Hands-On the Micro-Console

Let's start off with the basics. The OnLive micro-console packaging is both simple and minimal, just how we like it: no bloated packaging materials, lengthy manuals, disks or product catalogs. Included in the package is nothing nevertheless the necessary wired connections, the controller, console, quick start sheet and mini product manual. When all is said and done, the entire system is incredibly easy to operate, and takes up much less space than a traditional gaming console. Users simply have to plug in the included HDMI cable, AC adapter, Ethernet and they are good to go. Users without an HD compatible TV will be able to purchase an additional component cable for $30.The two USB slots included in the front of the console allow easy use of other gaming peripheral just as a mouse and keyboard, PS3 or Xbox 360 controller. For all that, it pleased us to find that the OnLive controller was more than sufficient, blending aspects of both the Xbox and PS3 controllers. Shaped like the Xbox controller with the PS3's analog setup, the OnLive controller is high on quality and performance. Oh and it packs quite a rumble too!

Some PC gamers looking into buying the console may feel a bit wasteful paying $99 for a service they downloaded for free. However for the luxury and convenience of having the micro console independently play on a big screen HDTV, we feel it is a fair and reasonable price. One of the first games we decided to try out with the device was Metro 2033, whose higher graphics are known to be fairly taxing on modern PCs. To our pleasant surprise the game ran perfectly, and as you can see the graphic quality is as well impressive. It may not be as great as ultra settings on a decked out gaming PC, yet it was more than acceptable.One issue many console and PC gamers alike may be concerned with is OnLive's dependency on a wired internet connection. Since pretty much everything is done in the cloud, network connections are of the utmost importance for OnLive gamers. The OnLive micro-console doesn't come wireless-compatible out of the box nevertheless it can as well connect using a third party wireless bridge. OnLive suggests that gaming should be done using a wired connection for the highest quality, yet hooking the console up to a bridge and another TV about 70 feet away from our router came up with surprisingly similar picture quality. There was still, the occasional "network error" resulting in a short lag spike, something that may be troublesome when playing a multiplayer game.

Increased distance from the router

With an increased distance from the router and a shoddier internet connection, OnLive gamers will be much more likely to experience a loss in picture quality. If possible, we'd suggest keeping the system on a wired connection to fully enjoy the OnLive experience. All of our OnLive testing was done on a standard 16 Mbps down cable connection so results may vary drastically depending on the connection. This is probably the only issue with OnLive at this stage. Users without a decent reliable internet connection may not be able to enjoy OnLive as much as we did. Assassin's Creed, Arkham Asylum,  Borderlands, and Duke Nukem Forever all showed evenly impressive performance and video quality. With a 720p output TV and a reliable network connection, most games on the OnLive system look and perform just like their console counterparts. One game-changing difference that the OnLive micro-console offers compared to traditional modern consoles is access to the OnLive Arena and Brag Clips. Utilizing the Arena, users are able to watch other gamers play in real time, allowing them to get an idea of how a game performs previously purchasing or renting it for themselves. With OnLive Brag Clips and the included Brag Clip controls on the console controller, gamers are able to capture their moments of glory to share with their fellow OnLive gamers. A much quicker method than recording a video and posting it on YouTube!In the short time since its release OnLive has been doing remarkably so then, nevertheless the truth is cloud based gaming isn't for everyone. For the moment not yet in any case. OnLive has shown us that the platform is very promising yet it may however be too early to decide whether or not it will have a huge presence in the market. Most people might be uncomfortable with the thought of "purchasing" a game in the cloud. Without any kind of client-side download or tangible disk, do you actually own the game you are buying? Certainly keeping this in mind, OnLive has been smart enough to offer different models of cloud based gaming. Like as not users are more comfortable utilizing the monthly subscription model or the game rental model. The only downside to the subscription is that it doesn't include all of the games on the system. However with consoles becoming increasingly outdated the OnLive micro-console may be the best way to experience brand new titles to come.