China’s Budding Android Console Market Is Already Getting Very Crowded

In July this year China completely lifted a 15 -year-old ban on gaming consoles, and the country’s budding developers have already tapped into the fastest way to the market: Android-based consoles.

Producing an Android-based solutions, similar to Ouya’s US$99 console, allows companies to enter the market without waiting to develop their own systems, while maximizing China’s powerful manufacturing capabilities has quickened the process. For China’s tech companies Android systems also allow them to integrate with their existing game environments.

ZTE9, the joint venture between telecom equipment giant ZTE and gaming company The9, launched a Ouya-like pack in March 2014. In the following month Chinese TV maker TCL unveiled a similar product. Several more made by eletronics companies would be launched in the following year, including OBOX by Snail Mobile’s electronics arm, and TIME BOX by Vimtag. Their prices range from RMB699 to RMB1999 (US$110 to US$320).

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