Archos Gamepad Tested

The Archos GamePad is a video gaming tablet developed and marketed by Archos. It runs on the Android operating system. It was announced on August 29, 2012 and was first released on 6 December 2012 in Europe, with a US release projected for early 2013. The tablet is aimed at gaming, and features dedicated dual analog sticks along with regular gaming keys and shoulder buttons – a similar design as the PlayStation Vita. Archos have designed a technology which ‘converts’ the touch controls (of Android games) into physical controls from the buttons. It’s able to get over a thousand games from the Google Play library.
Archos GamePad features a 7-inch screen, 8GB of internal storage, 16 physical buttons, a 0.3 MP front camera, and stereo speakers. It is 10mm thick and weights 300 grams. Archos have developed a special mapping software for developers to officially make their games compatible with the GamePad’s physical buttons.

I tested this new gaming device at the CES this year. It looks and feels a bit too plastic, but at the same time seems rather sturdy. The feel in your hands is good and the D-Pads are well placed. Reaction was very good considering most android devices have serious lag problems. This thing can emulate a nintendo 64 and nes in addition to all the other android games that are available. I played Trials HD on it, and the performance was great.

So my conclusion is its a good budget alternative for the Nvidia Shield, but its hardy perfect.

Archos retailed GamePad in the UK for £130, although Archos originally have said that the tablet will sell for “under £130”