GameStick

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GameStick
GameStick Logo.png
Also known as Game Stick
Developer PlayJam
Product family First Generation
Type Microconsole
Release date November 15, 2013; 10 years ago (2013-11-15)
Introductory price US$79 (equivalent to $80.25 in 2021)
Operating system Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
System-on-chip used Amlogic 8726-MX
CPU ARM Cortex A9
Memory 1 GB DDR3 / 8 GB FLASH
Storage 8 GB internal flash memory
Display HDMI
1080p, 720p
Graphics Mali-400 MP
Input Bluetooth
Controller input Wireless controller
Connectivity
Dimensions Size of a flash drive
Website www.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 can download content from a curated storefront via Wi-Fi, with content stored locally for offline access. The device is powered by the PlayJam Games Platform and runs its own version of the Android operating system. It is portable and aimed at casual to mid-core gamers. Like the Ouya, it was funded through Kickstarter.

Because of 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] The GameStick features an exclusive game and access to its app store, which mainly sells casual games. All systems can be used as development kits, allowing any GameStick owner to also be a developer, without licensing fees. The GameStick is part of the eighth generation of video game consoles.

Jasper Smith (chief executive officer of PlayJam) and the PlayJam development team began recruiting support early in the process. Before the project's launch, GameStick, based out of San Francisco, California, was said to have support from more than 1,000 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]

News about the GameStick was featured on tech websites such as Engadget, SlashGear, and Tom's Hardware, as well as in mainstream media outlets like NBC News.[4][6][7]

Design and specifications

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The GameStick consists of the flash-drive-sized console and a wireless Bluetooth controller. The controller has two analog sticks, a directional pad, four face buttons, two shoulder buttons, four system buttons for power and menus, and a slot in which the console can be stored. A GameStick dock is also available; it allows faster internet access with an Ethernet port, charging access for both the controller and the console, additional storage space, and the ability to connect to various peripherals such as USB keyboards, webcams, microphones, and dance mats.[8] The console contains an HDMI connector, an internal processor and memory, and wireless radios.[9]

Up to four controllers can be connected via Bluetooth 4.0, as can wireless keyboards and mice. The GameStick also supports iOS and Android devices as controllers. The system itself is Android-based but iOS compatible. The device supports 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.[10] The charger is a micro USB cable.

GameStick was the first third-party device to license ToFu Media Center, a derivative fork of XBMC Media Center.[11][12][13]

Reception

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.The Verge praised the GameStick's minimalist design and low cost, but criticized its limited game selection, its locked-down software and hardware, and its under-powered CPU, which was unable to play the latest Android games.[14] Similarly, Engadget cited the device's portability, low price, and slick design as strengths but was disappointed by the selection of games and the hardware, which it said could become outdated fairly quickly.[15]

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. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ [1]
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872297630/gamestick-the-most-portable-tv-games-console-ever
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Pivos Brings TOFU Media Center to GameStick Store at Launch
  12. ↑ GameStick Review
  13. ↑ PlayJam GameStick
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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