Amazon has unveiled a new streaming device, and along with it, their plans for their foray into gaming. Introducing the Amazon Fire TV.
The Amazon Fire TV is primarily an Android based media streaming advice, akin to Roku. It contains a smartphone level quad core processor and dedicated GPU, as well as 2 GB RAM and dual band WiFi. It should also support 1080p, HDMI, and 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus. The device retails for $ 99 with its own remote, well below initial rumors of a $ 300 device.
Now for the gaming stuff. For an extra $ 39.99, you can get a Fire Game Controller, which essentially confirms our rumor from earlier. As you can see, the controller copies the classic Xbox layout, and adds controls for media playback and other Amazon-familiar controls.
Amazon will sell games for $ 1.85, and the Fire Game Controller itself will come with some Amazon Coins to start you out. Amazon has corralled impressive 3rd party support, including Ubisoft, Take-Two, Disney, Gameloft, EA, and Double Fine. We already know games like Minecraft and NBA2K14 are part of the initial 100 game batch.
Amazon has explained they are not competing in the same space as consoles, with games like Amazon Game Studios’ Sev Zero priced at just $ 7, well within the $ 5 – 10 range. Many of the developers who have signed on, such as GameLoft, Jackbox, and Paradox, cite how easy it was to bring their games over, although there is reticence on having another microconsole.
Interestingly enough, Amazon was not afraid to refer to consoles in their presentation:
Oh snap, Amazon. Burning the #XboxOne at their set top box reveal. via @engadget pic.twitter.com/9P0pxHwziI
— Jeremy Conrad (@ManaByte) April 2, 2014
You can check out a teaser video of Amazon Game Studios’ upcoming games for the Amazon Fire TV below.
