Amazon is set to launch a new gaming console later this year alongside Microsoft and Sony. However, this machine is reported to be a lot more like the Ouya than next gen offerings from the two home console heavyweights.
According to Game Informer sources, the online retail giant is hard at work on a new Android based console. At this point details are thin, but the console is reported to leverage Amazon's existing Android game catalog and will have its own dedicated controller.
The sources, who have "knowledge of the in-development hardware," claim that we could see Amazon's Android console launch in time for Black Friday.
Other information surrounding the console has surfaced as well. GamesBeat's sources claim Amazon has shown off the console recently, seeking content in the form of casual games. The site added that the sources weren't sure at that time if Amazon was actually serious about the machine.
Amazon's rumored console would take on the Ouya, Nvidia Shield and possibly a casual gaming console from Google, which is rumored to be in development as part of a trio of new Android devices that also includes a smart watch and a media player.
With the so far disappointing performance of Ouya, some have written off Android-based consoles to a certain degree, and perhaps rightfully so. But with Amazon's massive online presence, deep catalog of titles and strong developer relationships, this might actually be the best shot for an affordable home Android console to work.