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The small, compact $99 Ouya game console and its larger controller (pictures)

The Ouya game console costs $99, is smaller than its controller, and allows you to bring your own games into people's living rooms.

Eric Franklin
Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.
Eric Franklin
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Small

The Ouya is a $99 game console that runs Android and fits in the palm of your hand. The console houses a Tegra 3 CPU, so don't expect Xbox 360 or PS3 performance levels, but if you're into the indie gaming scene or are looking to build your own games (every Ouya is also a development kit), it's one of the cheapest conduits into that world available. Look for it on June 4.
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2 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Connect

Ouya packs in HDMI, Micro-USB, full USB, Ethernet, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5.1 sound support.
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Control

Every Ouya includes a pretty well-designed Xbox-like controller.
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Still small

The controller's even larger than the console itself. Great if (like me) you're running out of space in your entertainment center.
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5 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

I want to take its face plates...off

In order to access the dual AA battery required for each controller, removing its face plates is necessary.
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6 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Triggers

Ouya's controller goes with less triggery triggers than I'm used to, but it feels well-calibrated.
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7 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Clever face buttons

Sure, it's cute and all that the face buttons spell out "Ouya" but now I have to retrain my Xbox-focused brain as to the placement of "A."
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Powered on

The Ouya wants you to know when it's powered on.
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Mod

The four screws on top of the console should make it easy for would-be modders to do what they do best.
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Home

This is what greets you when turning Ouya on: a very streamlined and minimalist interface.
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Store

Ouya's digital game store will surface the more interesting and successful titles.
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So indie

Oh indie games. You're so self-aware.
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Ports

Ouya will see its fair share of original titles, but expect to see ports and lots of them.

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