The developers of the OUYA have finally set a date for the retail launch of the console. It’s just a few months away at this point and customers can start claiming theirs online.
The launch-date has been confirmed for the United States, Canada, and the U.K. for June 4, 2013. The console will retail for $99.99. If you haven’t been following the OUYA, it was designed on the bases of being open to any game developer, for creation and publication. According to the developer, “tens of thousands of OUYAs were sold in its first month when announced in 2012”.
The first consoles will ship to early starting today, The OUYA already has over “8,000 game developers worldwide” developing games according to the press-release sent out today. This list includes such companies as Square Enix, Double Fine Productions, Tripwire Interactive, Vlambeer, Phil Fish ‘s Polytron Corporation, and Kim Swift ‘s Airtight Games.
“Nine months ago, we shared an idea for an immersive, beautiful and powerful game console that generated an outpouring of support from game developers, gamers, technology enthusiasts, and more. With that, we set out to bring the OUYA concept to life, and today, we’re delivering,” said Julie Uhrman , CEO of OUYA. “We’re giving early backers the first look at the final OUYA console and controller, and we look forward to their continued input as we gear up for the official launch at retail on June 4.”
“It’s an exciting time for game developers as it becomes easier to get games into the hands of gamers,” said Ed Fries , industry veteran and OUYA advisor. “OUYA is a big part of the future of console gaming. It removes content filters, empowers all game creators, and enables true gamer-driven curation.”
“OUYA is different from any other product,” said Michael Pachter , senior analyst, Wedbush Securities. “Thousands of games and apps should appear over time, and players will end up with tons of choices accessible through their TV using a controller that is really easy to use.”
“It’s about time somebody tried to do what OUYA is trying to do, and doing it differently, too,” said Phil Fish Polytron founder and Fez creator. “Working with the OUYA team has been a breath of fresh air.”
OUYA will be available through standard retailers, both online and off including (Amazon, Best Buy, GAME, GameStop, Target, and the store on OUYA.tv for $99.99.)
