In the race to release an Android-based video game console, social game company PlayJam today revealed its own hand -- a home console that fits on a memory stick.
The GameStick, due for commercial release in April this year, slots directly into your TV's HDMI slot, and is controlled via a supplied Bluetooth controller. It contains 1GB of DDR3 memory and 8GB of Flash memory, with WiFi capabilities built in, and the latest build of Android, Jelly Bean.
The console can also be converted into a portable device, as the stick slots inside the Bluetooth controller and can then be used to link up to specific portable screens.
It's not necessary to use the supplied Bluetooth controller, however -- any Bluetooth controller that supports the Human Interface Device Profile (HID) will work with the GameStick, including
the Greenthrottle Games controller.
A Kickstarter has been launched for the device with a $100,000 pledge target, and the console is currently in a closed beta phase of development, with a working prototype already built.
The GameStick's Kickstarter page notes that as of yet, around 200 Android titles currently work with the hardware, and the PlayJam team is in talks with over 250 developers.
Of course, this isn't the first Android OS games console on the block. Most notably
the Ouya console (which was also launched with a Kickstarter) is due to release to the public in April -- the same month that the GameStick will supposedly be released.
At $79, the GameStick is slightly cheaper than the Ouya's $99 introductory price. GameStick also allows for paid games, whereas every title on the Ouya will be free-to-try.
