GameStick
 |
|
| Also known as | Game Stick |
|---|---|
| Developer | PlayJam |
| Product family | First Generation |
| Type | Microconsole |
| Release date | November 15, 2013 (3 years ago) |
| Introductory price | US$79 (equivalent to $81.22 in 2016) |
| 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 |
| Successor | Playjam OTT |
| Website | www |
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, and units did not ship to retailers until early November 2013. 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. 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.
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.
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. The console contains an HDMI connector, an internal processor and memory, and wireless radios.
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Wikipedia