OUYA Intros Updated Matte Black Console With 16GB
OUYA got a new hairdo.
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.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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Benthon Yeah... don't buy Ouya. It's a terrible mess. I'm not sure why Tom's is recommending this to buy.Reply -
Stimpack Don't buy this horrible piece of garbage. I had low expectations, and even those weren't met. It's run by a bunch of incompetents. They couldn't even manage to properly cut and QA a controller faceplate. The thing still can't run properly in 720p without being cut off, because the console itself forces 1080p. Horrible, horrible experience.Reply -
rakadedo Since when is $30 for extra 8gb of flash a good deal? Especially if the console now allows flash drives. That $30 could get you 32-64gb flash drive.Reply -
sicom Another obvious paid advertisement trying to be passed as a legitimate article. 8GB of storage is totally worth $30, we couldn't agree more!Reply -
rakadedo Since when is $30 for extra 8gb of flash a good deal? Especially if the console now allows flash drives. That $30 could get you 32-64gb flash drive.Reply -
ekagori I still don't understand the purpose of this thing. Why would I want to play games meant for smartphones and tablets on my TV? That's why we have PCs and real consoles.Reply -
ekagori I still don't understand the purpose of this thing. Why would I want to play games meant for smartphones and tablets on my TV? That's why we have PCs and real consoles.Reply -
tridon Good to see progress on the console. I love this tiny thing :) I understand why a lot of people have no interest in it, but for me it works great. I already have my PC for running games with better graphics than the new gen of consoles.Reply -
teh_chem What a joke for an "update." OUYA got their millions from their KS campaign. They have no real reason to work hard on a newer version.Reply -
peterson99 Not to mention that the Ouya is the best set top box IMO, paired with XBMC. Then you add the Nintendo Emulators to the deal, and for $99 this thing is a steal!Reply