Although it was a great idea, this notion of a cheap Android game console, the Ouya left a lot to be desired at launch. The hardware had some obvious deficiencies, like controller dead spots, but more importantly, the game library at launch was practically non-existent.

Right now, it looks like the Ouya is a dud: a great idea that just didn’t have a chance because it couldn’t get a push. But you know who might be able to take that same idea and get developers to treat it more seriously? Amazon. And they’re working to do just that.

According to a report by Game Informer:

Sources have approached Game Informer with an interesting bit of news from one of the world’s largest retailers. Amazon is developing an Android based console for release by the end of this year, most likely by Black Friday.

According to those we spoke with who have knowledge of the in-development hardware, Amazon will be leveraging the titles already available on its platform. Each day, the company offers one productivity or game app for free and stocks a healthy library for its own devices, like the Kindle Fire. The console will also have its own, dedicated controller.

It’s a thin report, but an intriguing one. An Amazon game box by Christmas? There’s a lot of possibilities there. Not only could such a box act as a dedicated set-top-box for Amazon streaming, going head to head with the Apple TV, but unlike the Apple TV or Roku, it would have a focus on games to distinguish itself from the competition. And unlike the Ouya, Amazon could use its clout to get actual developers on board.

Consider us officially intrigued. Fingers crossed.

• SourceGame Informer