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History of video games/Platforms/GameStick

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History

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Development

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A result of a Kickstarter campaign with a goal of $100,000,[1] A small issue with a promotional video resulted in the campaign being briefly taken down.[2] The GameStick launch was planned for 2013 at a cost of $79.[3][4] After the crowdfunding campaign, the system gained backing from other sources, such as GameStop.[5]

The GameStick developer kit was demoed at GDC 2013.[6]

Launch

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The GameStick launch occurred on November 13th, 2013, the same day the PlayStation 4 was launched.[7]

Legacy

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In 2016 it was announced that the GameStick online store would be discontinued in 2017.[8]

A PlayJam Portable Media Console was planned.[9][8] PlayJam also worked on the PlayJam OTT.

Technology

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Compute

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The GameStick uses a Amlogic 8726-MX SOC with a dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor clocked at 1.5 gigahertz, and a dual core Mali 400 GPU clocked at 400 megahertz.[10][11]

The GameStick has one gigabyte of RAM.[11][12]

Hardware

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The console is contained in a dongle that connects to a TV, and is stowed in the controller when not in use.[13] The controller contains a small easter egg in the form of a picture of eyes in the console storage slot.[13]

The controller has a battery charged by USB, and the computer requires a separate USB connection for power.[14]

Included radios are dual band Wi-Fi b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0.[12]

The system was also compatible with the 3rd party Green Throttle Gaming analog controller.[15][16]

Software

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The GameStick runs Android 4.1.2.[11][12] The Game Stick used it's own online shop instead of Google Play.[12] The system also attempted to act as a media system via a XBMC port made in collaboration with Pivos Technology Group.[17]

Notable games

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Many GameStick games are ports of existing smartphone games.[18]

External Resources

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Wikipedia has related information at GameStick

References

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  1. ↑ "An Inexpensive, Open Source, Pocket-sized Gaming Console Is Inches From Being A Reality". www.vice.com. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
  2. ↑ "Promotional Video Slip-Up Gets GameStick's $200,000 Kickstarter Taken Down Briefly [Updated"] (in en-us). Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/promotional-video-slip-up-gets-gamesticks-200-000-kick-5974904. 
  3. ↑ Robertson, Adi (29 August 2013). "GameStick consoles shipped to Kickstarter backers, retail launch planned for next month". The Verge. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  4. ↑ "gamestik". 9to5Google. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  5. ↑ McEntegart, Jane (March 29, 2013). "GameStop Named as Backer of $79 GameStick Console" (in en). Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/GameStick-Investor-Backer-Launch-Details-Pre-order,21743.html. 
  6. ↑ "GameStick dev unit found at GDC 2013, we go eyes-on". Engadget. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  7. ↑ "GameStick delayed again, now launching against PS4". Engadget. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  8. ↑ a b "GameStick - The Other Failed Kickstarter Console". Retrieved 12 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Text "TE" ignored (help)
  9. ↑ "PlayJam - Products". www.playjam.com. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  10. ↑ "GameStick Launches OUYA Competitor On Kickstarter, Aims To Be The First Pocketable Android Home Gaming Console". TechCrunch. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  11. ↑ a b c Robertson, Adi (3 January 2013). "Gamestick, a tiny $79 Android gaming console, reaches Kickstarter goal after two days". The Verge. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  12. ↑ a b c d McFerran, Damien (30 October 2013). "GameStick review". Eurogamer. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  13. ↑ a b Robertson, Adi (1 November 2013). "GameStick review: the Android console battle is on". The Verge. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  14. ↑ "Playjam's GameStick is an HDMI gaming microconsole about the size of a USB flash drive". 8-Bit Central.
  15. ↑ Grant, Christopher (10 January 2013). "GameStick will support Green Throttle Gaming controller, adding 'full analog' option for Kickstarter project". Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/2013/1/10/3859074/gamestick-green-throttle-gaming. 
  16. ↑ "GameStick adds support for Green Throttle Games' analog controller" (in en). GamesIndustry.biz. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-01-10-gamestick-add-support-with-green-throttle-games-analog-controller. 
  17. ↑ "GameStick console will also support XBMC" (in english). Destructoid. https://www.destructoid.com/stories/gamestick-console-will-also-support-xbmc-249714.phtml. 
  18. ↑ "Considering a GameStick? Here are 5 games you should play". VentureBeat. 20 November 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
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