It seems Android operating system based OUYA now has some competition from an established gaming organization. Mad Catz today revealed via IGN their Android based console called “Project M.O.JO.”. Although we are not sure if this is the official consoles name, but the hardware will not require games to be custom-tailored to its hardware. Rather the console will allow existing digital storefronts like Google Play, and Amazon’s Appstore . Since the system is not a proprietary platform; it’s basically an true open consoles that let’s gamer’s go ham, and have their way to a library of Android based games. That’s right. You get all the titles seen on smartphones, and tablets. So games like “Dark Avenger”, “Candy Crush”, “Hardest Gamer Ever”, “Temple Run”, “Zombie Frontier”, and “Words With Friends” are all on deck from the gate.
Right now Project M.O.J.O. is a bit a ways away as all the hardware features are not in place. They are currently in talks with Nvidia to supply the newly annoucned Tegra 4 processor. In this regard it already is generation ahead of OUYA will provide. Mad Catz is in the prototyping phase of the micro console hardware, but the expectation is that the final hardware will supposedly ship with 16GB of internal storage with expandable microSD storage, Bluetooth Smart 4.0 (supported by the next Android version ), two USB ports for wired gamepads, other accessories, HDMI, Wi-Fi, as well as headphones. All based on Mad Catz “GameSmart Platform”. What is interesting is how Project M.O.J.O will be positioned. As a games peripheral company Mad Catz has tons of experience supporting other console, PC, and handheld manufactures. One advantage the console will have in the Android space is that it will provide Nvidia’s Shield technology. Gamer will be able to stream full HD games from their PC over a local Wi-Fi network. IGN has a full breakdown of their hands on with the console.
Although there is still much to learn about Mad Catz console entry such as the company creating first party titles, or major third party support. One thing is for certain there are no draconian security and game features to impede gamer’s from getting into their Android games. Which for Microsoft, and Sony is going to pose a huge problem. Android is slowly but surely becoming a haven for developers, and publishers to not only get games to consumers. The platform is open to developers, and publishers to push boundaries in terms of business models. More, and more games are becoming standard with casual along with hardcore gamers. By offering a more powerful console developers will be able to tap into, and compete with both the Playstation 4 and Xbox One with a plethora of developers whose games are already available. In every sense of the word OUYA and Now Project M.O.J.O will be game consoles. With many gamers getting nervous, and antsy with what Microsoft and Sony are doing in the console space (more so Microsoft) . Gamer’s may feel more safe going with a new platform that is not that new since mobile gaming is growing by leaps and bounds. Android is not a new kid on the block. There is real competition entering the space. Interesting times indeed gamers.
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