It's been rumored that we've got an Amazon-based console (or stick, rather) coming for a little while now, including leaks of an Xbox-looking Amazon-branded controller.
Well, it's looking like we might get some answers in a couple days, as Amazon is hosting an event for what they call "an update to their video business."
That makes it seem more like this product will be strictly a video streaming device, but if the leaked controller is legit then this couldn't not have games involved. Unless Amazon thinks the most efficient way to control video playback is an Xbox controller (it's not).
In all likelihood, Amazon might be taking a shot at a number of different devices with this new product. A video streaming device with Netflix, Hulu and of course Amazon Prime Video support could take on Chromecast, Roku and Apple TV (as well as the game consoles that can all do video). An Android gaming machine could take on the likes of the OUYA and the Gamestick, particularly if the device comes loaded with Amazon Appstore functionality, which would blow the OUYA and Gamestick's non-Google Play libraries out of the water. If this thing supports streaming PC games, forget it. It could take on almost any other media device if that's the case.
But if this is just a video streamer, this new piece of hardware will probably struggle in the already-saturated market. I've got some faith in Amazon, though. These are the people that gave us the Mayday Button.
At any rate, we won't have to wait too much longer. The announcement is this coming Wednesday, April 2.
