Watch Out Ouya, Android-Based GameStick Hits Kickstarter

The first 1,200 Ouya developer units were shipped just last week, but the Android-based game console already has some competition.

In the world of portable direct-to-TV gaming, Ouya made a splash when it earned $8.6 million in online donations. PlayJam, which launched a Kickstarter campaign today, is also hoping to garner support for its GameStick product.

At 2 inches, the aptly named GameStick fits the mold of a traditional USB flash drive, and can be plugged into a TV's HDMI slot for immediate game play. It also pops into a slot at the bottom of the PlayJam controller for safekeeping.

Since joining Kickstarter this morning, the GameStick garnered almost 500 backers and more than $40,000 at press time. It still has another 29 days to meet its $100,000 goal.

PlayJam's real goal, though, is to turn the gaming community on its head. "We were really frustrated by the TV gaming space," Jasper Smith, CEO of PlayJam and GameStick co-creator, said in a Kickstarter video. "It was really clunky, big consoles, big controllers, wires everywhere. We wanted to blow that apart with a really beautiful product — something really simple, really elegant, on a completely open operating environment."

Also running Android, the device allows access to at least 200 of the approximately 700,000 available Android games. PlayJam is currently working with a network of more than 250 developers to integrate games. The average cost will be "just a few dollars," according to PlayJam's Kickstarter page, while many will be free to play.

"For the first time ever, it puts big-screen gaming directly in your pocket," Smith said. "No wires, no boxes, no fuss."

In development for more than a year, the GameStick works with any Bluetooth controller supporting HID, and is expected to carry a $79 price tag.

"We've come a long way with this product and it's been a real labor of love, but we're really proud of what we've created, that we think can be truly disruptive for the games industry," Smith said.

But to earn that ability, GameStick has to gather support.

"Kickstarter is the most vibrant funding platform on the planet today," the PlayJam chief said. "We're absolutely delighted to be within that network and we really hope that we'll find the support we need to take this product to the next level."

While most Kickstarter projects fail to meet their intended deadlines, PlayJam is keeping its fingers crossed, already mapping out an April "fulfillment to customer" schedule. Since initial product design and research have been completed, January 2013 is the time for prototype testing, UI integration, and de-bugging. An initial production run using 100 GameSticks with the company's Chinese manufacturing partners will commence in February and March. By the beginning of spring, those backers who have invested $69 or more will begin receiving their stick and controller.

For more, watch PlayJam's GameStick video below. Also, check out PCMag's slideshow of Cool Kickstarter Projects above and see PCMag's interview with Ouya founder Julie Uhrman.

For more from Stephanie, follow her on Twitter @smlotPCMag.