Samsung GamePad is official – now available in Europe with other markets to follow
After showing it off briefly during the Samsung Galaxy S4 announcement, Samsung is now ready to formally announce their upcoming Smartphone GamePad optimized for their Galaxy line of devices.
Featuring a D-pad, 2 analog sticks, 4 buttons on the front, and 2 triggers — gamers can quickly pair up the controller to the Galaxy smartphone via NFC and Bluetooth 3.0. No word if they GamePad act as a normal Bluetooth controller on non-Galaxy devices, but the clever wording of the press release suggests as much.
Samsung says the controller is built with a durable steel frame, and features a clamp to attach even the biggest of Galaxies to the controller (all the way up to 6.3-inches). For the truly hardcore gamers, it’s even possible to hookup their Galaxy device to the TV using an HDMI (or Samsung’s AllShare Screen Mirroring in compatible televisions) for a home console-like experience.
Of course, you’ll need to find GamePad supported games if you’re looking for full compatibility. Samsung looks to make this as painless as possible with a”Play” button built into the controller instantly opens the Mobile Console app for the browsing and purchasing of GamePad supported games. There will be 35 games at launch, with titles that include:
- Need for Speed Most Wanted
- Asphalt 8: Airborne
- Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour
- Virtua Tennis Challenge
- Prince of Persia : The Shadow and the Flame
- More TBA in 2014
Samsung was mum on pricing, but did mention the GamePad is only available for purchase in Europe at the moment, with additional markets will follow in the coming weeks. They better get crackin’, Christmas is just around the corner.