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Ouya started out as a Kickstarter project and now it has proven that it can ship developer units on schedule.  This gaming system just... Can Ouya Compete with Nintendo?

Ouya started out as a Kickstarter project and now it has proven that it can ship developer units on schedule.  This gaming system just might prove to be a competitor for Nintendo, Microsoft, and other gaming companies.

First Consoles Shipped

The first 1200 consoles have been shipped to developers.  It is an Android based product from an open source that is very simple looking.  It is about the size of a coffee mug and hooks up to a television.

It is the pet project of Julie Uhrman, who once worked at IGN Entertainment.  She raised funds of over $8 million on Kickstarter for the idea.  The surprising thing about this is that the project attracted retail investors rather than just investors interested in developing tech gadgets or developers.  These investors will get a completed Ouya while those who invest a larger amount get the developer version.

A Work in Progress

Ouya says that the console is very much a work in progress.  No games have been added since they are still working on the controls and hardware.

It looks like the system will be a competitive force when it does become public.  The price will be at a good point since the box is inexpensive and there will be a wide range of games for the console.  As an Android device, it will access Android games to provide plenty of content from the beginning.  They are free to try, which is a great benefit for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their games.

Can Ouya Compete with Nintendo?

Any developer can create a game for the system, which is unlike anything else that is currently available.

The console is expected to be available early in 2013 with April being mentioned as a possible release month.  With an affordable price tag of $99 and numerous options for games, this new system just might make the other gaming companies take notice.

[Images via Ouya & game-insider]