Can the $99 ‘Ouya’ Hold It’s Own in the Console War?

I already know that the first thing you're thinking when you read that headline is 'what's Ouya?'. To me, it looked like a modern day pencil sharpener but I was definitely wrong in my original observation. I'll give you  a hint...Android. So it must be some sort of smartphone docking station, right? The answer, while overly cryptic, is no...

To be much less vague, Ouya is a new Android gaming console that is currently in development. The console is being designed by Yves Behar, who designed the look of the 'One Laptop Per Child' computer. This console would normally be ignored by most reporters but the amount of talent backing the Ouya has made this up and comer stand out from the rest. Ex IGN executive Julie Uhrman and former Xbox gaming big shot Ed Fries are just the tip of the iceberg, with more sure to hop onto the bandwagon once the project really gets going.

So what makes Ouya different from PS3, Xbox 360, and the Wii or even Wii U?

One of the biggest differences is that the system is 'made to be hacked'. That's right, every customer who buys the system at retail will get a developer kit included. Oh and then there's the whole 'free gaming' thing...

Yes, Ouya will allow all developers to publish their games, while claiming the listings. This way, players will be able to get what they want for free while still allowing developers to make money off of it. It's a method that is sure to appeal to some and not to others but if this whole 'free-to-play' trend continues to grow, consoles like Ouya might become the future of gaming.

While little else is known about this new Android console, I can tell you two things for sure: Ouya is a major underdog in the console war and it will take a lot of support to make Ouya a success AND I'll be keeping a close eye on Ouya in the near future....a very close eye.