The GamePad weighs in at 195g and features an eight-way D-Pad, two analog sticks, four action buttons and two triggers located on the shoulders of the device.
The pad is accompanied by an app (‘the Mobile Console app’) through which users can browse and buy supported games. The GamePad appears to support all Android smartphones, but some features — including a ‘Play’ button — are exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy family.
The company points out that Galaxy device owners can hook their phone up to their TV using an HDMI cable or mirroring apps like Samsung’s AllShare service, and then replicate a home console experience using the GamePad.
Official Samsung PR: Samsung Enhances Consumer Entertainment Experience with Smartphone GamePad and Mobile Console Application
Samsung enables users to enjoy advanced console-quality games with their mobile devices at home and on-the-go
SEOUL, Korea – December 17, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a leader in mobile technology and digital solutions, today introduced the Smartphone GamePad and Mobile Console app to enhance the gaming experience on Samsung’s popular line of Galaxy devices. Launched in response to the rapidly expanding global mobile gaming market, Smartphone GamePad provides consumers with a fun, convenient, and advanced gaming experience anytime, anywhere.
The Smartphone GamePad instantly transforms the user’s Galaxy smartphone or tablet into a portable gaming console or even a home console. Through its premium, easy-to-carry design and durable steel frame, GamePad is attachable to mobile devices ranging from 4-inches to 6.3-inches, allowing users to play games wherever they are. Users can also connect Galaxy devices to their TV through an HDMI cable or AllShare Screen Mirroring for video game console experience from their living room.
GamePad easily connects with smartphones and tablets through Bluetooth pairing. The most convenient features optimized for Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 4.3 such as Galaxy Note 3, S4, Note II, and S III enable easy connectivity with GamePad via NFC tag and quicker access to games via the “PLAY” button.
With just a tap of the “PLAY” button, users can easily access the Mobile Console app, Samsung’s new integrated game launching app that opens in conjunction with GamePad to allow users to conveniently browse and purchase game pad supported games. Users can save money by enjoying reasonably priced console-quality games without the expense of additional gaming systems, as Mobile Console features games across a variety of categories including traditional racing titles such as EA’s Need for Speed™ Most Wanted and Gameloft’s Asphalt8 : Airborne, 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. The Mobile Console app is available for download through Samsung Apps or by tapping the GamePad’s ”PLAY” button, and offers 35 dedicated games at launch with much more to come in 2014.
The GamePad is is currently available in select European markets and will be available in additional regions in the coming weeks. The availability of the GamePad varies by market.
Official Source: http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/2013/12/17/Samsung-Enhances-Consumer-Entertainment-Experience-with-Smartphone-GamePad-and-Mobile-Console-Application-1
http://www.vg247.com/2013/12/18/samsung-gamepad-mobile-console-out-noe-for-galaxy-range/
