Ouya

Ouya was a microconsole developed by OUYA, Inc., powered by the Android operating system. It launched in 2013 after a widely publicized Kickstarter campaign in 2012.

The Kickstarter raised about $8.5 million from more than 60,000 backers, making it one of the most funded video-game projects of its time. The console was compact and designed to plug into a television via HDMI, with a wireless game controller included.

Hardware and software: It used an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of internal storage, plus USB ports and HDMI output. It ran Ouya OS, a modified version of Android, and allowed developers to publish games to the Ouya Store with relatively low barriers to entry.

Reception: It was notable for its open platform and emphasis on indie games, but criticized for a small library, limited performance, and questions about value. It did not achieve mainstream success and faced stiff competition from established consoles and mobile platforms.

Decline and legacy: In 2015 OUYA filed for bankruptcy; Razer acquired the company’s assets and the hardware line was discontinued; the Ouya Store and official support were eventually shut down. The Ouya is often cited as a high-profile example of crowdfunding’s promise and its challenges in sustaining a new hardware ecosystem.