As Ouya's shipping date for Kickstarter backers draws closer, news of the specs and features of the hardware for the waiting public also gains momentum.

According to The Verge, Ouya representatives have confirmed that Ouya has online multiplayer when launched.

"We will definitely be supporting online multiplayer-developers just need to build in the functionality," said an Ouya rep to The Verge.

However, it seems that the console will still be short on a few things, reports Joystiq. These include the online chat, achievements, and friends lists, which are slated to hit consoles later this year.

What's sure is that local multiplayer will be one of Ouya's strong points, so better enjoyment really comes at $49.99 with Ouya's controllers.

"I think Ouya is going to bring back couch play," said Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman.

A thank you to backers

TechRadar reports that Ouya will be hosting an event that is exclusive to project backers'

"There would be no Ouya without you. Saying thank you isn't enough," the invitation to the party supposedly says, according to TechRadar.

Is it worth speculating what the last part means? Will there be a surprise announcement waiting at the party for the backers? Or is it merely an unveiling of the hardware on the very that shipping will commence?

Nevertheless, it seems like Ouya is really keeping its foundation backers in the loop and in mind despite the finished product that will hit stores in June.