I just looked up that OUYA console, and it's basically what I'm describing. A game console that is based on an open OS (Android) that will (presumably) be manufactured by multiple companies. Microsoft and Google already standardized cell phone and PC development with things like Windows, DirectX, Android, etc. So why can't this same firm of standardization work with game consoles?
If I buy a PC game, it will work on any Windows PC, regardless of the brand (HP, Samsung, Lenovo, Toshiba). All DVD players play the same movies. Any Android phone will run the same apps, regardless of manufacturer.
See my point? If game consoles were built to a singular standard (all games will run on any device, regardless of manufacturer), it would make game development so much easier.
If it worked for the PC and smartphone industries, it can work for game consoles. They would just have to use the same OS and hardware configuration to ensure cross-compatibility. Like how Windows or Android devices work.