A group of gaming enthusiasts have combined forces to create a new console, OUYA.

Based on the Android platform, its software is open source so that nobody is faced with the hurdles today’s home entertainment systems put in the way of developers and hackers.

When you look at the specs of what the new hardware is supposed to achieve, it’s understandable why some gamers aren’t seeing OUYA as the next big thing. However, the idea of creating something that has the potential to give users the freedom of a computer, while sustaining the “clean” interface of a console, could bring forth an experience that could allow hardcore tech fans to find just as much enjoyment as the plug-in and play casual gamers.

It is exactly this freedom of choice, which has the internet pledging already over $2,7 million with 28 days left to go on the kickstarter funding this idea. For many indie studios it’s nearly impossible to get their software distributed on any of the major consoles. XBLA does give the opportunity for smaller games to be released, though many are still faced with the difficulties of programming on that platform.

But in that case, why not just stick to a PC, everybody has one at home anyway, right? Well it’s simple to explain why using something like OUYA can be more profitable for developers and consumers, one must simply look back to the shift from PC gaming to the console hype. Buying a rig was never as simple as “I want the Windows”. People who wanted a computer needed to (and still do) consider a series of specs before purchasing anything. With technology constantly making leaps forward, upgrades had to be made to stay up to date. Consoles pretty much stay the same, making them more accessible for the mass audience. OUYA creates a standardised platform where developers know exactly what they working with.

At the moment we’re witnessing a rise in sales for mobile and PC gaming and this is due to the fact that people are anticipating the next gen. I don’t believe that this new Android platform will become the new pinnacle of electronic entertainment, but it has the capability to level the playing field.

Many argue that the OUYA is just a glorified media PC, but even though we might not be looking at something entirely new, I believe this project could combine what good ideas came beforehand to create something unique with the potential to revolutionise the gaming industry.