The Ouya utilizes an Android based operating system, specifically Android 4.1 Jellybean, so those that have had an Android phone in the past may find things to be very familiar, especially in apps like the web browser. Even going to Storage under System looks exactly like Storage settings do on an Android phone. As a result of using the Android operating system, the Ouya is essentially an open platform where you can install lots of things through a flash drive in the USB port. This is done by sideloading .apk files that would typically be used on an Android phone, though some apps work better than others. I personally have gotten a ton of use out of the JustinTV app that I sideloaded, as well as the Adobe Flash update that has made my browser experience even better.
Speaking of the browser, as said before, it is exactly what you would expect if you have or have had an Android phone. You can use the touchpad to move the arrow around on the page, but the problem is that the pages themselves are very difficult to navigate. Unlike the browsers seen on other consoles, you cannot use the analog stick to control the arrow, or even move down the page. The analog stick and d-pad are instead used to go from link to link as you move down the page. It would be a lot better if you could use the right analog stick to control the scroll bar or something, but it is instead very awkward and annoying to try and use. While the touchpad can be kind of sensitive at times when trying to click on links, luckily you can hit the O button instead to make it a little easier.
One of the really cool aspects of the Ouya is the fact that it is pretty much its own development kit for those that are interesting in making games for it. For some reason, the Browser app shows up under the Make section, but it is mostly for the software that would be used as development tools. I am certainly not a developer, so I can’t speak for the specific tools in that area, but it is really cool that the option is there for those that are interested.
On top of the system’s small size, the system is pretty much quiet as a mouse. Unlike the loudness of other consoles, you will likely not hear a peep out of the Ouya, much like with your cell phone. With the combination of the small size and quietness, you can easily tuck this system away in your gaming cabinet and use it without taking up any room at all, with the ability to turn it on and use it without any disturbance.
The Ouya is a solid little device with a lot of potential, but still needs a good bit of work if it wants to compete with the big boys. At only $99 for the 8 GB model, you get the Android based open platform device quite cheaply. The overall game and app selection is kind of lackluster, but I found myself loving the media abilities by being able to play .MKV files. The console is extremely small and quiet, so you won’t have any need to worry about storage space. The controller is serviceable, but still feels quite awkward and hopefully will be reworked in future releases, especially with the touchpad.
Overall, the Ouya just doesn’t feel quite ready for primetime yet. The cheap price is attractive and isn’t a bad buy, but it might be better to wait to see if the system gets more support, game and app wise, before investing in the console. However, if you are looking for a fairly cheap media player for your TV that takes up little room and works pretty well, the Ouya may be worth a look, especially if you have some prior experience with Android.
[Editor’s Note: The Ouya was provided to us by Ouya, Inc. for review purposes.]
ouya owner
March 22, 2014 at 8:50 PMBad:
– Controller has problems syncing or working at all
– little support for third party controllers (minimum for ps3 and 360, zero for other usb controllers)
– Low internal memory
– external (usb) memory will be scanned every time the system boots up, which can take up to 5 minutes (when it works. If it doesn’t, you will have to pull the plug and retry).
– The official XBMC had sound codecs removed, so in order to watch many streams with sound, you will need to sideload “SPMC” or the “Gotham” version for Android.
– Most good apps and games need to be sideloaded.
– The ouya launcher doesn’t allow custom wallpapers (not even live wallpapers) nor allow users to arrange their games and apps into folders.
– Some games crash or won’t start at all our are released unfinished with no updates.
– From April 2014, some new games will have no free to try demo. There will thus be no way to check if those games actually work.
– There is no official or easy to use refund policy for ouya games.
– The company originally stated that all games would be free to try. Now they have broken that statement and made the ouya store the same as other stores.
– No Google Play store (you have to hack the Ouya to do it)
– Adding a USB keyboard or similar makes many games stop working (as the keyboard is registered as “control pad 1”)
– The bluetooth hardware is right next to the WiFi hardware, causing one to interfere with the other.
– Connecting a usb controller may turn off bluetooth and thus wireless pads.
– Some have reported that Ouya customer service is slow to respond.
– Ouya plans to expand its service to other devices, like the Mojo console, so there is no need to buy an actual ouya console.
– Many games that the Ouya company has stated will be coming out have never or will never actually come out.
– Replacement pads cost 50 dollars (that’s more than a PS3 pad or similar to it).
– No chat/social software.
– Even Ouya fans (check the various message boards) are fed up with Ouya.
– Difficult to boot up or turn off the system via a gamepad (sleep mode doesn’t really work well)
– Many of the strengths are Android’s and not Ouya’s.
– Only one usb external memory source is supported (no multiple usb drives for you!)
– Doesn’t support usb mics/cameras (so no voice/video chat)
– Sound only goes out the HDMI (no phono or headphone jack)
– Reports of Ethernet not always working.
Good:
– Store is easy to navigate (unlike the PS3’s)
– If everything works, on a stock Ouya, the startup is minimal.
– Sideloading unofficial apps (Netflix, Hulu , Riptide GP 2, SPMC, MX Player, Dolphin Browser, etc) really brings the ouya up to “usable and relevant” standards.
– If you email Ouya directly, they usually respond quickly.
– Cheap little emulator and XBMC box (controls work fine, but for ps1 and maybe N64 plus other unsupported platforms like NDS, sideloading is advised)
– Sideloading apps can turn the Ouya into a basic Android PC (office software, browser, for browser, etc)
– Supports most usb keyboards and mice (which allows you to play Angry Birds and Candy Crush easily. Note that keyboards will interfere with games, though and mice sometimes too.)
– Some games that at freemium only at Google Play are premium at Ouya.