamers," every game is required to have a trial. If you like the game and choose to purchase it, you will be able to continue from where you left off in the trial. Some games available include Final Fantasy III, Organ Trail: Director's Cut, Chronoblade, TowerFall, No Brakes Valet and many, many emulators. The OUYA also tries to appeal to developers by making the dev kit free. Aside from games, the OUYA also has other apps such as TwitchTV and Flixster.

The Package

For $99, you'll get the console, one controller, a power cord, an HDMI cable and 2x AA batteries. Additional controllers are priced at $59.99.

Now that it is in the hands of backers and on the shelves of major retailers, the console has received mixed feedback. Stay tuned for our review of the console.

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M.O.J.O.

We've played with their controllers for years, but this time around Mad Catz is taking a shot at console development. Not much is known about their latest project, but Mad Catz is promising an open platform.

The Hardware

M.O.J.O. is a part of Mad Catz's new product line called GameSmart. The idea behind the line is utilizing Bluetooth Smart technology to enable their wireless controllers, mice and keyboards to work on multiple devices. Of course, all of their other GameSmart products work with the M.O.J.O.

The following specs were IGN reported while trying out the M.O.J.O. at E3, but Mad Catz announced that they are subject to change and will be officially nailed down by the end of the summer.

CPU: Nividia Tegra 4 Processor
Storage: 16 GB, Expandable microSD
USB: 2 Ports
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet Port, Bluetooth Smart 4.0
Output: HDMI

The Games

Instead of having its own game store, M.O.J.O. allows users to import their already purchased games from TegraZone, Google Play and the Amazon Appstore as well as purchase new games from the stores. For all the games that require touch, Mad Catz has made sure they are playable by enabling a mouse to serve as the controller. IGN also reported that if the M.O.J.O. uses the Nvidia Tegra 4, users will be able to stream their PC games over a local Wi-Fi network.

The Package

Mad Catz hasn't given us a price for the M.O.J.O., but they have confirmed it will ship this holiday season with one C.T.R.L.R. wireless gamepad. The C.T.R.L.R.'s design is almost identical to Mad Catz's MLG Pro Circuit Controller. The best thing about this controller is that it will not only work with the M.O.J.O., but you can also use it as a controller for any Bluetooth Smart device.

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Nvidia Shield

The Nvidia Shield is special in that it is in a category all on its own. Instead of being a plug-me-in console, the Shield is a handheld device. Crafted by Nvidia, the company is making sure that their baby stands out amongst the other Android devices and available handhelds.

The Hardware

Fitted with a 5-inch (1280x720), 720p touchscreen, the Nvidia Shield's controller body makes it a familiar fit for console gamers.  

CPU: Nvidia Tegra 4 Quad Core Mobile Processor
Memory: 2GB RAM
Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
Connectivity: 802.11n 2x2 Mimo Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS
USB: Micro-USB 2.0
Output: Mini HDMI
3.5mm stereo headphone jack with microphone support

The Games

The Nvidia Shield offers games from the Google Play store, TegraZone and allows users to stream games from their PC. Nvidia detailed on their website that PC streaming will first launch in beta and select Steam games using Steam's Big Picture mode will be available. Some games include Dishonored, Borderlands 2, Skyrim and more. The full list will be available at launch. 

The Package

At $299, this device stands out against all the other prices on this list. Nvidia tries to validate this price by including two free games (Expendable: Rearmed and Sonic 4 Episode II THD) in addition to the Shield, AC Adapter, USB cable and silver tag. It is currently available for pre-order and will ship late July. Keep an eye out for our review.

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GameStick

Like the OUYA, the GameStick is Kickstarter child. Born from the money of its backers, the GameStick promises a portable experience - as long as where you're going has a television with an HDMI port.

The Hardware

The GameStick console itself is the smallest of all the Android consoles, coming in at the size of a flash drive. Even with its small size, the GameStick has a solid build.

CPU: Amlogic 8726-MXS

Memory: 1GB DDR3
Storage: 8GB internal flash, Expandable to 32GB with MicroSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0
Output: HDMI

The GameStick also supports cloud storage, XBMC, MHL 2.0 and iOS and Android mobile devices to serve as a controller.

The Games

Like the OUYA, GameStick will have its own storefront. Some games that will be available include Icy Tower, Towelfight 2, Space Cat 3D, Shrug Tides, Death Worm, Phoenix Revival and more. 

The Package

GameStick will be available on August 26 for $79.99, but is open for pre-orders now. Each order includes the GameStick and one Bluetooth Game Pad controller.

Also available to enhance your GameStick experience is the GameStick Dock. The dock can wirelessly charge your Game Pad controller, allows you to add up to 64GB of additional storage, power the GameStick, has an Ethernet port and three USB ports. The GameStick Dock will cost you and additional $39.99.

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GamePop/ GamePop Mini

BlueStacks, a company that first focused on letting you stream apps from your smartphone to your computer is now looking to stream those games to your television. However, BlueStacks' vision for the micro consoles is quite different from their competitors.

The Hardware

BlueStacks is looking to release two versions of their console; the GamePop and the GamePop Mini. Just as you might think, the Mini will be a slimmed down version of the original GamePop. At this time, they have not revealed any detailed information about their hardware.

They have revealed that in addition to their own controller, smartphones can be connected to the GamePop to work as controllers as well. 

The Games

One thing that makes the GamePop consoles special is their subscription-based program that gives subscribers access to "over $250 worth" of games, their website states. For $6.99 a month, the GamePop consoles are promising over 500 Android games and a constantly updated store. To promote this service, GamePop has used the app icons for Jetpack Joyride, Candy Crush Saga, Subway Surfers, Words With Friends and more on their website and in their videos.  

The Package

The GamePop is (almost) your typical micro console. It has a set price of $129, comes with a power cord, HDMI cable and one controller. On the other hand, the GamePop Mini is free. After you pay for the shipping and subscribe to their game service, of course.

Both consoles require a subscription to their game service. If you happen to cancel before a year has passed, BlueStacks requires you to send back the free console and pay a $25 restocking fee. According to the GamePop FAQ, both micro consoles are "in development with an anticipated winter release."

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Rumored Google Console

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Google is looking to expand its product line by tapping into the video game market. With the Google Play store and the Android software already under their belt, making a micro console seems like an easy move for the company. According to the article, Google is looking to market and release either the console or a digital watch sometime this fall. The article also mentioned the possibility of Apple releasing a console of their own as a part of their next Apple TV product release.

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Our Verdict

Though these micro consoles may not appeal to everyone, they have a lot to offer for the casual gamer and provide unique opportunities for aspiring developers. Each of these consoles has something to offer for everyone. For the casual gamer who is looking for a wide variety of games, the M.O.J.O., which gives its players access to three different stores and may allow for PC streaming, would be the best choice. Even better, if you've already purchased apps from the Google Play store or Amazon Appstore, the M.O.J.O. doesn't make you repurchase them.

I have yet to spend time on the development side of the video game world, but it seems like the OUYA is leaving its arms wide open for developers to leap into. Only requiring the developer to have an OUYA and the free development kit, getting on the store seems like it would be simpler than trying to publish on the Google Play store. Keyword being seems.

Do you plan on getting one of these consoles? Do you have one? Did we miss any micro consoles? Let us know in the comments below!