Ouya now has some competition. Bluestacks reports that it is set to launch its own Android-based home gaming console. Gamepop will let consumers play their favorite Android games on the big screen using an Ouya-esque system.
Bluestack's console will be released later this year. Gamepop will be priced at $129.99 at launch. However, gamers can pick-up the console through June for a monthly fee. Those who buy a Gamepop console now can own the console for 12 monthly payments of $6.99.
The Gamepop console already has deals in place with a variety of developers. Gamepop will reportedly have 250 games at launch. Development partners for the console currently include Intellijoy and COM2US.
BlueStacks' John Gargiulo tells TechCrunch that Gamepop will offer an unexpected experience. He says the device changes how gamers play Android games by letting them use their phone and Gamepop control to play games.
"It is not what people will expect, it's much better, we will ensure that the experience is high quality game-by-game. GamePop will also support using Android or iPhone devices as controllers, via a virtual gamepad interface, and also using new control paradigms that have recently been made possible," says Gargiulo.
Gargiulo adds that Bluestacks' ecosystem has really helped the device bring in developers. He says that Gamepop gives developers a type of freedom that they do not usually get on traditional gaming consoles.
"What's really helping us win developers is the fact that we're using our resources, our funding, our engineering to build all of the IP around their apps and games working on GamePop," continues Gargiulo.
"Whereas, the old school console model, and what others are doing in this space, is asking quite a lot of developers. Developers don't have a lot of bandwidth, and people are asking them to integrate SDKs, special controls, build special menus and that's not something we're asking for."
Bluestacks is a well funded Silicon Valley start-up. The company is backed by successful groups such as Andreessen Horowitz and Redpoint Ventures. Bluestacks has earned over $14 million in funding since starting in 2011.
Android-based home gaming consoles are currently seeing a renaissance in the consumer market. The devices are made to appeal to gamers who want to play their favorite smartphone and tablet games on the big screen.
Ouya is a competitor of Gamepop that started as a Kickstarter campaign. The company behind the device started shipping out over 63,000 Ouya's to project donors last March. A retail version of the console is set to launch on June 4.
The console has been plagued by negative reviews since shipping out beta units in March. The Verge gave the device the lowly review of 3.5 out of 10. Reviewers say the device offered limited functionality and not enough games.
