Google In Development On Android-Powered Gaming Console [Report]

Looks like Google may soon be stepping foot into the gaming market, if a new report from the Wall Street Journal is to be believed.

Not much is known at the moment, but the report, citing sources “familiar with the matter,” claims that Google is well underway on development of its own Android-powered gaming console, which would put it in competition with the recently-released, crowd-funded Ouya console.

The report also points out that Google is preparing to release the Nexus Q, and that at least “one” of the devices will be out this fall. Considering that we don’t know how far along in development Google’s Android console is, it seems more likely that we will be seeing the Nexus Q first.

If the report is true, then it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise; although gaming has been picking up steam on Android devices over the past several years, the search giant has been struggling to match the same level of success of its competitor, Apple, in the gaming market.

Considering that there have been rumors that Apple has been looking into getting into that market as well, the news would be even less of a surprise.

Although a Google console might be in direct competition with the Ouya, that doesn’t necessarily spell out doom for the console. If Google can manage to court mobile developers to give Android another shot, then that would suggest that the Ouya stands to benefit as well – and all other Android-powered devices.

Google won’t be the only new face to enter the console market within the next couple of years. Valve has made no attempt to keep it secret that it is working on a console of sorts on its own, which is currently being dubbed the “Steam Box.” Little information about that is known at this time.