Bluestacks Android Game Console: Can GamePop Compete With Ouya, Gamestick, Nvidia and Atlas?

The Android console gaming scene is about to get more crowded with the introduction of Bluestack’s Gamepop. The GamePop is created by Bluestacks, the console is the most recent product of the company that has created a software that allows people to play 750,000 Android mobile apps on Mac and PC. The GamePop will allow users to play Android games on TV with a console and controller. It is currently available for pre-order at a $6.99/month subscription fee it comes with the console, controller and $250 worth of paid games.

The GamePop enters an Android console market that is becoming increasingly crowded. The Arena app and Atlas controller by Green Throttle, the Ouya, Gamestick and Nvidia’s Android Tegra are all fighting for the Android console market. GamePop is the first to attempt a subscription fee pricing strategy. Bluestack’s intent is to make Gamepop a, “Netflix of gaming”. Gamers will be required to commit to 1 year of service, which with the $10 shipping cost gamers must pay $93 up front.  

This makes GamePop a somewhat dubious prospect compared to competitors like Green Throttle’s Arena which is free, doesn’t require a physical console and allows Android games to be played on the TV (though the controller costs a sizable $79.95 for two and there is currently a limited game selection). Gamestick needs only the controller priced at $79.00,  Gamestick’s game selection is also small but larger than most at roughly 32 games. Ouya is going at $99 and the games are free to try, though gamers will likely need to buy for full features, as with others game selection is currently limited.

What these three rival console have in common though is that none of them require subscription fees.  Users may be turned off by being on the hook for subscription fees every month. On the other had Bluestacks does promise “over 500 games” and has some top mobile developers like “Glu Mobile, Ubisoft sister company Gameloft, Halfbrick, OutFit7, and Com2us, the largest mobile game developer in Korea.”. BlueStacks is also talking to EA and EA just got a Star Wars game contract so we could see Star Wars on GamePop. So it may not just be hot air.  Ultimately the Android console war is going to come down to specs, controller effectiveness and game selection. More competition can’t hurt in ensuring that users get the best quality products.

Interested in Android game consoles?

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