FbGadgets

Sources close to the (unconfirmed) project say that the console is at least partially being built as a reaction to expectations that Apple will announce a foray into gaming in the not-too-distant future.

The idea of Google investigating an own-brand console is also likely given the development of several gaming platforms being developed by third parties using the Android OS. Certainly, it would make business sense to release a product before the marketplace gets saturated.

Ouya is probably the most well known, given its high-profile Kickstarter campaign, but there are alternatives like Gamestick which is set to launch later in 2013. Both consoles plug in to the HDMI port of a television and use wireless controllers to allow users to play original and ported games.