Android Review for GameStick

GameStick is a TV-based Android mobile gaming at an affordable cost of $79.99. The portable TV games console offers real time access to a variety of Android games. Most of GameStick’s games are affordable with the price averaging at $2.99. Games can be downloaded from the onscreen menu. The micro device is about the same size as a USB stick.

The microconsole is great for casual players at an affordable price, user-friendly and Android users have access to low cost games. The software areas and apps can use improvements. A white-plastic controller makes for a classic design gamepad.  The GameStick gamepad is also designed with a button layout, which gives it a more modern shape.

The GameStick consists of a controller and a mini console. Its mini console dongle can plug into a TV. The GameStick controller is compatible with Android 2.3+ mobile devices. The controller comes with with Bluetooth® connectivity so Android users can connect to the TV, phone or tablets. GameStick is running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The device features a 32GB micro-SD card, 1GB of memory and 8GB of storage. 1080P high-definition graphics are available which enable for interactive 3D viewing. GameStick Dock connects via an Ethernet port and two USB ports.

GameStick Key Specifications:

• Powered by Android™

• ARM® CORTEX™ - A9 CPU

• MALI™ - 400 GPU

• Onboard Storage 8GB

• 32GB Micro SD Card Support

• Built in 802.11 b/g/n Wifi

• 1080p Video Playback

• Bluetooth® 4.0

• 1 x Micro USB Port (Stick)

• 1 x Micro USB Port (Controller)

• Bluetooth® HID Android Compatible Controller

• Full Parental Control with Content Filters

*GameStick

PlayJam, the maker of GameStick, is planning to sell its devices through a proprietary market. PlayJam’s CEO, Jasper Smith stated, “While to myself and the team at PlayJam the journey seems longer, we have in fact come a significant way in a very short period of time with GameStick. The challenge of bringing affordable gaming to the big screen has always sat at the heart of everything we do and GameStick represents a huge step forward in reaching that goal. We’re extremely proud of what we have achieved and look forward to families getting their hands on devices in the run up to Christmas.” GameStick’s main competitor in this space is Ouya.

Beside the software improvements and need for more apps, The GameStick does have attractive features with its low cost, modern design areas and instant game play by just plugging in the Android device. The user interface is easy to navigate with its bright color titles and screen navigation. Gaming performance is also good. The Android microconsole device is powered by a 1.5-GHz dual-core ARM Cortex A9 CPU and a MALI-400 graphics chip.

2013, The Year of Microconsole

Polygon reported that Android’s microconsole of low-cost devices were best-in-show at this years 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. The gamification industry is expected to reach $2.8 Billion within the next few years. Growth is driven by the market’s ability to optimize for consumer engagement. There are several disruptive technologies that have emerged in gamification which include microconsoles, 3D video, IPTV, multiuser gaming, and augmented reality.