Sony had big plans to promote the PlayStation gaming brand with its Xperia mobile phones. There was PlayStation Program and PlayStation certified games are available for the Android devices. Now Samsung is trying something new on gaming front; it has release a new accessory called GamePad and a Mobile Console app. In a way, Samsung has given a slow bump to Sony by introducing a gamepad that practically mimics the PS Vita game console.
The Samsung GamePad accessory is meant for the smartphones that run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update or higher to let the users play games comfortable on their devices. The GamePad can accommodate smartphones with 4 to 6.3-inches display size. Of course, the GamePad is optimized to work with Samsung devices such as Galaxy Note 3, S4, Note II and Galaxy S III for easy connectivity via NFC.
The Mobile Console App is the integrated game launching app – even we wonder why that is required, to work with the GamePad. Users can enjoy some “console-quality” games on their mobile screen with much more usable physical control buttons on the GamePad. The variety of games that are compatible with GamePad include Need for Speed Most Wanted, Asphalt 8: Airborne, Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour, Virtua Tennis, Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame and several other titles. The GamePad requires the Mobile Console app to launch the supporting game.
Weighing 195 grams, the GamePad has Bluetooth 3.0, NFC and is optimised for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and higher running devices. The GamePad offers one directional pad with 8 way control, 2 Analog sticks, 4 Action buttons, 2 Trigger buttons, Select and Start buttons, and finally the PLAY button that works with Samsung devices running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or higher. Samsung has packed 160 mA rechargeable battery.
Samsung is yet to announce the price and promises to make it available in select regions in coming few weeks.