If you’re counting the days until the release of the Android-based Ouya gaming console, you’ll be adding several more weeks to the countdown. Initially, the Ouya was supposed to release to the public on June 4, 2013. However, a few minor problems have resulted in the company delaying the release by three weeks. The delay isn’t anything consumers should be concerned with. The company simply wants to make the release as smooth as possible for excited fans.
* The delay means consumers won’t see Ouya online or in stores until June 25, 2013. The delay is far shorter than most gaming release delays.
* Julie Uhrman, the Ouya CEO, told CNET the delay is in part due to high retail demand. Retail partners are eager to make room for the new gaming console. The demand is much higher than originally expected. To prevent an immediate shortage, the release has been pushed back to ensure demand can be met.
* On June 25th, consumers from the US, UK and Canada will have access to the Ouya. Major retailers such as Amazon, GAME, Target, Best Buy, GameStop and Ouya’s site are slated to have the console in stock immediately upon release.
* The console was originally funded through Kickstarter. These lucky early adopters already have an Ouya. However, the company has had to gather additional funds since then to meet the production costs of the increasing demand.
* While demand is obviously an exciting prospect for the company, the delay isn’t just about needing more units. Upon testing the Ouya’s controller, it was discovered the buttons sometimes stick under the faceplate. To prevent problems while gaming, the company has fixed the problem and is quickly producing new controllers.
* For Kickstarter owners, the new controllers are already being shipped out to replace the original defect. The solution was to simply create larger button holes, which means the entire process was fairly easy to implement.
* Uhrman claims the delay isn’t due to the controller defect, but many in the gaming and tech communities are speculating that the two are connected. The CEO is focusing more on the high demand issue than any technical problems.
* The second round of funding netted the company approximately $15 million, which should be enough to meet the demand of open-source gamers eager to try out the newest console.
Considering the delay is a mere 21 days, gamers won’t have to wait much longer. Until the end of June, your only hope of seeing the small, but powerful Ouya gaming console is to try to make friends with those Kickstarters who eagerly reached out to make the Android-based, open-source console a reality.