The upcoming Android console, the Ouya, has received some negative reviews recently. The console developers commented on the negativity.

Backers of the Ouya Kickstarter started to receive early versions of the console last month. Since then, a handful of negative reviews have appeared online claiming that it isn’t ready for retail.

In a statement sent to Games Industry International, Ouya said the console sent out was not a review unit, and therefore “not ready for review.” The units were sent out for a “preview period” to test, in order for Ouya to make improvements based on feedback before the product’s official retail launch.

The early shipping was also an opportunity for supporters of the Kickstarter campaign to get their hands on the hardware.

An Ouya representative explained that “we will be making Ouya review units available in early to mid-May so that you are able to review the more complete consumer experience and prepare your coverage in time for the June 4th retail launch.”

Ouya stressed that the company “has sent no review units out to press. Any reviews you have seen online are a result from individuals who received early backer units from supporting our Kickstarter.”

Ouya is already working on several updates, including external storage support, more payment options and a simpler game install process.

I, personally, have been looking forward to what the Ouya has to offer and how it will fair in the games market but this has made me think that this is an entirely new endeavours by a fairly small company.

Will the Android console be able to compete in today’s console market against the seasoned veterans with its cheap price tag or will it fall flat and be a forgotten adventure?