Jump to content

GameStick

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by UrsaLinguaBWD (talk | contribs) at 19:20, 2 March 2013 (Added information in all sections, changed infobox, merged accessory and specs sections into design and specs section ~~~~). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

GameStick
[[File:[]|frameless|upright=1]]
[[File:[]|frameless|upright=1]]
Also known asGame Stick
DeveloperPlayJam
TypeVideo game console
Release dateApril 2013
Introductory price$79 USD
Operating systemAndroid 4.1 Jelly Bean
System on a chipAmlogic 8726-MX
CPUAmlogic 8726-MX
Memory1GB DDR3 / 8GB FLASH
Storage8 GB internal flash memory
DisplayHDMI
1080p, 720p
GraphicsAmlogic 8726-MX
InputBluetooth
Controller inputWireless controller
Connectivity
DimensionsSize of a flash drive
Websitewww.gamestick.tv

The Gamestick is an upcoming videogame console developed by PlayJam. The size of a flash drive, it is meant to be plugged directly into a television, with no other cables or connectors. The GameStick connects wirelessly to one or more controllers via Bluetooth and to the internet via Wi-Fi. It will run on the Android platform and feature downloadable or, potentially, streaming games. The GameStick is meant to be a portable system with a budget price of $79. Like the similar Ouya, it was funded via Kickstarter.

History

Developer PlayJam and creator Jasper Smith had been working on ways to get videogames onto Smart TVs. They developed GameStick as a way to make videogames more portable and to expand the influence of Android and downloadable games beyond phones and tablets. The GameStick project began in 2012 with initial research and engineering. After a prototype was developed, the Kickstarter project began Jan 2, 2013 goal of $100,000.[1] As of March 1st, 2013, PlayJam had already raised more than $600,000 with over 5,000 backers. Pre-orders were available as of February 13, 2013.


Design and Specifications

The GameStick produce will consist of two main elements: a controller, and the console itself, presumably with a cable for charging. The controller will have two analog sticks, a directional pad, A/B/X/Y face buttons, shoulder buttons, and system buttons for power and menus. Some design concepts show a slot for storing the console inside the controller. There are also plans for an accessory dock to allow connection of microphones, etc. The console contains an HDMI connector for the user's television, internal processor and memory, and all wireless radios.[2] The GameStick will access the internet via Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. Up to four controllers can connect via Bluetooth 4.0, as well as wireless keyboards and mice, also through Bluetooth. The GameStick will also support iOS and Android devices as controllers. Playback will support 1080 HD as well as XBMA DLNA with an optional firmware upgrade. The GameStick will use an interface similar to the tiled dashboard on the Xbox 360. [3] The first accessory for GameStick being the docking station that offers wireless charging to the controller, 3 usb ports, an SD card reader, ethernet and HDMI. The dock is purported to connect to various devices such as USB keyboards, webcams, microphones and dance mats. [4] The console and controller will be released in four colors: black, white, red, and an-as-yet-unchosen color. Certain supporters will receive limited edition gold-colored consoles.


Reception

Pre-release

Jasper Smith and the PlayJam development team began recruiting support from developers early in the process. Before the project's launch, GameStick was said to have support from over 250 developers. [5] Game designers interested in the project can pledge $500 in support of the console in exchange for a prototype unit and SDK one month before launch. Although specific information regarding compatability has not been released, PlayJam reports that at least 200 existing games on the Google Play Store will be compatible with GameStick. [6]. However, the GameStick will not support the Google Play store directly, so game developers will need to port their games specifically to the GameStick store. [7] News about the GameStick has been featured on tech websites such as EnGadget, SlashGear, and Tom's Hardware, as well as mainstream media outlets like NBC News. [8] [9][10]


See also

References

  1. ^ "GameStick: The Most Portable Videogame Console Ever — Kickstarter". Kickstarter.com. Retrieved 2013-03-1. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ http://www.gaducated.com/android-game-consoles-ouya-vs-gamestick/
  3. ^ http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/02/gamestick-takes-on-ouya-as-a-portable-android-game-console
  4. ^ "You spoke and we listened". Kickstarter. GameStick. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  5. ^ http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/gamestick-android-console-is-the-size-of-a-usb-stick/
  6. ^ http://www.gaducated.com/android-game-consoles-ouya-vs-gamestick/
  7. ^ http://voices.yahoo.com/gamestick-vs-ouya-which-sub-100-android-game-console-11960537.html
  8. ^ http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/gamestick-android-console-is-the-size-of-a-usb-stick/
  9. ^ http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/gamestick-final-model/
  10. ^ http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/thumb-drive-sized-gamestick-console-launching-april-1B7822275
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=GameStick&oldid=541771451"