OUYA the company announced on Friday the launch of a new OUYA console, just over a month after the lucrative holidays. The company indicates that this updated model would make a great Valentine's Day gift, and we couldn't agree more. The updated console costs a bit more than the original, selling for $129.99 compared to the original's $99.99 price tag, but it's worth the extra bucks.
According to the company, the new console still packs a Nvidia Tegra 3 chip. However, the device now has double the storage capacity, up to 16 GB compared to the original's 8 GB. That's worth the extra $30 bucks right there, as the free space starts to dry up rather quickly when downloading and installing games like Gameloft's Order & Chaos.
Speaking of storage, the most recent update, Abominable Snowman, introduced an external storage beta, allowing OUYA owners to add storage by inserting a USB stick. If a game is downloaded to the USB stick, then sideloading the game will put it on external storage. To combat piracy, all games loaded on an external stick will be associated with the OUYA they were downloaded from.
In addition to the expanded storage, the revamped console and controller sports a new matte black finish, ditching the previous silver and black combo. OUYA refined the controller as well, according to the company, providing better sticks, better buttons, and a faster response (meaning less latency). The company also reveals that it has boosted the console's Wireless N connectivity.
We took a look at the OUYA back in November, and honestly didn't see why it raked in so much negativity after its launch. Yes, it's unfortunate that OUYA chose to use a closed system instead of opening the doors to Google Play. But the platform has enough appeal to entice customers into purchasing their games again. We're not talking about $40 and up, but games that cost under ten bucks (unless it's a Square Enix game, of course).
Back in July several developers shared their numbers with GameSpot. NimbleBit's co-founder David Marsh said that he would recommend OUYA for Android developers, as their game "Nimble Quest" was downloaded 6,508 times and purchased 122 times, earning $427. TowerFall developer Matt Thorson said his game generated enough money to justify bringing the app to PC. That's the beauty of OUYA; anyone could be a developer for the platform.
To purchase the new OUYA for $129 USD, head here.
