The GameStick is a video game console developed by PlayJam. It is a microconsole the size of a USB flash drive that plugs directly into the back of a TV through an HDMI port and ships with its own Bluetooth controller. Users of GameStick can access and download content via its curated store-front via Wi-Fi with content stored locally for offline access. The device is powered by the PlayJam Games Platform running its own version of the Androidoperating system. GameStick is intended to be a portable device aimed at casual to mid-core gamers for $79. Similar to the Ouya, it was funded through Kickstarter.
Originally planning to release in June 2013, it was delayed,[1] and units did not ship until November, 2013.[2] The console was scheduled to be released to the general public in retailers in early November 2013. It features an exclusive GameStick game and app store for games and applications designed specifically for the GameStick platform, of which the majority are casual games targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers.
This article is outdated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(August 2014)
Jasper Smith, CEO of PlayJam, and the PlayJam "development team" began recruiting support from developers early in the process. Before the project's launch, GameStick, based out of San Francisco, CA, was said to have support from; "over 1000 developers".[3] 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. As of February, 2013, the game was successfully funded with over 5,600 backers and about $650,000 fundraised. The PlayJam team set out to design a video game project that was affordable, portable, accessible and with a more simple design. The use of Android, as the development software, which holds over 700,000 games, allows a wide range of games for the Gamestick system and the PlayJam Company to work with. The GameStick Marketplace, an online store through the system to purchase games, allows parental control to be used as well as password protection when purchasing games. PlayJam is continuing to work with developers to continue to bring in the best games possible for the Gamestick console. Although specific information regarding compatibility has not been released, PlayJam reports that at least 200 existing games on the Google Play Store will be compatible with GameStick.[4] 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.[5] 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.[3][6][7] In April 2013 it was reported that the launch date had been put back by three months to June due to demand and a change in production methods.[8]
This article is outdated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(August 2014)
The GameStick product consists of two main elements: a cordless controller, and the console itself, with a cable for charging. This cable is a generic micro USB cable, hence, not only is it compatible with any Android device, as well as any device that supports a micro USB charger. This also means that the GameStick Console can be charged by any Android Compatible Micro USB cable. This is much like Google’s Chromecast in that aspect. The controller has two analog sticks, a directional pad, A/B/X/Y face buttons, shoulder buttons, and system buttons for power and menus. The portable and convenient design includes a slot for storing the Flash Drive console inside the controller, making the entirety of the console approximately the same size and roughly the same price as a large name console controller. The controller connects to the console through Bluetooth. A Gamestick Dock is also available, which allows faster internet access with an Ethernet plug-in, charging access for both the controller and the console, additional storage space, and the capability of additional plug-ins such as a camera, microphone or keyboard.The console contains an HDMI connector for the user's television, internal processor and memory, and all wireless radios.[4] 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,allowing PC Gamers to feel more at home with the console as well as console gamers. The GameStick also supports iOS and Android devices as controllers. The system itself is Android based and thus, is an extension of the Android platform, however, is iOS compatible. Playback will support 1080 HD as well as XBMC DLNA with an optional firmware upgrade. The GameStick uses an interface similar to the tiled dashboard on the Xbox 360.[9] The first accessory for GameStick is the docking station, which offers wireless charging to the controller, 3 USB ports, a SD card reader, ethernet and HDMI. The dock is purported to connect to various devices such as USB keyboards, webcams, microphones and dance mats.[10] The console and controller are released in four colors: black, white, red, and a "Kickstarter Special" green and black. Certain supporters will receive limited edition gold-colored consoles.
The Verge praised the minimalist design and low cost console, but were concerned by the limited game selection, the locked-down software and hardware, and the underpowered CPU that was unable to play the latest Android games.[14]
![[icon]](/web/20150321033134/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small}
