If you've been considering the purchase of an Android gaming console like the Ouya or the GameStick but have been waiting for something with a bit more flexibility in terms of how you acquire apps, Mad Catz' new M.O.J.O could be just what the doctor ordered.
The sleek machine is powered by Nvidia's Tegra 4 processor clocked at 1.8GHz alongside 2GB of system RAM and 16GB of internal storage. Naturally, there's a microSD card slot should your storage demands exceed what's included. Elsewhere, we find an HDMI output, one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.0 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, 100 Mbit Ethernet, Wireless N and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. The system runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
Mad Catz also includes a C.T.R.L.R gamepad which works across Bluetooth 4.0. The company points out that the low-power capabilities of this connection method allow the controller to achieve exceptional battery life alongside lag-free gaming. What's more, the gamepad can be used to replicate mouse movements on the screen which could be useful when surfing the web, etc.
Optionally, we are told you can use your trusty mouse and keyboard if that is your preferred method of input.
Perhaps the best feature of the M.O.J.O is that there is no walled garden to contend with. By this, I mean you aren't limited to a console-specific app store like other offerings on the market. As such, any games that you have purchased through Google Play can be accessed and played through the console. This could be a serious selling point if you are already heavily invested in Google's own storefront.
The machine retails for $249.99 and can be purchased directly from Mad Catz.