Ouya is Coming, it's Official

Ouya, a new Android-powered gaming console designed by Yves Behar, has passed its final hurdle: convincing people it's a worthy idea. Setup on Kickstarter, the crowd-funding website that lets gamers vote with their wallets, the project achieved its ambitious goal of US$950,000 in just eight hours.

So what's it all about? From the Kickstarter page:

OUYA is a new game console for the TV, powered by Android.

We've packed this little box full of power. Developers will have access to OUYA's open design so they can produce their games for the living room, taking advantage of everything the TV has to offer.

Best of all, OUYA's world-class controller, console, and interface come in one beautiful, inexpensive package. All the games on it will be free, at least to try.

The console specs:

• Tegra3 quad-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB of internal flash storage
• HDMI connection to the TV, with support for up to 1080p HD
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth LE 4.0
• USB 2.0 (one)
• Wireless controller with standard controls (two analog sticks, d-pad, eight action buttons, a system button), a touchpad
• Android 4.0

The Ouya team have confirmed that the system is intended for much wider consumption than just the US market, stating "Gaming is global" and that they're looking into adding support for languages other than English, too.

The console is expected to begin shipping, starting with Kickstarter backers, in March next year. The retail price when it does will be US$99; local availability and pricing information has not yet been announced.