Android Console 'GameStick' Already Doubles $100K Goal

By Catherine Cai
published

The GameStick isn't your run-of-the-mill indie console Kickstarter project.

From the get go, the GameStick looks like yet another Android-based indie console… and do we really need to crowd fund more of these projects?

Yes. Mostly because the GameStick isn't just another two-bit, half-baked Kickstarter pitch, which was made clear by the fact that it managed to raise its goal of $100K within two days. In fact, it's managed to double its goal already at the time of this writing.

What makes the GameStick different? PlayJam is attempting to put together an affordable, portable, and hassle-free console for users. The prototype console is no bigger than a flash drive, and requires only to be plugged into a TV's HDMI port. The device will self-power from MHL-compliant devices, although a separate USB will be included with the actual product for TVs that aren't MHL-compliant.

The GameStick also wins points for being a completely open platform, as well as supporting a gamer's controller of choice: gamepad and mouse and keyboard.

The GameStick, at the time of this article, still has 26 days left for its fundraising period. Pledging $79 via Kickstarter yields the console, which is, according to the site, expected to ship April 2013.

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Catherine Cai
Topics
Android
Gaming
12 Comments Comment from the forums
  • myromance123
    The video looks like they just stared at the Ouya video, and copied it entirely.
    Their "focus" on a great controller. Their "focus" on the TV. Being "open".

    These guys are just throwing around terms they think will make them cash. And it's working.
    I really hope their honest and serious, but it really doesn't feel that way.
    Anyone know how trust-able they really are?
    Reply
  • Let me ask you one question, how many of you move your console around to play casual games on a tv AND are bothered by it's size? I think it's a better idea to have your phone just connect to tv's wirelessly(a lot of modern tv's have wi-fi), in fact, there's already phones that do this. This is a stupid thing you'll regret buying, the hardware will be outdated within less than a year and you'll be left unable to play the next big mobile games. Do you really see yourself playing angry birds on your TV? Or jetpack joyride? Or temple run?
    Reply
  • Shin-san
    Android is a good OS, but it's not that great for a very large screen. Then again, I never tried to use Android with a game controller.
    Reply
  • husker
    athulajpLet me ask you one question, how many of you move your console around to play casual games on a tv AND are bothered by it's size? I think it's a better idea to have your phone just connect to tv's wirelessly(a lot of modern tv's have wi-fi), in fact, there's already phones that do this. This is a stupid thing you'll regret buying, the hardware will be outdated within less than a year and you'll be left unable to play the next big mobile games. Do you really see yourself playing angry birds on your TV? Or jetpack joyride? Or temple run?Everyone is not the same with the same needs wants and requirements. I do not have a console; should I conclude nobody (including you) wants a console?
    Reply
  • MatthiasB
    Am I the only one who hates this project? The video sounds like Apple with how much they've had to innovate but that is hardly the case. There are gaming controllers for Android and an Android in a stick has been sold by generic Asian companies for more than a year now. All they're really innovating on is adapting an Android version with their own store and UI
    Reply
  • razor512
    Seems pretty scammy to me. It has similar specs to those Chinese android on a stick devices that sell for $50, which are also open, and powered by the HDMI port, and have the same GPU, similarly clocked dual core CPU, wifi, bluetooth, additional USB port for other devices, and a host of other similar features.

    Reply
  • samwelaye
    soooo they took the ouya and made it a stick, threw it up on kickstarter, and claim its a new project. yeah no
    Reply
  • madooo12
    razor512Seems pretty scammy to me. It has similar specs to those Chinese android on a stick devices that sell for $50, which are also open, and powered by the HDMI port, and have the same GPU, similarly clocked dual core CPU, wifi, bluetooth, additional USB port for other devices, and a host of other similar features.open? you mean they have shematics and stuff posted online, i doubt that
    Reply
  • gshauger
    Every friend I know has either a 360, a PS3 or both. I just don't see this being all that useful.
    Reply
  • aaron88_7
    Good idea, playing games on a tablet, or god forbid my smart phone, is frustrating unless you're playing something with incredibly basic controls such as Angry Birds.

    However, they seem to talk more about the games and less about the controller. Like most kickstarter projects they probably will waste most of the money and produce a crappy product that any real company could do much better. I'm certainly not putting any money towards this, but if a real game controller manufacturer put out a nicely sized controller for a decent price I'd be interested. Hell, if I could get my 360 controller to work with my tablet I'd be happy!
    Reply