A new Kickstarter project gets started today which aims to put Android gamers in front of the television.  It’s called OUYA and if it’s successfully backed, it will be a $100 open source Android-powered console.  Fully realized, it would be a combination of a device that plugs directly into your TV and a gaming controller.

The actual console would run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and feature hardware that matches up with many of today’s tablets and smartphones.  The controller is much like the one found on your XBOX or PS3 and offers analog sticks, action buttons, a touchpad and more.

Android modders will be able to enjoy the $100 OUYA as it’s open source, based on Android, and ready for hacking. We know we’re a month, and nearly $1 million dollars, from having this become reality but we cannot help but think this is what the Nexus Q could, or should be.

Hardware features of OUYA:

• Tegra3 quad-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB of internal flash storage
• HDMI connection to the TV, with support for up to 1080p HD
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth LE 4.0
• USB 2.0 (one)
• Wireless controller with standard controls (two analog sticks, d-pad, eight action buttons, a system button), a touchpad
• Android 4.0

There’s already a number of game developers who have taken notice of OUYA, including folks from Mojang (Minecraft), Madfinger Games (SHADOWGUN), and Jordan Mechner (Prince of Persia). Heck, even  Yves Behar, and his firm fuseproject (Jambox) have gotten involved, helping create the user experience. In the event this ultimately becomes a reality, this should be a “game changer” for the mobile gaming industry.

If you want to do your part to help get this project funded, head to the Kickstarter page and choose from a variety of options.  Packages start as low as $10 but $95 will get you an OUYA console and controller.  (UPDATE: SOLD OUT! It’s going to be $99 and up if you want to secure your console.) Want one with your name engraved on the controllers?  Yeah, that’s possible.  Oh, you’re narcissistic eh?  Why not go for the $10,000 package and have your name and backer number engraved on every single first run OUYA?