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MANILA, Philippines – While smartphones are an emerging platform for gaming, console gaming still is pretty much here to stay. In fact in 2013, both Microsoft and Sony released their next generation consoles, the X-Box One and Playstation 4 respectively.
But what if the smartphone could serve as a console too?
This week, Samsung announced the Smartphone GamePad, a game controller that is designed for Android devices running OS 4.1 and higher and optimized for Samsung’s Galaxy line of smartphones.
The controller
The GamePad comes with an 8-way D-Pad, 2 analog sticks, 4 action buttons and 2 trigger buttons, select and start buttons and an exclusive Galaxy-only play button. It weighs 195 grams, supports Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC, and comes with a rechargeable battery pack.
Where’s the console?
Reminiscent of controllers that come with popular gaming consoles, the Samsung Smartphone GamePad is a standalone controller designed to connect to an Android smartphone via Bluetooth.
Samsung wants you to think about your smartphone as the console itself. Connect your smartphone to your TV via HDMI and if it’s a Galaxy smartphone via the air using Samsung’s AllShare screen mirroring app.
The GamePad can also be attached to mobile devices that are 4 to 6.3 inches, turning it into an oversized portable gaming device like the Gameboy or PSP.
The device works in conjunction with the just released Mobile Console App (download via Samsung Apps not Google Play).
35 dedicated games are available at launch with supported titles including EA’s Need for Speed Most Wanted, Gameloft’s Asphalt8 : Airborne and Modern Combat 4 : Zero Hour, SEGA’s Virtua Tennis™ Challenge and Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia : The Shadow and the Flame.
The GamePad is currently available in select European markets. Samsung says it will be available in additional regions in the coming weeks. Pricing information is still unavailable.
Back in March, Samsung indicated it was working on a game pad. Initial prototypes looked more like retro XBox and Nintendo Wii controllers. – Rappler.com
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