Twelve hundred units of OUYA - the translucent Android-based game console that shattered about 16 Kickstarter records - has been shipped to developers.

Posts on the official OUYA forums reveal that those who laid down money for the console early on, should expect to have the open-source Android machine in their hands no later than Jan. 10.

The shipment of the development consoles coincides with the release of the OUYA SDK, dubbed ODK, on OUYA's Web site. The SDK allows even those without the development console to start working on creating games, or converting and optimizing their existing Android software for the upcoming platform.

The console, created by a Los Angeles-based start-up behind the Jambox, launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund its Android-powered device in July. Since then, the $99 console has raised over $8.5 million and quick previews reveal a small cube with two prototype controllers, HDMI and power adapters, plus a micro USB cord.

No dedicated games are available yet for the console, which is strictly for developers at the moment. One user who contributed to the Kickstarter project posted a letter on the OUYA forums, announcing that the unit will arrive between Dec. 31 2012, and Jan. 10, 2013.

Consumer units are expected in April 2013 and will feature titles such as Final Fantasy III as well as non-gaming titles.

Below is a video from OUYA showing the unboxing of the development console.