Dissatisfied with the 'micro-console' terminology that's being thrown about, Jordan argues that the era of consoles is, in fact, drawing to a close.
The current crop of Kickstarted games machines all belong in a single category, though, and 'unconsole' is the best descriptor for the job. Or so he reckons.
Regardless of designation, I'd argue that a device such as the Ouya could conceivably carve out a niche for itself catering to indies and tinkerers, while offering a price point that'll seem mighty tempting when compared to next-gen hardware.
Nvidia's newly announced Project Shield, on the other hand, will likely be pricey. And what's more, Nvidia will want to achieve scale, rather than being content with courting a small subsection of the market.
The company seems committed to achieving this promising annual hardware revisions for its handheld but its hard to see how the first version Nvidia's unconsole will be anything other than unsuccessful as a mass-market proposition.
But that's quite enough high-falutin' chatter for one week. Instead, let's move on to our bite-sized overview of the last seven days' on PocketGamer.biz.
Platform wars
- Fresh figures from Google show that almost 40 percent of all Android users are now running Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean, as updates surge.
- Microsoft refuses to confirm an early 2013 launch for Windows Phone 7.8, although Nokia Spain breaks the silence.
- In the latest PocketGamer.biz inforgraphic, we take a look at the growth of the Windows Phone Store and it might just surprise you.
- Microsoft announces that cumulative sales of Windows 8 have reached 60 million, and the Windows Store has served up 100 million app downloads.
- PS Vita sales are "on the low end" of Sony's expectations, admits CEO Kaz Hirai.
Un-consoles
- Nvidia unveils Project Shield its Android-based gaming handheld powered by Tegra 4. Pocket Gamer editor-in-chief Kristan Reed reckons the device is a bit ridiculous, but likes it nonetheless.
- As the Ouya begins shipping to developers, its creators announce a worldwide Ouya game jam with $45,000 of prize money on offer.
- PocketGamer.biz editor-at-large Jon Jordan argues that Nvidia needs to make the TegraZone work before the Project Shield can be a success.
- In an interview with GameStick creators PlayJam, Jon Jordan discovers that there's already interest in bringing the device to retail.
- Developers discuss Project Shield, and the consensus is that the device represents a "bold move" for Nvidia, although it's not without its issues.
- The company will launch "one model a year" of its Project Shield handheld, says Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang.
Monetisation
- Apple announces free-to-play favourites Clash of Clans and DrangonVale generated $100 million in 2012.
- In this week's edition of the PocketGamer.biz Charticle, we take a look at Kabam the publisher behind the US App Store's single highest grossing iPhone game of 2012.
Funding and start ups
- OpenFeint-style social gaming network Heyzap raises $4.3 million in Series B funding round, bringing the company's total investment to just under $8 million.
- Chartboost kicks off 2013 with a $19 million Series B funding round led by Sequoia Capital.
- What does Chartboost need $19 million for anyway? "It's big money for our huge plans," says CEO Maria Alegre.
- Industry veteran Trip Hawkins joins with former Moshi Monsters lead Ben Geliher to found educational gaming start up If You Can.
Industry voices
- Appromoter MD Ed Vause delivers the sixth commandment of app marketing though shalt get to grips with cross-promotion.
- Our US correspondent Carter Dotson examines the key issues that will define 2013 for the industry, looking at hardware, funding, monetisation and of course unconsoles.
- PVP success is great, but we're looking 'beyond core' gaming in 2013, says Kabam's Steve Swasey.
- Fraser MacInnes presents his list of ten predictions that will definitely come to pass in 2013. Probably.
- Developers react to Apple's App Store screenshot clampdown, criticising Apple for the lack of notice and potential pitfalls of its anti-scamming efforts.
- This developer discontent prompts PocketGamer.biz editor Keith Andrew to opine on the issue, and he argues that Apple's attitude could soon harm its business.
