Early OUYA Android Console Reviews Aren't Encouraging
Reviews based on the early version shipped to Kickstarter backers aren't very positive. Is it too early for an opinion?
If you're waiting anxiously for a little Android action in the form of a console, look no further than the upcoming OUYA slated for a June release. However a number of reviews that are now surfacing suggest that Android gamers may need to keep looking, as the Tegra 3-powered gaming cube falls short of expectations.
But consider this first: the model currently under evaluation by the press is the pre-retail edition offered to financial backers of the Kickstarter project. It's an exclusive preview period, according to CEO Julie Uhrman, while the team continues to add features, refine the user interface, and keep building the software as the console heads toward its retail launch.
"We hope that you, our founding backers, continue to shape OUYA as we prepare to launch to the masses," she said. "Your feedback, to date, has been incredibly helpful and as you know, we’ve acted on many of your ideas and suggestions. We want your feedback on these first units."
But that hasn't stopped reviews from popping up anyway. The Verge gives it a 3.5 out of 10, saying it's a million miles away from something worth spending $99 on. Ouch.
"Even if the concept is right, the Ouya misses the mark," the review states. "The controller needs work, the interface is a mess, and have I mentioned there's really nothing to do with the thing? I'm not even sure the concept is right, either: there are plenty of fun Android games, but currently few that work well with a controller and even fewer that look good on your television."
Engadget, seemingly respecting the pre-release aspect, doesn't give its hands-on a score. But the site sides with The Verge on a number of issues, noting a lack of new games and controller lag. It also clearly points out that the device is a little rough around the edges in its current state.
"The version of OUYA shipping now should be considered a beta release, and anyone hoping for anything more is in for some disappointment," the hands-on states. "It's simply not ready for retail. The system is rough around the edges in many ways, quite literally when regarding the controller, but the interface and menus also could use work."
Phandroid wasn't quite so negative in its unboxing last week, but noted that the initial setup process might hit some snags if the user has "dodgy" Wi-Fi. There was also some mention about the time it took pairing the Bluetooth controllers to the console, but gameplay lag was not part of the topic.
"I’m mostly impressed with the software flow although I do have a few minor complaints," Phandroid states. "It would be nice to actually select thumbnails from each game listing and view them on the larger screen at full resolution. While you can 'thumbs up' a game, I’d love to see more social interaction brought to the OUYA so I can see which of my friends like certain games or even see suggested games based on what other similar users have downloaded."
These are the first three that have popped up so far. Additional reviews will likely roll out over the next several days, especially after proud new owners take the console for a spin over the weekend.

Maybe we should wait for the OUYA2?
Anyway, I'll be going with a PS4.. I'm a PC guy with a real interest in consoles for their exclusive games (God of War anyone??)...
Honestly, I don't know if the concept is that good to begin with. A console that plays Android games doesn't sound like something that'd pull me away from my PC or PS3, while a smartphone/tablet with mini-HDMI could complement both of those in the same way while offering far more functionality and portability. There are already wireless controllers for current Android devices as it is.
I'm not sure what their angle is with this, frankly. It's like having the worst aspects of mobile devices and consoles but none of the advantages.
Sadly, the future of consoles (and video games) is streaming. Going backwards in time and building a native console around an old Tegra3 platform was a surefire way to flop their debut.
I think we all saw this coming with Tegra3 was announced as the processing platform. Plus it is going to take time to build up fab production for volume ordering in order to get price down so that better hardware can get crammed in there.
I still think that it will succeed for what it is, and that it will get MUCH better in just 2-3 years, but indie gaming is rarely my cup of tea, and I have plenty of other system that are more capable of playing them, so I am not too hot on the idea of buying another redundant product. The goal is to have a few high quality products that do a bunch of things well... not a sea of cheap things that do little to nothing well.
Not to mention, there's far more you can do with this device than play big-screen smartphone games. I especially like how Mr. Parrish failed to note that reports show that the XBMC functionality of the Ouya is fantastic. Seems to me that the Ouya could be a cheap, very low-power alternative for Roku-type boxes, except with far more potential.
Yeah, Tegra 3 isn't anything amazing. It can do what the Ouya needs it to do just fine, though, and you can't expect them to stick a brand-new, top-of-the-line SoC in there and keep the cost at under a hundred.
Oh, and plus the whole development was pre-funded by Kickstarter supporters. So, it's really kind impossible for it to "flop" with what amounts to 8 million dollars in preorders.
Disclaimer: I am not an Ouya backer. Heck, I've never even owned an Android device. But the people bashing it really don't seem to know what they're talking about. Hint: it does not have to sell the same sort of numbers as a mainstream console to be a success. Heck, the Ouya is already far more successful than the creators ever dreamed, and it hasn't even been released yet (outside of the pre-retail versions being "reviewed").
OUYA should make a custom Android software which remaps swipes, touches and accelerometer movements into controller movements or keys. Just like what Archos has did with their Gamepad.
For $99 what do they expect ps4 power and graphics? will never happen remember that those games are designed for small screens so they are low resolution.