Features:

  • Quad-core 1.7 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore (ARMv7-A architecture)
  • Nvidia GeForce ULP @ 520 MHz (12.48 GFLOPS)
  • 1 GiB DDR3-1600 SDRAM (shared for CPU and GPU)
  • 8 GB eMMC flash memory (expandable via USB)
  • HDMI 1.4; 1080p or 720p resolution. Stereoscopic 3D support.
Inexpensive emulation machine thats easy to set up

This console came out in 2013 and is essentially an android in a box gaming console. One underappreciated feature is the ability to sideload google play apps, although some newer ones may not run because this is running in an older OS. As of writing this review, the ouya store is still live and there are a few decent exclusive titles to play as well. For those just wanting a simple emulation machine that doesnt require hours of configuration (I.E. Raspberry Pi) you can't get any better than this. Depsite the older hardware this can run emulators up to PS1 and even Dreamcast flawlessly. It has a USB 2.0 port capable of up to 64 GB of capacity. That can hold more retro games than I can play in my lifetime. The controllers get a bad rep for input lag, but since I play fairly close to the console itself and have WiFi disabled its not much of an issue for me. PS3 and Xbox 360 and a number of wired controllers also work without any issues as well. Its very customizable to your preference of feel. Its no Nvidia Shield TV, but its great for what it is.

Awesome console

This thing is awesome, so much to do!

WD-40 saved my Ouya game controller!

I bought mine new 4 years ago. I have about 100 games on my flash stick. I really like my Ouya! I especially like watching Youtube, now with all the apps updated! I know many users complain that the controller is slow and laggy. Mine was too until I sprayed a very small amount of WD-40 on the battery contacts! Works perfectly now! But nice to know my Sony PS3 controllers can be used as back ups!

Sideloading is essential.

I originally ordered this in 2012, there was not a lot of other options like there are now. The reasons I got it were for games and media. Emulating works very well, pretty much every system up to ps1, plus the dreamcast. Goat simulator is a fun game to play. Not all the apps work perfectly, but because of the touch pad, most are manageable. Netflix, Hulu, and XBMC/Kodi work very well. Amazon prime video works technically, but it can be hard to do, and time consuming, especially if trying to binge watch (this is because you have to navigate through the web browser, instead of a singular app) TV network apps are workable particularly TBS, Cartoon network. There are plenty of lists around the web mentioning how well all the apps work on the ouya. Google play is not native, and has to be hacked for it to work. But it is no where near essential, more trouble than it is worth. I'd recommend to install Amazon Appstore, and maybe 1mobile app store, also Firefox. It has a native appstore with perfectly working apps, but it is mostly games, many are great though. Externally, PS3 controllers are easy to sync with it (perfect for playing those PS1 and PSP games), which I prefer due to the start and select buttons, not present on the default ouya controller. I don't think the ouya controller is awful, but it is lacking. I also have a 700gb external harddrive hooked up, which is great, you can also push apps to the harddrive, the 8gbs goes by fast. For usability, I would say you should be ready to tinker and be experienced with android devices, and be prepared to google things. As a media device, it is pretty good, the touch pad is a serious help, and extends the usable apps by lot. Most phone and tablet apps, if installed, are at least accessible on this device. Currently there are probably better options for tv media boxes. It is now pretty old as well, but the web community is pretty large, and there is a lot of information out there. It's also very portable, I can fit it, the cords, the external harddrive, and four controllers, in one small bag, slightly bigger than a lunch box. If you want a device to emulate games, use phone apps/games on the tv, media stream, I would at least keep this page bookmarked to compare with other devices

Five Stars

Shipping was quick price was right everything was great

Great value for money!

Bought this durring the kickstart. Its not as polished and sophisticated as a PS or whatever but it's a fraction of the cost and great light hearted play when you're not looking to commit to 100 hours of Skyrim or FF. I getting up in my gaming years and I just don't have the time for the epic stuff. Playing the OUYA you can just hop into some old emulator games for your little gaps of free time. The controller has a delicious weight to it that I like, rather more satisfying than the weightlessness of other systems controllers. Another thing that I like a lot about this system is you can throw it in your travel bag and it takes up pretty much no space. Great for hotel rooms or visits to the in-laws. Downsides? I can't really think of any off hand, it does what I want it to do.

An odd person's opinion of an OUYA.

I hesitated doing this but I'm giving the OUYA a 5/5. Granted for $90 I'd give it a 3.5/5 but I bought mine on Ebay for $40 so whatever a 5 is what I'm getting it. I found the system to be over hyped before launch, with the makers saying it'll revolutionize the game industry and all sort of b.s. However the OUYA is revolutionary in many ways. It introduced more complex android games into the market, had leading hardware for an android device when it was released. True a Tegra 3 processor is outdated now but when the OUYA came out it was either the best or second best hardware an android device could have. The OUYA created a niche market in the video game industry leading to the creation of android gaming and having more sophisticated gaming consoles like the MOJO, nVidia Shield, RazorForge TV, and others. Even though I call those systems more sophisticated the OUYA has it's killer apps for me like The Ball (also on PC) and a better graphics and controller supported version of Ravensword Shadowlands. Both games are masterpieces in my opinion. Plus, if you root the console you can get other android games like Max Payne, Shadowgun THD, Conduit HD, and Dead Effect (my favorites on the playstore anyways) to work on the console. P.S. the OUYA has it's own store and doesn't have google play store. The only way to get google play is to root the console and download a mod. It's a hassle but it's worth it. The Ouya game store doesn't have as many games as google but most work 99% well on the console in contrast to Shield, MOJO, and other microconsoles that have various issues with many games on google play and with the MOJO the Ouya store as well (though MOJO only has part of the Ouya store not all the games on it are playable on the MOJO). The console works extremely well with usb drives and you can boost the console's pathetic hard drive space with at least a 64 gb usb drive ...after buying one of course. the controller works well, I prefer it over Shield, Shield Portable, MOJO, 360, PS3, and others but hey I'm an odd guy. Overall a five from me but I bought it for $40 on ebay.

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