It's a big day for fans of the Kickstarter-funded Ouya gaming console as we have learned that developer consoles are now shipping to early project backers. Those who laid down money for the console early on should expect to have the open-source Android machine in their hands no later than January 10, according to new posts on the official Ouya forums.

A confirmation email from an early backer reveals the user's order was shipped via DHL Express Worldwide with an estimated delivery date between December 31, 2012 and January 10, 2013. The shipment included one sample dev kit which contains a console and two controllers.

At a time when a number of Kickstarter campaigns are failing to meet their shipping estimates, it's good to see that Ouya was able to fulfill their obligation thus far. In fact, the gaming company actually shipped consoles a day early - kudos to them. The SDK is still expected to be released tomorrow which gives devs plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the platform.

Ouya was one of the most successful crowd sourced campaigns of 2012, raising over $8.5 million from more than 63,000 backers. Earlier this month, the firm behind the $100 Android console announced 10 new games would be coming to the console in time for a planned March release. New titles include Fist of Awesome, MechKnight Chronicles, Syder Arcade, KidElectro, Space Runner, Legend of Dungeon, iMech Online, DustyRevenge, HolyShield! and Starbound.