Ouya Starts Shipping to Kickstarter Backers March 28

Ouya announced today that it will begin shipping its Android-based game console to Kickstarter backers starting March 28.

"Parts are in the factory and assembly lines are buzzing," Ouya said in a Thursday blog post.

The full launch of the Ouya console is set for June when the device will formally hit stores like GameStop and online retailers like Amazon. Eager gamers can pre-order the $99.99 gadget now, but those who helped Ouya raise $8.6 million on Kickstarterwill be the first to get their hands on the console by next month.

"Tens of thousands of you will receive your Ouya [next month], and you'll get to start playing right away," Ouya said today. "You will also get to watch Ouya evolve over the coming weeks and months. We'll continue to add new features, refine our user experience, and bring on more games."

Ouya told supporters to watch their inbox for an email with a tracking number and estimated delivery date. "Might take a few weeks to get to everyone," the company warned. "We have a lot of Ouya's to ship!"

Ouya also provided some more details about the games that are coming to the console, including an exclusive title from Airtight Games.

"We truly feel that this platform will give us the freedom to fully realize the funky, unique game we have in mind," said Airtight designer Kim Swift. "Though the title will definitely appeal to core gamers in terms of skill and difficulty, it really has a completely unexpected, imaginative slant that's totally at home on this console. Expect an official announcement soon!"

Minority Media will also have an adventure puzzler by the fall, and is currently the only game to take advantage of the Ouya's touchpad and buttons simultaneously.

Tripwire Interactive, meanwhile, is planning to release The Ball next month for Ouya, and is also working on a separate, exclusive title. NWay is also bringing ChronoBlade to Ouya's big-screen TV experience.

Ouya tipped a few additional titles for the console earlier this month. Check out even more in the slideshow above.

For more, see PCMag's interview with Ouya founder Julie Uhrman.