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It was back in September that we told you guys about the Wikipad, the world’s first Android gaming tablet. This bad boy was packing all the right specs you’ve come to expect from a gaming-centered tablet — Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of RAM, IPS display — along with a split dual-analog gamepad on both sides of the device. If you’ve been keeping tabs on the, uh… tab, you’d know that today was Wikipad’s big day, launching exclusively at GameStop locations around the country. Only one problem — it didn’t.
We began receiving Phantips from readers early today who were told by GameStop employees that there were no tablets in stock, none on the way, and that GameStop was no longer able to take pre-orders for the device. So what gives? Did hurricane Sandy get in the way of shipments? Was the Wikipad nothing more than vaporware? No, and no.
The folks at Wikipad reached out to us today and gave us an official statement and as it turns out, last minute “refinement” changes were the culprit, causing the launch date to slip indefinitely. Here’s the official word:
The Wikipad team has been relentlessly working with our manufacturers and partners to perfect the Wikipad bundle to ensure our first product is the best tablet and entertainment experience at launch. There is a last minute opportunity to enhance the Wikipad bundle as well as a minor refinement needed to ensure our first customers are completely satisfied with the Wikipad.
We have informed our retail partners about this delay. For those who pre-ordered the Wikipad at GameStop through today October 31st, we will deliver the refined and upgraded bundles as well as a special bonus gift with the pre-order.
We are very eager to deliver the Wikipad experience and are passionate about excellence. We apologize for this delay and want you to know that we are committed to bringing you the very best, high-end gaming tablet possible.
We are in the final stage and will be announcing the new date soon.
THE WIKIPAD TEAM
There you have it, straight from the horses mouth. While a new launch date couldn’t be given, it’s hard to knock a company for wanting to deliver the best user experience possible out of the gate. Let’s just hope they can squeeze some Jelly Beans in there while they’re at it.
[via GameFans]
They may get complaints and negative comments, but I’m glad that they’re being patient and delaying launch to ensure a quality product. You only get one chance to launch and hastily delivering a less than stellar product not only wastes the pre-ordering customer’s hard earned dollars, but also risks the company’s reputation and long term potential.
Best of luck to Wikipad… hope they make the necessary refinements and hit one out of the park. I really like the idea. Although I must admit, I’d like to see the option of buying the Gamepad as a separate standalone accessory.
Yeah we don’t want it rushed and shitty like the iPad mini…. that would be terrible.
The idea is great, it’s just coming out at a time when BT controllers are beginning to hit their stride, and that clip on accessory will be a pain to carry around because of the size.
The concept is the answer to a question…that’s already being answered.
“Was the Wikipad nothing more than vaporware?”
Until I can buy it, it’s vaporware.
Meh….I’ll go with a Nexus 7 and a gameclip.
That better be a really big clip!
It’s almost ready….
http://bit.ly/QTPFxo
Gamestop forced me to cancel my pre-order :( it was fully paid off. As soon as the new date is announced im buying it
It also stokes up the anticipation for a possible ‘surprise’ Xmas launch :-D
Here’s the business model: Let’s sell year old tablet hardware with a controller attached for $100 more than the top of the line Nexus 10. Probably not going to work.
Yea I’m struggling to see the need for one, unfortunately.
I don’t really see the point of this device. Why not just use a game clip or the new mog controller?
Exactly. and it’s got tegra, the worst possible chip you can get atm. and 1 gig of ram which is not as bad as tegra.
Totally agree about focusing on making a cradle and letting the established makers deal with the actual tablets. They have better time to market, volume pricing, component testing, etc.
But what is “game clip”? Do you mean GameKlip? http://buy.thegameklip.com/ The Nexus 7 prototype looks unbalanced — literally a pain to play.
I don’t see one of these gaming cradles for 7″ tablets yet, though I am sure they are on the way. $100 or less, presumably using bluetooth and able to fit most tablets. It seems like a popular niche.
I have to agree. Clipping something to the bottom of a tablet seems to be very top heavy. I Like the idea of the controls on the side better.
PS3 Dualshock 3 … Bluetooth.
Excite 10 AT305 and a BT controller is fine.
-and the controller fits in a normal size bag.
I will stick with home and portable consoles thanks.
I’ve liked this product from it’s first inception. I’m glad they are working on quality though, I think they know that a lot is riding on this tablet and if it’s not as good as some are hoping then it could be the death nail for their product. Quality is a must. I’m still curious to see what advantages it could offer beyond what any high end Android device with a bluetooth controller could. In generalthoug I think Android is going places in the gaming sphere. Apple still gets developer attention in the gaming department, but Android is shaping up to be a more satisfying gaming experience in the long term.