Late last year, Archos launched its new Android Gamepad device, which is equipped with a 7″ screen with 16 million colors, sporting a resolution of 1024 x 600 and supporting five-point multipoint gestures. This innovative device is designed to cater to the growing market of mobile gamers who seek a more immersive and tactile gaming experience.
Archos has already launched the Gamepad in Europe, but it will be arriving in the US by the end of this month for around $169. Archos has equipped their gaming tablet with a unique mapping tool that helps add physical controls to touchscreen games, making it easier for gamers to enjoy their favorite titles without the limitations of on-screen controls.
Physical Controls and Gaming Experience
The Archos Gamepad stands out with its 14 physical buttons, including dual analog thumb sticks, which provide a console-like gaming experience on a portable device. These physical controls are a significant advantage for gamers who prefer the tactile feedback and precision that buttons and thumb sticks offer over touchscreen controls. The mapping tool allows users to customize the controls for different games, ensuring compatibility and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
For instance, popular games like “Asphalt 8: Airborne” and “Modern Combat 5” can be played with greater accuracy and comfort using the physical controls of the Archos Gamepad. This feature is particularly beneficial for first-person shooters and racing games, where precise control is crucial for success.
Performance and Specifications
Under the hood, the Archos Gamepad is powered by a dual-core processor clocked at 1.6 GHz, coupled with a Mali-400 MP quad-core GPU. This combination ensures smooth performance and the ability to handle graphically intensive games with ease. The device also comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card slot, providing ample space for games and other media.
The 7″ screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600 delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, enhancing the gaming experience. The five-point multipoint gesture support allows for intuitive touch controls when needed, making it versatile for different types of games and applications.
If you haven’t already had a chance to check out the Archos Gamepad, the Engadget technology website has kindly put together a quick hands-on video, providing you with a glimpse of what you can expect from the gaming console once it arrives in the US.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The introduction of the Archos Gamepad marks a significant step in the evolution of mobile gaming devices. By combining the portability of a tablet with the physical controls of a gaming console, Archos has created a unique product that appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers. The competitive pricing of $169 makes it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their mobile gaming experience without breaking the bank.
As the gaming industry continues to grow, devices like the Archos Gamepad are likely to become more popular. The success of this device could pave the way for future iterations with improved hardware and additional features, further blurring the lines between mobile and console gaming.
The Archos Gamepad is a promising device that offers a compelling blend of portability, performance, and physical controls. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for a better way to play your favorite mobile games or a hardcore gamer seeking a portable gaming solution, the Archos Gamepad is worth considering.
Source: Engadget
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