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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 through 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 [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[operating 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]].
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 through 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 [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[operating 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 planned to release in June 2013, it was delayed, due to a change in production methods,<ref>[http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872297630/gamestick-the-most-portable-tv-games-console-ever/posts/513573 GameStick: The Most Portable TV Games Console Ever Created by GameStick » Project Update - 158 Days In. — Kickstarter]. Kickstarter.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22064538 |title=BBC News – Gamestick console release date delayed |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref> and units did not ship to retailers until early November 2013.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872297630/gamestick-the-most-portable-tv-games-console-ever/posts/654513]</ref> It features an exclusive game and access to its app store for games and applications, of which the majority are [[casual game]]s targeted at or used by a mass audience of [[Gamer#Casual gamer|casual gamer]]s.
Due to a change in production methods, the original release date of June 2013 was delayed,<ref>[http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872297630/gamestick-the-most-portable-tv-games-console-ever/posts/513573 GameStick: The Most Portable TV Games Console Ever Created by GameStick » Project Update - 158 Days In. — Kickstarter]. Kickstarter.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22064538 |title=BBC News – Gamestick console release date delayed |publisher=bbc.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref> and units did not ship to retailers until early November 2013.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872297630/gamestick-the-most-portable-tv-games-console-ever/posts/654513]</ref> It features an exclusive game and access to its app store for games and applications, of which the majority are [[casual game]]s targeted at or used by a mass audience of [[Gamer#Casual gamer|casual gamers]].


All systems can be used as development kits, allowing any GameStick owner to also be a developer, without the need for licensing fees. The GameStick is classified as part of the [[History of video game consoles (eighth generation)|eighth generation of video game consoles.]]
All systems can be used as development kits, allowing any GameStick owner to also be a developer, without the need for licensing fees. The GameStick is classified as part of the [[History of video game consoles (eighth generation)|eighth generation of video game consoles.]]


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".<ref name="joystiq1">{{cite web|last=Mallory |first=Jordan |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/gamestick-android-console-is-the-size-of-a-usb-stick/ |title=GameStick Android console is the size of a USB stick |publisher=Joystiq |date=2013-01-03 |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref> Game designers interested in the project could pledge $500 in exchange for a prototype unit and development kit one month before launch. As of February 2013, the game was successfully funded with over 5,600 backers and about $650,000 raised.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872297630/gamestick-the-most-portable-tv-games-console-ever</ref> The PlayJam team set out to design a video game project that was affordable, portable, accessible, and more simply designed. The use of Android as the development software allows a wide range of games for the system and the PlayJam Company to utilize. The GameStick Marketplace, an online store to purchase games, allows the use of parental control and password protection when purchasing. 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.<ref name="gaducated1"/> However, the GameStick will not support the [[Google Play]] store directly, so game developers will need to port their games specifically to it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.yahoo.com/gamestick-vs-ouya-which-sub-100-android-game-console-11960537.html |title=GameStick vs. Ouya: Which Sub-$100 Android Game Console are You Getting? – Yahoo! Voices |publisher=voices.yahoo.com |date=2013-01-07 |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=September 2015}} 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.<ref name="joystiq1"/>
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".<ref name="joystiq1">{{cite web|last=Mallory |first=Jordan |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/gamestick-android-console-is-the-size-of-a-usb-stick/ |title=GameStick Android console is the size of a USB stick |publisher=Joystiq |date=2013-01-03 |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref> Game designers interested in the project could pledge $500 in exchange for a prototype unit and development kit one month before launch. As of February 2013, the game was successfully funded with over 5,600 backers and about $650,000 raised.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872297630/gamestick-the-most-portable-tv-games-console-ever</ref> The GameStick Marketplace, an online store to purchase games, allows the use of parental control and password protection when purchasing. 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.<ref name="gaducated1"/> However, the GameStick will not support the [[Google Play]] store directly, so game developers will need to port their games specifically to it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.yahoo.com/gamestick-vs-ouya-which-sub-100-android-game-console-11960537.html |title=GameStick vs. Ouya: Which Sub-$100 Android Game Console are You Getting? – Yahoo! Voices |publisher=voices.yahoo.com |date=2013-01-07 |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=September 2015}} 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.<ref name="joystiq1"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Gilbert |first=Ben |url=http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/gamestick-final-model/ |title=GameStick reveals final backer-aided design, dock for peripherals |publisher=Engadget.com |date=2013-01-29 |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Winda Benedetti |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/thumb-drive-sized-gamestick-console-launching-april-1B7822275 |title=Thumb drive-sized GameStick console launching in April – InGame on |publisher=Nbcnews.com |date=2012-11-14 |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|last=Gilbert |first=Ben |url=http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/gamestick-final-model/ |title=GameStick reveals final backer-aided design, dock for peripherals |publisher=Engadget.com |date=2013-01-29 |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Winda Benedetti |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/thumb-drive-sized-gamestick-console-launching-april-1B7822275 |title=Thumb drive-sized GameStick console launching in April – InGame on |publisher=Nbcnews.com |date=2012-11-14 |accessdate=2013-04-09}}</ref>


==Design and specifications==
==Design and specifications==

Revision as of 08:01, 26 December 2015

GameStick
Also known asGame Stick
DeveloperPlayJam
Product familyFirst Generation
TypeMicroconsole
Release dateNovember 15, 2013
Introductory price$79 USD
Operating systemAndroid 4.2 Jelly Bean
System on a chipAmlogic 8726-MX
CPUARM Cortex A9
Memory1 GB DDR3 / 8 GB FLASH
Storage8 GB internal flash memory
DisplayHDMI
1080p, 720p
GraphicsMali-400 MP
InputBluetooth
Controller inputWireless controller
Connectivity
DimensionsSize of a flash drive
Websitewww.gamestick.tv

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 through 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 Android operating 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.

Due to a change in production methods, the original release date of June 2013 was delayed,[1][2] and units did not ship to retailers until early November 2013.[3] It features an exclusive game and access to its app store for games and applications, of which the majority are casual games targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers.

All systems can be used as development kits, allowing any GameStick owner to also be a developer, without the need for licensing fees. The GameStick is classified as part of the eighth generation of video game consoles.

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".[4] Game designers interested in the project could pledge $500 in exchange for a prototype unit and development kit one month before launch. As of February 2013, the game was successfully funded with over 5,600 backers and about $650,000 raised.[5] The GameStick Marketplace, an online store to purchase games, allows the use of parental control and password protection when purchasing. 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.[6] However, the GameStick will not support the Google Play store directly, so game developers will need to port their games specifically to it.[7][unreliable source?] 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.[4][8][9]

Design and specifications

The GameStick product consists of two main elements: a cordless controller and the console itself, along with a charging cable. The controller has two analog sticks, a directional pad, A/B/X/Y face buttons, shoulder buttons, and system buttons for power and menus. There is 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 being able to connect to various devices such as USB keyboards, webcams, microphones, and dance mats.[10] The console and controller have been released in four colors: black, white, red, and a "Kickstarter Special" green and black. Certain supporters received limited edition gold-colored consoles. The console contains an HDMI connector for the user's television, internal processor and memory, and all wireless radios.[6] The GameStick can access the internet via Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. Up to four controllers can connect via Bluetooth 4.0, as can wireless keyboards and mice (also via Bluetooth), allowing both console and PC gamers to feel at home with the console. 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, it is iOS compatible. Playback will support 1080 HD playback as well as XBMC DLNA with an optional firmware upgrade. The GameStick uses an interface similar to the tiled dashboard on the Xbox 360.[11] The charging cable is a micro USB cable, therefore, it is compatible with any device that supports a micro USB charger.

GameStick was the first third-party device to licence ToFu Media Center, a derivative fork of XBMC Media Center.[12][13][14]

Reception

The Verge praised the minimalist design and low cost, but were concerned by the limited game selection, the locked-down software and hardware, and the under-powered CPU that was unable to play the latest Android games.[15] Similarly, Engadget cited the portability, low price, and slick design as the strengths of the GameStick, but were disappointed by the selection of games and the hardware, which they said could be outdated fairly quickly.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ GameStick: The Most Portable TV Games Console Ever Created by GameStick » Project Update - 158 Days In. — Kickstarter. Kickstarter.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
  2. ^ "BBC News – Gamestick console release date delayed". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  3. ^ [1]
  4. ^ a b Mallory, Jordan (2013-01-03). "GameStick Android console is the size of a USB stick". Joystiq. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  5. ^ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872297630/gamestick-the-most-portable-tv-games-console-ever
  6. ^ a b "Android Game Consoles: Ouya vs GameStick". gaducated.com. 2013-02-02. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  7. ^ "GameStick vs. Ouya: Which Sub-$100 Android Game Console are You Getting? – Yahoo! Voices". voices.yahoo.com. 2013-01-07. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  8. ^ Gilbert, Ben (2013-01-29). "GameStick reveals final backer-aided design, dock for peripherals". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  9. ^ Winda Benedetti (2012-11-14). "Thumb drive-sized GameStick console launching in April – InGame on". Nbcnews.com. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  10. ^ "You spoke and we listened". Kickstarter. GameStick.
  11. ^ "GameStick Takes on Ouya as a Portable Android Games Console". IGN. 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  12. ^ Pivos Brings TOFU Media Center to GameStick Store at Launch
  13. ^ GameStick Review
  14. ^ PlayJam GameStick
  15. ^ The Verge (2013-11-01). "GameStick review: the Android console battle is on". The Verge. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
  16. ^ Engadget (2013-11-11). "GameStick review: Android console gaming still awaits its king". Engadget. Retrieved 2015-05-11.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to GameStick.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=GameStick&oldid=696837764"