Ouya and Nvidia Releasing Android-Based Gaming Consoles

This week, game console startup Ouya and interactive graphics company Nvidia are introducing Android-based gaming systems that can be connected to big screen TVs, and looking to take advantage in the growth of mobile device gaming. Ouya is looking to challenge Microsoft and Sony with its own low cost gaming console. Nvidia has developed Shield, a mobile device with a built-in display, which can also be connected to TVs and computers. 

Santa Monica-based Ouya released its $99 cube-shaped console (pictured here). It is priced much lower than most of its competition, from Nintendo’s Wii U to the Xbox and PlayStation. Initial sales are positive, with inventories being sold out on Amazon. Its release comes after last year’s Kickstarter campaign, which raised $8.5 million for Ouya’s console development.

Nvidia announced its Shield product at CES in January, which the Santa Clara-based company will offer for $299, down from the initial $329. Nvidia reduced the initial price based on customer feedback. The Shield device can also control and view games running on other computers, in addition to Android-based games.

Ouya and Nvidia are expected to take advantage of the anticipated growth in gaming on mobile devices. However, despite this promising growth in mobile gaming, Ouya may have a price advantage, while Nvidia may not.

Any advantages or disadvantages will play out as the new Xbox and PlayStation consoles are released. In addition, Ouya and Nvidia will need to attract notable game titles and large catalogs to become viable gaming devices.

Related Stories:
Android Games Leap to TV Screen with Ouya, Nvidia Consoles, The Wall Street Journal, 6/25/13
Nvidia Forced to Delay Shield Launch Due to 3rd Party Mechanical Issue, Forbes, 6/26/13

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