Best Android TV stick?

[Arcadeslasher]

I've been playing around with the idea of getting one of those little Android TV sticks for the TV in my bedroom, but I don't know where to start. A quick Google search for "best Android TV stick" came up with a couple sites that list the CX-919 as the best overall, but I thought I'd ask here first. I ran a eBay search and it shows both the original CX-919 as well as a CX-919 II that has two gigs of ram and two wi-fi antennas (compared to the original which just has 1 gig of ram and one wi-fi antenna). Does anyone here own one of these things and are you happy with it in general? I'm mainly just looking to browse the web and watch Youtube videos with a little gaming here and there though probably just with SNES and Sega Genesis emulators.

[Alistair Keith]

If you want to use YouTube/Netflix/etc.. then the Chromecast will do perfectly for you.

If you want to get some serious emulation gaming then I'd recommend the Ouya.

I have both, and I still use my Ouya. You can connect up a PS3 or Xbox 360 controller to the Ouya too.

[ark_ader]

I have the mk808b and it really does an excellent job.  The only thorn in the side of this product, is the flashing of the finless rom to enable BT and wifi.  Otherwise it is either/or.  Plays emulators really fast enough to be a contender for an arcade cabinet PC.  Add a Kade for the controls and you are all set.  I don't use BT, and use Droidmote as the remote.  It has a nice gaming controller so you can play games on your tablet or phone.  Quad core units are out, but to be honest the dual core is enough.

[Howard_Casto]

I would like to point out that Chromecast, while extremely cheap, is an odd little device.  It requires a smart phone or tablet to work properly, so it's really a "middle man" situation.

The Ouya is over-priced at this point.  If you want a "hardcore" gaming device I think the new (Amazon) Fire do-dad is more bang for your buck and there are even more powerful devices on the horizon competitively priced, some even using the Ouya interface (if that is a plus for you). 

But if you need it right this instant, the mk series, as ark suggested, is probably the best route. 

[lilshawn]

old pc + geexbox = free media player. 

[Arcadeslasher]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'll just go with an mk808b off eBay as I can pick one up for less than $40 with free shipping. I know it's not the most powerful android stick out there, but at least I'll get my feet wet with how these little gadgets work. BTW, can anyone recommend a decent bluetooth game pad around the $20-$30 range?

[lilshawn]

you should be able to get a ps3 controller pretty cheaply now a days.

[ark_ader]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'll just go with an mk808b off eBay as I can pick one up for less than $40 with free shipping. I know it's not the most powerful android stick out there, but at least I'll get my feet wet with how these little gadgets work. BTW, can anyone recommend a decent bluetooth game pad around the $20-$30 range?

Check gamestop.  They had a $9.99 controller that works very well.  Also remember that you can use droidmote with a smartphone or tablet via bluzsime.

[Alistair Keith]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'll just go with an mk808b off eBay as I can pick one up for less than $40 with free shipping. I know it's not the most powerful android stick out there, but at least I'll get my feet wet with how these little gadgets work. BTW, can anyone recommend a decent bluetooth game pad around the $20-$30 range?

The advantage is that Ouya and Chromecast will probably be supported more and have a lot of aftercare.