Smartphones have managed to take over cameras, wallets, books, laptops, notepads, alarm clocks and to a less extent gaming consoles. Gaming has not been taken over by smartphones that much simply because gamers want to have better controls of the game but a touch screen does not offer the control flexibility that only game controllers that come with Xbox, Nintedo or Play Station can provide.
The controller hindrance for smartphones has made Samsung to think deep and come up with a solution that can now make gamers truly enjoy their games on the go via their smartphones. Samsung has created a gaming controller that connects to any smartphone running Android Jelly Bean 4.1 and above and featuring 4 to 6.3 inches. The Samsung GamePad gaming controller, pictured above, connects to the smartphone via blue tooth.
Already games like Need for Speed Most Wanted, Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame and Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour are available for the Samsung GamePad plus 35 others. With a gadget like Samsung GamePad, there is optimism that the future of gaming is bound to change.
This is the full press statement regarding the Samsung GamePad:
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.
