It didn’t make as much as the first big Android-based microconsole, but GameStick ended its crowdfunding campaign today with a lot more than its $100,000 goal.
The tiny thumb-drive-sized Android gaming console from developer PlayJam raised $647,658 on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. The device, which plugs directly into a television’s HDMI input, comes with a controller so gamers can play Android titles on a big screen.
The system begins shipping to backers in April. Those who didn’t get in on the Kickstarter can still preorder the system on the company’s website for $79.
“We are overwhelmed, excited, grateful, thrilled, and everything in between,” said PlayJam chief marketing officer Anthony Johnson. “The campaign has been an incredible success with support from thousands of backers worldwide, but this is just the beginning. The feedback from the Kickstarter community has been invaluable in shaping the final product, and we will continue to seek input from those that supported us to ensure continued innovation ahead of a global retail launch.”
The hardware team recently redesigned the system and controller based on feedback from contributors.
PlayJam will work with developers to bring controller-optimized games to the GameStick. The device has its own distribution store, so the platform-holder can feature titles that work best on a television. At the same time, it’s fully hackable, so savvy users can load the Google Play market and any other Android app that they choose.
As I mentioned earlier, GameStick isn’t the most successful console of its type on Kickstarter. The Android-based Ouya raised more than $8 million in July.
We have a full rundown of console alternatives that can explain in more detail the position Ouya and GameStick occupy in the market.