Today the folks from Archos have announced their newest tablet is finally available for purchase. However, this isn’t any ordinary Android tablet. Instead Archos has released their brand new GamePad for Android. They’re calling this the first true Android game console. This GamePad is a perfect companion for ShadowGun: DeadZone, or the brand new GTA: Vice City. More details on this gaming device below.
We first mentioned the Archos GamePad back in August, and briefly managed to see a quick video of the tablet in October but starting today it’s finally available for all you Android gaming fans. Even better news is they’ve actually beefed up development and the tablet is launching with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
The Archos GamePad isn’t a top-tier device by any means, but Archos is aiming for the budget crowd here and have kept the price down. You’ll get a 7-inch 1024 x 600 resolution display, a 1.6 GHz dual-core processor, quad-core graphics for gaming, WiFi, Bluetooth as usual and then of course all those dedicated gaming buttons and joysticks. You’ll also get 8GB of internal storage, micro-SD for expanding storage, and mini HDMI-out to stream games right to your TV. This could be the ultimate gaming device for Android.
Sadly this isn’t available in the US quite yet, and initially the launch is taking place in Europe, available today starting at 149.99€ or $199 USD. The GamePad has full support for the Google Play Store and Archos has developed an exclusive “game mapping tool” so users can quickly map on-screen keys to the dedicated GamePad for the best experience. I can’t wait to try one out with ShadowGun: DeadZone, and all the other awesome games for Android. We’ll update once we hear more regarding a US release. Archos states it will be available stateside early next year.
[device id=3360]
[via Archos]
I am so freaking excited for this.
That makes two of us! woo hoo!
I wonder how many games won’t run on it because of the resolution.