Huawei is joining the competitive gaming console war with its newest Android-based cross-platform Tron console that runs titles from PC, PS3 and NDS.
Huawei has made its presence felt in the tech industry with its wide range of Android smartphones and now the company is extending its reach to the always in-demand gaming bandwagon. The China-based tech company unveiled its Android-based cross-platform gaming console called "Tron" at the start of this year's most anticipated electronics event, the CES 2014. The newest gaming console competes with the popular Ouya console that runs on an Android platform and is best known for its effective pricing.
The Tron mini-gaming console sports a Tegra 4 processor from Nvidia and 2GB RAM with optional 16GB or 32GB internal storage. The cylindrical hub is complimented with a Bluetooth controller that resembles the Xbox controller pad with similar button configuration. It features a USB 3.0 port, a HDMI port, a standard 3.5mm audio output jack for headphones, RJ-45 port and handles up to four Bluetooth controllers. The console also features a circular touchpad on the top for navigation.
Besides its basic design, the entertainment console supports game titles from other platforms like PS3, PC and Nintendo DS, and also 4K video playbacks. The game console runs a custom Andorid Jelly Bean 4.2.3 that helps gamers access games, Huawei's store, video, applications, settings and featured titles, reports Engadget after having hands-on experience with the newest member in the gaming industry.
According to the Engadget reviewer, the game-play "was good, not great." The reviewer also noted a "slight latency noticeable when effecting button presses, but nothing that seemed like it'd get in the way of the onscreen action."
Huawei is expected to launch the Tron gaming console in the second quarter of this year for a mere $150 or less, but the sales will be limited to the Chinese market. The company has currently 12 game titles for the console, with more titles to be added by May.
