Joystiq

GameStick hit with DelayStick, now expected in August

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EST

Android micro-console GameStick will now ship to its Kickstarter backers at some point in August, the start-up hardware manufacturer announced yesterday in an update. Originally slated to release back in April, GameStick was then delayed until June after changes in the manufacturing process were required.

This latest delay stems from the fundraiser's $300 "DESIGNED BY ME!" donation level, which promises 50 backers exclusive early access to development kits for the purpose of beta testing and refining the system's user interface. Getting these devices to the backers took longer than expected, and so has implementing their feedback into the GameStick's UI.

"We have therefore taken the decision to push back the whole project by one month to ensure we can fit this process in," the update reads. "We appreciate that this will frustrate backers keen to get their hands on their device but we did not feel it was fair to bypass this step as it was a key pledge and the feedback will be really welcome."

GameStick hit with DelayStick, now expected in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony-sponsored 'EToo' event in London is an alternate to E3

Mike Suszek — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST

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.

Sony-sponsored 'EToo' event in London is an alternate to E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStick dev unit unboxed, UI caught on video

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST

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.

GameStick dev unit unboxed, UI caught on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamestick backer units delayed to June, dev kits shipping now

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST

Some good news for GameStick developers today, as dev kits are now shipping to the 600 or so who signed up for them. The company has also announced changes to the final production model of the GameStick, notably redesigned buttons, a new texture on the "analog stick hats" and a door that closes the back of the controller when the USB stick is removed.

The bad news, unfortunately, is that it looks like neither Kickstarter backers nor pre-orderers will be getting their GameSticks until June. The release was originally slated for April, but GameStick has had to change its production tooling in order to accommodate demand for the device. Couple with manufacturing and shipment time, that puts GameSticks in users' hands near the end of June - June 25, according to the pre-order page.

Sure, the delay sucks, but at least we can add the delightful term "analog stick hats" to our vocabulary, right?

Gamestick backer units delayed to June, dev kits shipping now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStick secures GameStop funding

David Hinkle — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST

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.

Continue reading GameStick secures GameStop funding

GameStick secures GameStop funding originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStick pre-orders begin for console and accessories

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST

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 pre-orders begin for console and accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStick Kickstarter closes at just under $650K

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST

The Kickstarter for PlayJam's dongle-sized GameStick Android console thundered over the finish line with a final total of $647,658, nearly 6 and a half times more than the original goal. With three days to go the fundraiser cleared the $500K mark, but a surge saw it soon pass its last stretch goal of $560K. That means the miniature console, which can plug directly into a TV's HDMI port, will be available in four colors including white, black, red, and one voted for by its Facebook community.

PlayJam unveiled the final look of the GameStick controller (into which the console plugs in) earlier this week, the device undergoing ergonomic-minded revisions in light of funder feedback. Playjam's production plan is to get a first commercial run going by next month before shipping the devices to all customers in April.

GameStick Kickstarter closes at just under $650K originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStick controller final design unveiled, docking station detailed

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST

PlayJam revealed the sleek-looking final design of the GameStick controller today. The company also grounded out some details on its docking station. The controller, which incorporates the dongle-like GameStick android console and plugs into the TV's HDMI port, underwent a few changes based on feedback from Kickstarter backers.

In addition to the more curvy design, the HDMI stick now sits at the back of the controller. The stick itself gets an expandable 32GB MicroSD card slot, which PlayJam says was added "in response to overwhelming demand." With the Kickstarter campaign sitting at over five times the $100,000 goal with just under three days to go, we can believe the demand.

As for the docking station, as you'd expect it charges up the controller for wireless use; Playjam tells us the station connects to the controller via electromagnetic coils. What's clever is that it also supports peripheral hardware such as mice, keyboards, cameras, and microphones for use with GameStick. It also has a slot for a 64GB memory card, taking the GameStick's total potential capacity up to 104GB.

Gallery: Gamestick Controller

Continue reading GameStick controller final design unveiled, docking station detailed

GameStick controller final design unveiled, docking station detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStick stretch goals include MicroSD support

JC Fletcher — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST

GameStick, the stick that plays games, already hit its Kickstarter goal of $100,000. But just raising the amount of money you asked for is no fun, so the company behind the tiny Android console has revealed some stretch goals, mostly cosmetic, but also functional at higher tiers.

At $320,000, buyers will have the option to purchase the GameStick in black or white. At $450,000, the device will also be produced in red, along with a fourth color chosen by a Facebook poll. Most importantly, a total of $560,000 or higher will add a MicroSD slot to the console, for expandable memory.

To help bring in these extra pledges, a new option has been added. For $89, you can get a GameStick with a new clear carrying case.

Continue reading GameStick stretch goals include MicroSD support

GameStick stretch goals include MicroSD support originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStick Android console is the size of a USB stick

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST

PlayJam, a company that currently operates a social/casual games network for smart/connected TVs called The PlayJam Network, has spent the last 12 months developing "GameStick," a dongle-sized Android gaming console that plugs directly into a television's HDMI port. The device currently exists in several different functional prototype forms, but bringing it to market will require the aid of an ongoing Kickstarter campaign, which has recently surpassed its fundraising goal of $100,000.

The GameStick itself runs on Android (Jelly Bean, specifically), outputs at 1080p and will cost $79 when it officially launches in April. The console is powered by an Amlogic 8726-MX mobile processor generally used in Chinese Android tablets, and is supported by one gig of DDR3 RAM and eight gigs of Flash storage.

Games are obtained wirelessly through the Internet, naturally, and PlayJam is said to be working with "more than 250 developers" to get titles made for and ported to the system. Beyond that, designers interested in developing for the thing can pledge $500 for access to a prototype unit and the system's SDK one month before the console's commercial debut.

GameStick Android console is the size of a USB stick originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: Mad Catz Arcade GameStick (Xbox 360)

Alexander Sliwinski — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arcade, Microsoft Xbox 360, Peripherals

After accidentally bursting on the scene last year following an EB Games website error, the Mad Catz Arcade GameStick is the peripheral that looked to bring a more authentic (and less clunky) experience to much of the Xbox Live Arcade line-up. The game stick delivers that authentic experience, along with a few included games. The only problem gamers may have is remembering what it's like to use a joystick.

The controller retails at $59.99, ten dollars more than than we were originally quoted in August, and includes three Xbox Live Arcade games (Frogger, Astro Pop and Time Pilot), downloadable using the included codes. The USB wired controller can also be used with Windows XP.

The controller works perfectly with games like Frogger and Pac-Man. If you play these classic games often enough, this controller will solve a lot of complaints surrounding the use of the normal Xbox 360 controller. The joystick also has a button on top of the stick, which functions as the A button. If we could think of a single flight sim game off the top of our heads for the 360, that button would come in handy as a replacement trigger button. The Mad Catz game stick is great for the classics and, with some creative thinking, could also be used with newer games.

Joystiq hands-on: Mad Catz Arcade GameStick (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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