Such is the 'unstate' of what I'm calling the new wave of 'unconsoles', even the fragmentation is fragmenting and reforming.
At least, that's one take on the news that current Kickstarter darling GameStick has linked up with fellow 'unconsole' start up Green Throttle Games.
This will ensure that the Atlas controller from Green Throttle - which is launching its console-style unit for Android gaming on smart TVs later in 2013 - will work with GameStick.
The science bit
Somewhat confusingly, GameStick is also a console-style controller, which lets you play Android games on your smart TV thanks to a USB-sized stick 'unconsole' that you plug into your smart TVs HDMI slot.
Nine days into its Kickstarter, it's raised over $300,000, easily beating its target of $100,000.
The difference between the two is that Green Throttle is focused on its controller, requiring users to have a compatible Android device, which will run the games so you can use the controller, as well as requiring a wired connection to your smart TV.
The argument seems to be that combining GameStick and the Atlas controller will provide the best of both worlds - albeit at double the price, but you won't need an Android device.
GameStick will cost $79, while Atlas controllers are currently available for developers, priced from $45.
Better, together
"Soon, games will be distinguished by the only two things that matter to 90 percent of game developers. One is screen size - phone versus tablet vs TV. The other is play mechanic - touchscreen, game pad, camera, etc." said Charles Huang, CEO of Green Throttle Games, and an advisor to GameStick.
"PlayJam is an innovator in gaming on TV through smart TVs and their upcoming GameStick. When you add this to our analog Green Throttle Atlas controller, any Android game developer can now become a 'console' developer and bring their game to new audiences of TV gamers."
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Contributing Editor
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.
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