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Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame launching this year on GameStick
PlayJam announced that its HDMI plug-in microconsole GameStick will host a port of Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame in its online storefront by the end of December. Originally released in 1993, The Shadow and the Flame featured creative, difficult puzzle-platforming gameplay in the same vein as its 1989 Apple II predecessor. A mobile remake hit iOS and Android in July, which will likely serve as the base for the upcoming GameStick edition. Funded by a successful Kickstarter project earlier this year, the GameStick met with a series of delays before finally hitting store shelves last month alongside the PlayStation 4. The GameStick is currently available at GameStop and other retailers.
GameStick review: Android console gaming still awaits its king
As you can imagine, many, many devices pass through Engadget's proverbial review bunker. Most start their lives as nebulous market research data presented on PowerPoint slides, and gradually coalesce into something real. It's all part of the time-honored product-development process. Thanks to the popularity of crowdfunding, though, some products start life elsewhere -- as a dream, or even a hobby. The PlayJam GameStick is one of them. This $80 portable Android-based game console enters the market at a curious time. Two gaming giants are poised to launch their next-gen platforms this month, and OUYA -- that other Kickstarter Android console -- is gaining traction through wider availability in retail. PlayJam (the company behind GameStick) may be established in the TV-game market, but, despite not having dangerously high expectations to live up to, it's still got its work cut out. As for taking on the giants? That's never been its intention. Either way, with the gaming universe about to experience a tsunami of media attention, will GameStick be able to ride the waves of excitement, or will it find itself splashing in the ankle busters? We took to the thumbsticks to find out.
GameStick delayed again, now launching against PS4
PlayJam's Android-powered GameStick console has had a few delays, and now it has one more. On its most recent release date, November 8, a GameStick representative confirmed to Engadget that the portable console is now scheduled to launch on November 15. That's not exactly going to be a slow day for the industry, considering the planned midnight launches for the PS4. Following the $647,658 success that was the GameStick's Kickstarter campaign, GameStop invested in the GameStick earlier this year. The retailer has changed its listing to reflect the last-minute delay, offering the GameStick for $79.99 on November 15. For reference, that's $20 less than Android family member Ouya's retail price.
GameStick Android microconsole launching October 29
GameStick manufacturer PlayJam announced a global retail release date of October 29 for its Android-powered, HDMI plug-in microconsole. PlayJam will wrap up its first production run later this month as it prepares to ship the console to Kickstarter backers. GameStick supporters are well acquainted with delays by now, as the console was originally set to launch in April. Production setbacks later pushed the platform's release date to August, then September. PlayJam assures that the project has now entered its final stages, and more than 5,000 units will soon be on their way to backers worldwide. The GameStick is priced at $79.99, and is available for pre-order at Amazon and GameStop.
Android microconsole GameStick hits retail on September 30
PlayJam's Kickstarter-funded Android game console GameStick will make its retail debut on September 30, Liliputing reports. The GameStick is a $79.99 package that includes a compact Bluetooth controller and an HDMI dongle, out-tinying its diminutive competitor Ouya. PlayJam secured additional funding from GameStop earlier this year, though subsequent delays pushed back the GameStick's planned April launch date. The GameStick is currently up for preorder at Amazon and GameStop.
PlayJam GameStick releases worldwide September 30th (update)
After a series of delays, it looks like PlayJam's GameStick is making its way to market relatively soon. Whether your allegiance lies with Amazon or GameStop, come September 30th both will begin shipping the tiny console, as noticed by Liliputing. What's more, PlayJam itself promises that the last of its crowdfunded unit-allotment will ship directly to backers by mid-September. The news doesn't stop there, as it recently passed FCC certification too. Uncle Sam's documents -- RF exposure statements! Label placement! -- don't contain much we didn't already know, but if you want to see the GameStick's user manual, here you go. [Thanks, Dave] Update: We based our report on retailer statements, but, as those can change, we've reached out to PlayJam for confirmation. Update 2: PlayJam responded, telling us that September 30th is "the retail date we [it] are working to."
GameStick 'absolutely certain' to make August release window
Playjam Head of Games Sameer Baroova is "absolutely certain" his company's left enough breathing room to ensure the GameStick will meet its August release window. The $80 Android console was originally due in April, but multiple delays have seen it beaten to market by the much higher profile Ouya, which launched earlier this month. "There was a mad rush, and we underestimated the whole power of being a public product," Baroova told Joystiq, regarding the delays. The device's Kickstarter saw it raise nearly $650,000 compared to its $100,000 goal, courtesy of just less than 5,700 backers. "The orders and pre-orders, and the number of backers on Kickstarter meant that our volume went larger, and the product feedback also meant that we had a lot more suggestions than we had originally planned [for]," Baroova added. While he couldn't commit to specifics, Baroova told us he'd be comfortable saying more than 50 games will be available for GameStick at launch. '"At the moment we'e curating the [GameStick] store, taking care to bring content that makes sense on TV," he noted. "There are loads of Android games, but not everything will be a perfect fit for a brand new platform."
GameStick delayed until August while waiting for user UI feedback
GameStick first appeared around the the first of this year, promising its Kickstarter supporters an Android gaming console that looks more Roku Streaming Stick than OUYA. Since then, GameStick has gathered its cash and started shipping out dev units, but its commercial release has already been delayed once, and today the project got pushed back another month. That means that GameSticks won't start shipping until early August. The reason for the delay is that the device's UI remains a work in progress and the team hasn't yet given backers who pledged $300 or more the chance to provide feedback. It's not all bad news, however, as the folks behind GameStick have confirmed that manufacturing tooling is complete, and the first Kickstarter controller has rolled off the line. Not only that, but you can see shots of the final versions of the GameSick itself and its controller's charging dock at the source link below.
Boku and PlayJam simplify payments on smart TVs, bring in mobile carrier billing
Smart TVs aren't new, but the platforms currently out have plenty of room for improvement. One example is when it's time to actually pay for goods or services via an app. While some have tried to fix it before, a new effort from Boku and PlayJam will reach further than one manufacturer's products in three countries. Launching in more than a dozen countries and on some of the biggest names in TVs, Boku mobile payments make it easier to buy games or upgrades by typing in your mobile number and replying Y to a text message. That way you can avoid the need to key in credit card details with a TV remote poorly suited to the task, or risk the info falling into the wrong hands. After that, the charge shows up on your next mobile phone bill like any other. It seems likely Boku will extend this beyond one partner in the future, and with PlayJam SDK already powering apps on Samsung, Panasonic, LGE, Vizio, Western Digital, Google TV and VESTEL devices you may see the option pop up sooner rather than later.
Sony-sponsored 'EToo' event in London is an alternate to E3
Londoners not attending E3 this year have a video game-centric event of their own to attend called "EToo." EToo was announced as an alternative to E3 with both Sony and PlayJam's GameStick headlining the event as sponsors. The event's press release noted that over 30 developers will show off their latest games. Demos of Lost Planet 3 and DuckTales will be presented by Capcom and The Last of Us and Rain will be on display as well, to name a few. EToo will be held at the Loading Bar in Soho from Monday, June 10 through Thursday, June 13. The daily events will be free to the public but require registration in advance, while nightly livestream shows have a £6 entry fee. Hopeful attendees will have to act fast, as the June 10 evening show has already sold out.
The Daily Roundup for 05.03.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
PlayJam's Jasper Smith on Nokia's lineage and two-piece smartphones
Every week, a new and interesting human being tackles our decidedly geeky take on the Proustian Q&A. This is the Engadget Questionnaire. In the latest version of our weekly smattering of queries, PlayJam's CEO Jasper Smith reflects on Nokia's early device design and dreams of a space-scooting future. His thoughts on those topics and much more reside on the other side of the break.
GameStick dev unit unboxed, UI caught on video
As we reported earlier this month, GameStick developer units are now shipping to Kickstarter backers. Now, the team at GameStick creator PlayJam has released a video showing off the dev console. While the unit isn't quite the same as the final retail console – the stick itself will be much smaller, and the controller of better quality – it gives us all a nice look at what to expect.The video also showcases the GameStick's user interface. It seems simple, with a bit of polish given to its transitions.The Android-powered GameStick is expected to launch this June.
Early-backer GameStick consoles delayed to June, dev units now shipping
Fancied PlayJams' GameStick Android gaming console enough to back it on Kickstarter earlier this year? The good news is that Dev units have been shipping to the roughly 600 who signed up, with the remaining ones set to head out within a week. The bad news? The early-backer versions are now set to arrive at doorsteps in late June instead of April because of high-demand, according to PlayJam. As its latest Kickstarter update details, the units will need stronger tooling than the silicon-based molds of the dev units to ensure that "tens of thousands" of them can be successfully made. Additionally, this will apparently force the company to ship these larger factory yields via sea transport rather than air, which also slows things down. A case of success causing slowdowns it seems. Hopefully not much longer than these new estimates, too -- while this breakout underdog is set to hit retailers like GameStop, that other Android-based console, OUYA, is already shipping out to backers -- and its retail units are planned in June. You'll find the full update from PlayJam at the source link.
The Daily Roundup for 03.28.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
GameStick secures GameStop funding
GameStick, the small Android gaming console that isn't Ouya, has managed to catch the eye of GameStop. The video game retailer has signed on as an investor, GameStick parent company Playjam has announced. In addition to the funding, each GameStick will come pre-loaded with games: Shadowgun and Smash Cops.Kickstarter funded GameStick, with Playjam securing just under $650,000 through the pledge drive. Last month, Playjam opened pre-orders for the $79.99 console and controller, and accessories like a wireless charging dock/port hub and protective case.
GameStick dev unit found at GDC 2013, we go eyes-on
GameStick is here ... er, sort of. The development units are at least here at GDC 2013, quietly hanging out behind a nondescript computer monitor running a few Android games paired with a Nyko wireless controller. That's right, it wasn't running with the proprietary GameStick controller, but a third-party wireless -- we'll go hands-on with the company's internally built controller later this evening, and thusly we didn't want to offer a half-impression with the third-party units available on the show floor. Stay tuned for more, and take a gander at the gallery below for now.%Gallery-184131%
GameStick strikes up XBMC partnership, will add the full Media Center experience
Playjam, the team behind GameStick, has announced that a new deal with tech company Pivos will ensure that the previously-mentioned XBMC will arrive fully-formed on its Kickstarter console. All those Media Center features will sidle up alongside your games selection and while the company maintains that gaming is still the focus of its device, given the competition, we'd say this announcement makes a whole lot of sense.
GameStick pre-orders begin for console and accessories
PlayJam has initiated pre-orders for its ultra-portable GameStick Android console over on its official website. The main $79.00 bundle includes the dongle-like console itself, as well as the controller it's stored inside of when not plugged into a television's HDMI port. The GameStick's wireless charging dock/port hub and protective case are both up for pre-order as well, priced at $24.99 and $9.99, respectively.Delivery is expected to begin once an initial run of devices have been shipped to Kickstarter supporters, which is scheduled to take place during April. Currently, the website lists April 30 as the "available on" date for all three items.
Gamestick now available for preorder: stake your claim for $79
The previously Kickstarter-funded games console has launched its pre-order page, powered by Amazon. You'll have to stump up the same $79 premium which nets you the same GameStick that those crowd-funders are getting. Pre-orders will ship once those early orders are fulfilled. However, anyone ponying up today can expect theirs to arrive a good few months before the global retail launch later this year. You also order those dock and case peripherals, priced up at $25 and $10, respectively. Pick any color (as long as it's white) at the source.
