Bluestacks has already developed its first Android-powered game console, the GamePop, which is currently in its pre-order stage. And it has now unveiled a second option, the GamePop Mini. The new device will also run on Jelly Bean 4.2 and will use the same subscription model as the “full-sized” console, but comes with free hardware.

As you can see from the picture above, the new device has a completely different appearance to the standard GamePop; the main goal of GamePop Mini is to provide the same user experience as GamePop but in a smaller package.

Specifications for the GamePop Mini have not yet been released, but we know that it will be less powerful than the standard model.

The concept is fairly simple, here’s how it works: you visit Bluestacks website and sign up for a 12-month contract with its GamePop service at $6.99 per month. Bluestacks will then send you a free GamePop Mini once you receive this free hardware, you can play its selection of games on your TV till your hearts content. If you decide to cancel your contract, you will need to return the working console to Bluestacks, plus a restocking fee.

Bluestacks has a large selection of games from well known developers, such as HalfBrick, Glue and Intellijoy, among hundreds of others.

The full press release can be read below:

Palo Alto, CA June 28, 2013 – Mobile company BlueStacks has announced a second vehicle to deliver its new GamePop mobile gaming service, the GamePop Mini. Like the recently announced $129 GamePop, the new device will also run Jelly Bean 4.2, connect to TV via a supplied HDMI cable and include a curated group of 500 popular mobile game partners. Announced partners include HalfBrick (Fruit Ninja, Jetpack Joyride), Glu (Blood Brothers), #1 Kids app developer Intellijoy and more. BlueStacks says the 6.99/month subscription will include access to over $200 in paid games for free.

“We have always planned on having a free console option,” said BlueStacks CEO, Rosen Sharma. “The biggest value of the GamePop service is its content – not the box. Hardware costs have come down so fast that we’re able to undercut the rest of the market. With the free promotion we’ve been doing in June we’re already seeing a ton of adoption. That volume then attracts more developers and therefore more and better content. It’s building momentum.”

In addition to announcing a lineup of several popular Google Top Developers, BlueStacks also came out with its “Looking Glass” technology earlier this month. Looking Glass will allow iOS-only developers to easily launch on GamePop. Titles such as iOS’s first major franchise the Fieldrunners series will be able to come to TVs this way.

“We want to make things as easy as possible for app developers to come on board,” said Ben Armstrong of the company’s developer relations team. “There is a virtuous circle between great content and volume that we’re having a lot of early success jumpstarting that so far. The launch titles a service comes with are critical.” Pre-orders went on sale May 9 for GamePop at Gamepop.tv and while not releasing specific numbers, the company reports they are stronger than expected. The free promotion for the GamePop console will end June 30, when it will go back to its regular price of $129. The GamePop Mini will be available for pre-order July 1. It is slated to ship this winter.

• SourceGamePop