ARCHOS has announced that they are releasing the GamePad 2, aimed at gamers who want a full console experience within an actual tablet.
The unique device will be both a gaming platform for those who want to take advantage of modern mobile graphics cards, but want other tablet specific features. Users would be able to switch from the games to an Android run tablet, including full browser and apps.
“Following the success of the GamePad 1, we knew that we could take the gaming-tablet concept further,” ARCHOS CEO Loic Poirier said in the press release. Indeed, the first GamePad was a popular device for anyone who wants a tablet that was more interested in gaming than other forms of media. This move to release a new version in the series isn’t a surprising one, though fans are sure to be excited.
With our GamePad 2 we have included an HD screen, better controls, a larger battery and a faster processor, said Loic Poirier ARCHOS CEO. We’re excited to be working with a leading games company like Gameloft to pre-install two visually stunning titles for an amazing gaming experience.
Technical Specs
The GamePad 2 sill come with a 7″ HD screen in 1280 x 800 pixel resolution. This should show off the graphics nicely, and gameplay will be smooth thanks to the 1.6GHz Quad-core A9 and Quad-core GPU Mali 400 processing chips. Storage will be either 8GB or 16GB, which is the only really disappointing feature about it. But it can be expanded up to 64 GB with a microSD card. It will have 2GB of RAM.
Camera are also a bit lackluster. There will be only one front-facing webcam for video chat, but nothing in the rear for regular picture taking or recording.
On the plus side, it has analog controls with two thumb sticks, plus a directional pad, and both front and side buttons. Which is really what makes the GamePad series special in the first place.
Right now, it is only set to be available in Europe. It will be released at the end of the month, starting at £179.99.
I have always thought the GamePads were cool, and this one seems just as good as the last. The whole concept of a modernized, more technically advanced Gameboy (come on, that is pretty much what this is) just gets the geeky gamer side of me. The fact that it is aimed at gaming, but isn’t specifically for gaming, is what sets it apart from other devices out right now like the PSP.
Source: ARCHOS