14 DAY TRIAL // In a surprising move, Samsung has just introduced its first gamepad for Android smartphones, which is meant to replace, at some extent, more expensive gaming consoles.
The Smartphone GamePad has been announced along with a brand new Mobile Console app that improves players gaming experience on most Galaxy devices.
According to Samsung, the device was “launched in response to the rapidly expanding global mobile gaming market,” and “provides consumers with a fun, convenient, and advanced gaming experience anytime, anywhere.”
As expected, the Smartphone GamePad can turn one's Galaxy smartphone or tablet into a portable gaming console or even a home console, depending on everyone's needs.
The device features a premium design with durable steel frame and it can be attached to mobile devices ranging from 4-inches to 6.3-inches.
In addition, users can also connect Galaxy devices to their TV through an HDMI cable or AllShare Screen Mirroring for a much better gaming experience when at home.
Samsung claims the GamePad can easily be connected with smartphones and tablets through Bluetooth pairing.
The South Korean company also states that the GamePad has been optimized to work with Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 4.3 such as Galaxy Note 3, S4, Note II, and S III, but other smartphones in the Galaxy series will work as well.
Users can also enable easy connectivity with GamePad via NFC tag and quicker access to games via the “PLAY” button, which provides access to Mobile Console app.
With the Mobile Console app, players will be able to browse and purchase game pad supported games. Mobile Console features games across a wide range of categories including traditional racing titles such as EA’s Need for Speed Most Wanted and Gameloft’s Asphalt8 : Airborne.
In addition, first-person shooter titles such as Gameloft’s Modern Combat 4 : Zero Hour, sports titles such as SEGA’s Virtua Tennis Challenge, and action titles such as Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia : The Shadow and the Flame are available as well.
Keep in mind that the Mobile Console app is only available for download through Samsung Apps or by tapping the GamePad’s ”PLAY” button.
For the time being there are only 35 dedicated games fully compatible with Samsung's GamePad, but the company promises that much more will come in 2014.
Samsung confirmed the GamePad is currently available in select European markets and will be available in additional regions in the coming weeks, but no details on pricing have been unveiled yet.
