Nyko launches wireless gaming controller for Android devices

Nyko have announced a new line of controllers for Android devices. the Playpad series was designed with input from NVIDIA and has been optimized for Tegra games which support controller input. There’s the Playpad, a mini controller that has dual analog sliders, and comes with a tablet stand and case, and the full-zied Playpad Pro, which is bigger and features a traditional console layout.

Unfortunately the device only works with Android 3.0 and higher. The upside is that Nyko will release a compatibility app that will allow users to map controls for legacy games which support physical input. It’s due for a Fall 2012 launch. Read on for full press details.

Los Angeles – June 04,2012:

NYKO TECHNOLOGIES® ANNOUNCES GAMING CONTROLLERS FOR TEGRA-BASED TABLETS TO TAKE CONSOLE-QUALITY GAMING EXPERIENCE MOBILE

 

Nyko Technologies®, the leading gaming peripherals manufacturer, today announced a new line of controllers to enable console-quality gaming experiences on Android tablet devices. Nyko is creating controllers to support games optimized for NVIDIA® Tegra® mobile processors, notably the high-powered graphics capabilities of the Tegra 3 quad-core processor. Available Fall 2012, the tablet controllers will offer a future-proof gaming experience, blurring the line between mobile and console video gaming.

“To embrace the enormous growth of mobile and tablet gaming, our new controllers will provide physical and familiar controls to tablet gamers for a console-like experience,” said Chris Arbogast, director of marketing for Nyko Technologies. “Tablet games are evolving, pushing the envelope of graphics and performance. The only limitation has been the lack of physical-input controllers, until now. We are happy to collaborate with the veterans at NVIDIA to create dedicated hardware that’s optimized for games running on the Tegra chipset.”

The Nyko tablet controller series/line features:
• Playpad Pro – Nyko’s full-sized controller for an at-home gaming experience, including dual analog sticks, d-pad, face buttons and shoulder triggers/bumpers for wireless tablet gaming in the living room.
• Playpad – Nyko’s mini controller includes dual analog sliders, collapsible tablet stand and a carrying case for gaming on the go
• Console-style control for ease of gameplay, perfect for first-person shooters and other complex games.
• No rooting required; controllers are usable out of the box
• Compatible with all Android 3.0 and higher tablets/phones with Bluetooth connectivity

The Nyko tablet controllers are being developed with input from NVIDIA to ensure compatibility with a large library of high-end mobile games optimized for all Tegra-powered devices. These games are available in TegraZone™, NVIDIA’s free app that showcases the best games optimized for the Tegra processor. NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 chipset delivers console quality graphics on mobile devices with the world’s only 4-PLUS-1 quad-core mobile processor, including a 5th battery-saver core.

Nyko has also developed a free Android app, called Playground, to provide backwards compatibility for their controllers with legacy tablet titles, including those that currently utilize keyboard mapping, touch mapping and mouse support. Playground provides profile management for customized control schemes, as well as pre-set profiles for top selling and popular games. Like Nyko’s tablet controllers, the app will not require rooting of the device.