Today's 10 reasons I like my OUYA

[knave]

Its been out for a few months now. Am I the only one on BYOAC who likes his OUYA? I'm jones'n for a bit of a discussion.

Here's why I like it.

1.  Multiplayer games with my kids
2.  Watching Live TV over the internet
3.  Hero's of LOOT (gauntlet style game)
4.  Streaming movies/TV shows
5.  Emulation
6.  Always something new to check out
7.  Many ways to tinker with the device.
8.  Lots and lots of new games
9.  Easy access to information
10. It is fun.

[Howard_Casto]

I think you might be.  It's hard to get excited about a device when the top 10 list you posted contains stuff that our smart tvs, modern game consoles and in some cases mame cabs already do. 

I hope somebody responds though, for your sake. 

[Le Chuck]

Lew likes his

[knave]

I think you might be.  It's hard to get excited about a device when the top 10 list you posted contains stuff that our smart tvs, modern game consoles and in some cases mame cabs already do. 

I don't entirely buy that explanation. I have all those things...it's not stopping me from enjoying the heck out of the device. From my perspective we (BYOAC) are a community who goes out of our way to create devices that can do things that our smart tvs, modern game consoles and computers already do. We like to tinker and to have freedom to make it our way.

 

[yotsuya]

I don't know anyone IRL who owns one, and the people I know online who have one don't seem to regret buying it, but also don't seem to be overwhelmed by it either. It doesn't seem to have built much of a rabid gamer fanbase.

[DaveMMR]

I played the device last month at a video game store competition (Digital Press) and I forgot the name of this indie game we played but it was like a combination of Power Stone and Bomberman and while a little too hectic, still seemed kind of fun. I didn't mind the controllers so much either. And now, if you like You Don't Know Jack, you can actually use iOS devices as buzzers for the game to work with the Ouya (instead of buying additional controllers for $50 a pop.)

Outside of that, I haven't played around with it much but I can see the potential for the device. I don't see it replacing the mainstream consoles just yet though.

[Howard_Casto]

I think you might be.  It's hard to get excited about a device when the top 10 list you posted contains stuff that our smart tvs, modern game consoles and in some cases mame cabs already do. 

I don't entirely buy that explanation. I have all those things...it's not stopping me from enjoying the heck out of the device. From my perspective we (BYOAC) are a community who goes out of our way to create devices that can do things that our smart tvs, modern game consoles and computers already do. We like to tinker and to have freedom to make it our way.

Absolutely I agree.  Which is why we build something (mame cab, console mods ect) instead of buying it off the shelf  (ouya).  I'm not knocking the device at all, but you did ask the question, so I'm trying to help you understand. 

Like the peanut gallery is pointing out, there is a big difference between liking something, not hating something, and loving something enough to discuss it in chat rooms.  I think for most people the ouya falls between the first two. 

It's pretty great, but nothing to write home (or byoac) about.

[SNAAKE]

I like how some people think ouya is more than just another android device lol


its a neat little device for $100 tho

[knave]

I like how some people think ouya is more than just another android device lol

That's just it. It is just another android device. One that is set up differently than a phone or tablet.

I have a tablet, I can hook it up to my TV with HDMI...but so what.  I can start a movie and then go sit down. I could buy a remote or controller for it and use it from a distance. While that is a cool practical exercise it's not that convenient.

It seems to me that it would be pretty easy to put an Ouya in a cab and play not only MAME but some of the better CAB-friendly OUYA games. (Inferno+, Sine-Mora) I'm happy using mine as a console.

Folks were really excited about the Raspberry pi but not the Ouya? Doesn't make sense to me.

--Edit:
What other Device gives as much entertainment value for $99?

[Howard_Casto]

How about a Wii?  They are on sale for 99 bucks new in most locations now.  It'll do everything the ouya does only play actual retail games because it's an actual game console.  I'm just saying.. if you ever want to get out of that hole you better stop digging while you are in it. 

Who were these folks that are excited about the Pi?  I sure was... in 2005 ish when it was actually supposed to be released.  That thing was outdated the minute it hit the shelves.  Although I'll gladly admit that it's more useful than the ouya due to the I/o pins, flexible programming language, OS choices, ect...

Honestly I think that android tablets are just on the way out, it has nothing specific to do with the ouya.  I'm not a big fan of the OS at all, and it's lack of restrictions on the marketplace make the poor thing rampant with shovelware and scam ware. 

[knave]

Howard, I totally agree with you that Android as an OS has flaws. I can't stand how it behaves as if it has a mind of it's own. Perhaps it is because it was created for the masses by google to ultimately sell us things and gather information.

But it is free and relatively user friendly...As a Phone/tablet OS I do prefer the choices of free apps.

I'm not so sure I'm the one digging the hole.  I have a Wii. currently it is used for Netflix and maybe a game session or two a month (kids). Where is XBMC, a connection to my NAS, 400 free demos of indie games, and of course emulation?

I mean you are talking about a Modded Wii? I think modding consoles is pretty fun. But I've never seen any real reason to do the Wii. It can't really do anything that I want except play Netflix and Wii games which it does fine stock. (you do get DVD's with the Mod. )

The Ouya is not the best media device out there. But it is its open nature and how easy it is to get all these features working all on one box that is appealing.

If I wanted a more crunchy media solution, I could probably find a cheap PC for around $100 and throw some things on there...but it still does not have the whole list of features. (even while it added others.)

I don't think a Wii does everything an OUYA does. it has other features but not the same. The Ouya is an extract of most of the features a media center/console needs. That's why I like it.

[Howard_Casto]

No I'm not talking about modding a wii, the wii's virtual console allows you to access every single retro console worth mentioning.  If you mod it though, you can pirate these games, which, lets face it, is the only reason anyone was interested in the Ouya.  If you mod it, it's media features are greatly expanded, but I'm really confused with your love of this on the ouya.  The ouya is frikkin 99 bucks!  If you just wanted a media center with limited android functionality google has the google tv for only 35.... roku's are only 50.   

The wii does everything that the ouya does.  Except play crappy android games of course, but even then, the more popular ones (Angry Birds ect) have been ported to the Wii. 

I'm not saying the Wii is the best thing out there, but you asked the question what could you get with that much functionality for only 99 bucks.  I just mentioned the Wii at random because it covers nearly all the things you were going on about only it'll play actual games, which is kind of an important feature for a supposed game console.


So if you are saying that you like the ouya because of media functionality then you had a slew of better, cheaper options at your disposal.

I'm not even sure why I'm arguing at this point.  I have no real hate for the ouya.  I (correctly) predicted it would be a flop so I tried to keep people from wasting their money on it when it was in the development stage, but now that it's out, people can see for themselves. 

[knave]

I have a Roku and a Wii and they are great for what they do. (Netflix) Some Wii games are great but it isn't a medium where I can try out new things. I was really thrilled when Roku added HBOGo though...
I don't have a Google TV, it sounds good but I will happily pay a bit more for some game related features. 

I think you are giving the Wii too much credit, it doesn't do the same things. And you're not giving the Ouya a shot. It's not a Flop by any means.
My "love" (appreciation really) for the OUYA is that it is a "swiss-Army" device. Handy to have around because it can do a lot on it's own and even more if you push it. It's not perfect. But the sum of all its features is well worth $100 and it blows a Wii out of the Water.

The best games that come out on the Ouya are not ports of mobile games. There is plenty of crap but the gems are way better than Angry birds on the big screen.
Check out Bombsquad, Inferno+, and Ballistic SE Some of the best games are just about good gameplay, Hidden in Plain sight for example. Some of the new games coming out look amazing!

Not to mention that I can find Free games to try out (from the store) if I want or I can load up a few roms (which I already had) and play a few emulators in my living room. (Wii cant)
On top of this the box also can play my movies and shows from my network (wii cant) and can run XBMC and thus Live TV (also Wii cant)
I guess the reality is that while you say that I'm in love with my Ouya, I just appreciate what it can do for $100.

Don't knock it until you've tried it, its a cool concept. Let's be open minded.

I think you are missing out.

[versapak]

How about a Wii?  They are on sale for 99 bucks new in most locations now.  It'll do everything the ouya does only play actual retail games because it's an actual game console.  I'm just saying.. if you ever want to get out of that hole you better stop digging while you are in it. 

Who were these folks that are excited about the Pi?  I sure was... in 2005 ish when it was actually supposed to be released.  That thing was outdated the minute it hit the shelves.  Although I'll gladly admit that it's more useful than the ouya due to the I/o pins, flexible programming language, OS choices, ect...

Honestly I think that android tablets are just on the way out, it has nothing specific to do with the ouya.  I'm not a big fan of the OS at all, and it's lack of restrictions on the marketplace make the poor thing rampant with shovelware and scam ware.

Is a Wii even as powerful as an OUYA? At least the OUYA does HD, and for media streaming that would be extremely important to me.

The Wii virtual console is nice, but I would take the emulation on my android over it any day.

At this point in time, I would definitely take an OUYA over a Wii. Of course, that being said, I already have my android phone and my iPad that both give me the kind of experiences that the OUYA will provide. Far more than the ability to take mobile experiences and put them on the TV, I am finding that I love the ability to have the console experience in a small screen in my hand. I really love that aspect of the Wii U more than any other use of its second screen controller.

[mgb]

I haven't even heard of the Ouya until a few days ago but it seems pretty neat.
  I know it's got it's limitations but for $100, what ever.
I really wouldn't mind checking it out.
I have plenty of other electronics for entertainment but again, for the price this seems alright.

[sharpfork]

I haven't even heard of the Ouya until a few days ago but it seems pretty neat.
  I know it's got it's limitations but for $100, what ever.
I really wouldn't mind checking it out.
I have plenty of other electronics for entertainment but again, for the price this seems alright.

Want to buy mine?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Vigo]

I think most people who care about gaming enough have a PS3 or Xbox already, and those work as media centers too. They also offer a slew of cheap downloadable games. I don't think the Ouya would be bad, but for a hundred dollars, it seems kinda....redundant. Does Ouya make any 1st party games? Maybe if there were a few good quality games that I couldn't get elsewhere, I might take interest in the Ouya, thats what keeps Nintendo in the console business.

What other Device gives as much entertainment value for $99?

A used PC plugged into your tv.

[knave]

I think most people who care about gaming enough have a PS3 or Xbox already, and those work as media centers too. They also offer a slew of cheap downloadable games. I don't think the Ouya would be bad, but for a hundred dollars, it seems kinda....redundant. Does Ouya make any 1st party games? Maybe if there were a few good quality games that I couldn't get elsewhere, I might take interest in the Ouya, thats what keeps Nintendo in the console business.

I also had a PS3 and Xbox 360 before I ever ordered my Ouya. Those devices each only worked for about half of what I want. Besides I hate...hate with a passion the concept of xbox live gold subscription. Sure I think it is smart for Microsoft but I refuse to pay for content I can get online for free using the internet I already pay for...I liked the xbox as a media player otherwise. (no Netflix without live killed it though)

...that aside...I tried to use my PS3 as my go-to device...I eventually switched over to the Roku since the PS3 wanted to update all the time and it often forgot my Netflix and hulu information. Plus While I can play media on the PS3 from a flash drive it was a pain and the interface sucked. Not to mention that it would only play a few specific formats.

Enter the Ouya. $100, Plays all my files, has built in emulation and a ton of games to try out. Sounds awesome for me. I've said several times that it is not perfect. (I'm not getting rid of my Roku anytime soon) But the Ouya delivers it all in one box what the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 don't. Plus there is room for improvement. As far as games go...the Ouya is all about Indie game development. It's not meant to compete with the big three on the game level. While there are some good games on there, there is not the latest and greatest AAA titles. That's what the PS3 and Xbox is for. I will say that the Ouya has them beat when it comes to living room multiplayer. 

Vigo: ...Show me a used PC with HDMI out that comes with an OS and wireless controller for $99 ...

[DaveMMR]

...that aside...I tried to use my PS3 as my go-to device...I eventually switched over to the Roku since the PS3 wanted to update all the time and it often forgot my Netflix and hulu information. Plus While I can play media on the PS3 from a flash drive it was a pain and the interface sucked. Not to mention that it would only play a few specific formats.

Not sticking up for the PS3 here (it's a little pricey if you're using it mainly for Netflix/Hulu and media) but the updating isn't that frequent (though, admittedly it decides it needs to update at the worst times.) As for streaming, I run PS3 Media Server on my PC and it seems to serve up media files without much issue. The interface is lacking though, I'll give you that.

[Brian74]

...that aside...I tried to use my PS3 as my go-to device...I eventually switched over to the Roku since the PS3 wanted to update all the time and it often forgot my Netflix and hulu information. Plus While I can play media on the PS3 from a flash drive it was a pain and the interface sucked. Not to mention that it would only play a few specific formats.

Not sticking up for the PS3 here (it's a little pricey if you're using it mainly for Netflix/Hulu and media) but the updating isn't that frequent (though, admittedly it decides it needs to update at the worst times.) As for streaming, I run PS3 Media Server on my PC and it seems to serve up media files without much issue. The interface is lacking though, I'll give you that.

I do the same.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Vigo]

Vigo: ...Show me a used PC with HDMI out that comes with an OS and wireless controller for $99 ...

Any used machine should still have its OS, and many come with the serial key right on the case. About every machine from the last 3 years has DVI. A $4 converter will turn that into HDMI. I get these kind of machines free all the time because I ask around, but it should be easy to find something under $50. At that price, you can even get a top of the line Bluetooth controller and bluetooth receiver and still come in well under $100. Oh, and you get a 80gb+ HDD so you dont need to stream everything, not to mention a DVD drive.

[Alistair Keith]

Can you connect Arcade Sticks to an Ouya?

[knave]

Can you connect Arcade Sticks to an Ouya?

Yes. Any USB arcade stick for Xbox360/PS3/PC should work with the Ouya. Or you could make your own 

[Alistair Keith]

Can you connect Arcade Sticks to an Ouya?

Yes. Any USB arcade stick for Xbox360/PS3/PC should work with the Ouya. Or you could make your own 

That's brilliant! And is it Android like HTC/Samsung (modified stock) or is it super-locked down with it's own Play Store type of thing?

[knave]

That's brilliant! And is it Android like HTC/Samsung (modified stock) or is it super-locked down with it's own Play Store type of thing?

It runs android but I wouldn't say its like the sense UI or touchwiz but it is a UI on top of android. Really since its not a Phone, the UI not phone like at all. Just like the games are NOT necessarily phone games on a TV...(although you can if you want)

It has it's own store, but you can load apps from other sources. Including other stores. Some work great right away and others need some tweaking since it's not a touch screen device nor does it have all the phone internals. It comes semi-rooted out of the box. I say "semi" because while you have access to the system, in order to do some of the things you'll want you will still need to go through a rooting procedure. I think there's an app now that does it in one click. So It is easier than rooting a Phone. I've never had the need so you can find more info on rooting the Ouya on the interwebs.

Everything I like and use can be achieved from the stock device. I've installed a few regular android apps but most of what I use are Ouya Store apps.

[Alistair Keith]

That's brilliant! And is it Android like HTC/Samsung (modified stock) or is it super-locked down with it's own Play Store type of thing?

It runs android but I wouldn't say its like the sense UI or touchwiz but it is a UI on top of android. Really since its not a Phone, the UI not phone like at all. Just like the games are NOT necessarily phone games on a TV...(although you can if you want)

It has it's own store, but you can load apps from other sources. Including other stores. Some work great right away and others need some tweaking since it's not a touch screen device nor does it have all the phone internals. It comes semi-rooted out of the box. I say "semi" because while you have access to the system, in order to do some of the things you'll want you will still need to go through a rooting procedure. I think there's an app now that does it in one click. So It is easier than rooting a Phone. I've never had the need so you can find more info on rooting the Ouya on the interwebs.

Everything I like and use can be achieved from the stock device. I've installed a few regular android apps but most of what I use are Ouya Store apps.

Ahh, thats pretty cool. I can understand the issue with the lack of phone internals and the touchscreen. They probably could have had a touchpad on the controller like with the PS4.

[knave]

They probably could have had a touchpad on the controller like with the PS4.

Ahem, I forgot to mention that It has a Touch pad on the Controller. 

...But while it works to control apps, it is not a viable interface for games, with a few clever exceptions. To be honest I'm glad its there, but I only want to use it if I have to.

[Alistair Keith]

They probably could have had a touchpad on the controller like with the PS4.

Ahem, I forgot to mention that It has a Touch pad on the Controller. 

...But while it works to control apps, it is not a viable interface for games, with a few clever exceptions. To be honest I'm glad its there, but I only want to use it if I have to.

Damn, it seems to have everything for a nice and cheap price of $100. Might have to get myself one.

[ark_ader]

They probably could have had a touchpad on the controller like with the PS4.

Ahem, I forgot to mention that It has a Touch pad on the Controller. 

...But while it works to control apps, it is not a viable interface for games, with a few clever exceptions. To be honest I'm glad its there, but I only want to use it if I have to.

Damn, it seems to have everything for a nice and cheap price of $100. Might have to get myself one.

Looks like a good deal to me.  Besides $100 isn't very much these days.  I LOLed when Howard tried to compare it to a stock wii.

To each it's own.