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Archos Gamepad Released In the USA
An anonymous reader writes "Archos have finally released their much anticipated touchscreen gamepad in the USA. The console boasts a Arm Cortex Dual-core A9 1.6GHz cpu, 1024MB Ram, 8GB internal storage and uses the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS. The Gamepad has 14 physical buttons and dual analog thumb-sticks as well as a touchscreen which means the latest 3D Android games should work great and for fans of emulation the traditional gamepad design and buttons will make N64/PS1 emulators work great on the gamepad." CNET UK was unimpressed, calling it "a bitter disappointment"; IGN was more optimistic, especially at its sub-$200 price.
I mean I have never heard of it, and I have a lot of avid gamer friends and they never mentioned it.
Yeah!
It's an interesting idea, but inherently you are sacrificing on screen an component quality by bundling the gamepad with the device you are playing on (at least when the goal is a cheap device). It seems like you are much better off buying a top-quality Android or iPhone and then getting one of the third-party control solutions.
It also seems like you'd gain a greater degree of compatibility that way.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
So far the JXD S7300 is cheaper and has been getting better reviews, aside from a few hardware faults with the controls and poor soldering jobs.
http://www.jxd.hk/products.asp?id=627&selectclassid=009006
Cheaper too. And these chinese tabs tend to get lots of good community support.
Modern Combat 4 and Hot pursuit both take up about 2GB each. You'll be able to fit only a few decent high quality games on that at a time. What were they thinking?
It seems like you are much better off buying a top-quality Android or iPhone and then getting one of the third-party control solutions.
I cannot disagree more. The reason why handheld consoles don't include separate controls...is its a stupid idea, but the suggestion that the pitiful screen sizes [albeit average resolution] of the iphone [its less true for large...and I mean note size android phones]can compete with this *larger* [if weaker DPI] tablet is laughable. Due to the failure of the iPhone in major gaming markets...its simply not a viable option for gamers, android will become the gaming platform of choice.There may be other problems with the device but integrates controls, and large screen are not them, but the price is amazing.
While I understand using the word pad, since it's been another name for tablets, the word "gamepad" has meant video game controllers for over 2 decades.
This is a hand held video game console. Sure, that's a lot of words to describe 1 object, and could use 1 word, but the word "gamepad" is already taken by a gaming device. Will this cause confusion? I think so, I thought at first it was a game controller with a touch pad on it, not a screen.
Be seeing you...
I mean I have never heard of it, and I have a lot of avid gamer friends and they never mentioned it.
As an Android gamer. I am actually looked forward to this device, its not alone http://www.droidgamers.com/index.php/tablet-gaming/hardware-and-devices/5498-wikipad-to-launch-7-gaming-tablet-for-250-instead-of-10-tablet wikipad is another example. Although I suspect their will be a whole army of Android gaming devices. I've been using the Xperia Phone which had been an incredible device, although its been treated like an unloved stepchild by Sony [So will not be buying from them again].
If the games dont support the extra hardware it's a waste. a Nexus 7 works as very nice "game pad" already.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/GamePad-Jelly-Bean-Cortex-A9-Thumbpad-ABXY,21678.html from toms hardware "Powering this "gablet" are two 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU cores and four Mali 400 MP GPU cores, 1 GB of RAM, and Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean". For storage, the gadget coughs up 8 GB of internal space (less than that after Android) and a microSD card slot for up to 64 GB of added space."
If the games dont support the extra hardware it's a waste. a Nexus 7 works as very nice "game pad" already.
It comes with a utility to *remap* to keys, which comes with games already done. The xperia play a device that has been out since 1st April 2011 already has significant support for its joypad, expanding support these should be trivial for any programmer.
Gamepads are *great* for 1-touch platforms, and RTS, Tower Defence, Simple puzzle games, but suck incredibly badly at anything else. I bought an Xperia Play, and *always* use the gamepad if its supported [in reality I choose games that support it]. As a gamer with the Nexus 7, its internal storage only option is *significantly* limiting for gamers. Dungeon Defenders which came as part of 5th Linux/Android bundle comes in at 5GB. I can't even install it right now.
Why would you want to hook it up to a PC or console? It looks horrible for more than simple portable games. Who wants to use that instead of a Dual Shock or 360 controller?
Its a dedicated gaming device, along the lines of the famous Gameboy. So not *hooked* up to the TV a dedicated device in its own right.
why wouldn't I just get a Vita? There are some neat looking Android games, but nothing that approaches a killer app. The Vita at least has Sony backing. Then there's the 3DS too.
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Gamepads are *great* for 1-touch platforms, and RTS, Tower Defence, Simple puzzle games, but suck incredibly badly at anything else
The impression I get from comments to previous stories about phones vs. dedicated handheld video game systems that is that mobile game developers should stick to developing "1-touch platforms, and RTS, Tower Defence, Simple puzzle games" if they want any market, especially before they're big enough to qualify to develop for the PlayStation Vita or Nintendo 3DS.
I bought an Xperia Play
How many other people did? If there are few Xperia Play and Archos GamePad units in circulation, it isn't profitable to develop a game with Xperia Play and Archos GamePad as the primary targets and treat the majority of phones, which would require on-screen buttons, as an afterthought.
why wouldn't I just get a Vita? There are some neat looking Android games, but nothing that approaches a killer app. The Vita at least has Sony backing. Then there's the 3DS too.
...with a bigger screen, standard micro sd cards [up to 64bg], Games at a 30th of their cost, Use it with your Android Play account, and do all the other exciting things you can so with Android.
Really? 2nd time I've heard of it. Slashdot editors allow marketing hyperbole in links now?
Yay me!
why wouldn't I just get a Vita [or] 3DS
Sony or Nintendo require developers to meet certain for industry experience, financial stability, and office security before allowing developers onto their handheld video game systems. A lot of indie developers don't qualify, especially amateurs and startups. Remember Bob's Game?
Gaming is for PCs.
Let's get the definition debate out of the way first, shall we?
First, did you mean full-size desktop PCs or entry-level laptop PCs? Some people only have time to game while out and about, such as while riding a bus.
If there are few Xperia Play and Archos GamePad units in circulation, it isn't profitable to develop a game with Xperia Play and Archos GamePad as the primary targets and treat the majority of phones, which would require on-screen buttons, as an afterthought.
Except developer *aren't* developing with one platform in mind [its simply poor business]...and I'm not talking indie games, I am talking electronic arts. Humble Bundle are up to their 5th Android [and windows/Mac/Linux] gaming bundle...
The reason why handheld consoles don't include separate controls
"Real" dedicated handheld devices do not have a primary goal of lowest cost, and are also heavily subsidized with the expectation of royalties from game sales. This device gets no royalties, all costs are baked in. So the 3DS for example is not nearly as cheap a device as the sales price makes it seem. this gamepad is exactly as cheap as the price makes it seem - it has a lower quality screen and more sluggish processor than a good Android phone or iPhone.
pitiful screen sizes
The iPhone 5 screen is larger than the 3DS. Perhaps you've heard of it. There is the 3DSxl, but then there's also the iPad mini.
Due to the failure of the iPhone in major gaming markets
It's such a failure that many third party controllers exist that support it... and there are tens of thousands of games. You just beclowned youself to such a degree, how could anyone take anything you say further seriously?
android will become the gaming platform of choice
Do you really want to live in a world where one platform wins? I sure don't, and happily this time it is not the case. The reality is that Android will be *a* platform of choice.
There may be other problems with the device but integrates controls, and large screen are not them, but the price is amazing.
As we see from the review that is the only thing that is amazing. If you want a good device to play games, you are in fact better off as I asserted - buying a really good tablet/phone as the base to play games on, and then buying good dedicated controllers to pair with it.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Due to the failure of the iPhone in major gaming markets...
What?
I tried using a phone to play video games in traditionally controller-based genres, such as platformers, falling block games, and fighting games. The controls weren't quite as precise as decades-old NES controls because my thumbs couldn't feel whether they were centered over the on-screen buttons. How do the most successful iPhone games simulate a gamepad with more than one button?
The linked article says it contains a 8gb HDD. Someone certainly doesn't understand technology.
Gaming is for PCs. Not for handheld bullshit, not for fucking 7-year old consoles. It's for PCs. Anything else is games for girls and amateurs.
I'm not getting into a *platform* gaming debate, but what you are describing is a PC gamer. I game on PC's too, but on the move I've always has a portable device, and no Angry Birds is not a good example.
I'm currently playing though these. http://blog.humblebundle.com/post/44641397764/humble-bundle-with-android-5-has-landed they are the latest Humble Bundle games, they are available on your PC too :), although personally I have nothing against more casual games...if you only have a moment. Although having a look at https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/topselling_paid_game its a nice selection of gaming (Angry Birds only gets 23rd on the list).
I don't have one, but basically summarizing from the CNET review, the problems are the exact same problems I see with any cheap, no-name tablet:
* Poor display (very limited viewing angle, washed out colors).
* Poor battery life (2 hours gaming, 4 hours watching video, 8 hours on standby doing nothing at all).
* Poorly designed physical controls. D-Pad consisting of 4 individual buttons was the worst the reviewer had ever seen on any gaming device. Analog sticks are stiff.
The battery and the display are what sets apart the premium devices from the cheap ones, and that's how they get the price down. This device appears to be no exception.
Better known as 318230.
Archos / Arnova devices also enjoy a great online community with lots of modding at www.Arctablet.com . I own the $100 Arnova 7G3 tablet, damn nice little tablet with ICS, hdmi out, usb support and decent battery. Keep in mind that these aren't $700 tablets, and all of todays high end tablets are going to be outdated in a year or two.
http://www.techinasia.com/android-market-share-china-2012/ Is the graph easier. Apple simply is a none player in the largest smartphone [and gaming] market worldwide :)
does anyone make a case for any (most likely, very specific) phones, that adds controller features either through bluetooth or said phone's data port? seems like there should be.
...
A vita (playstation portable) or an DS *never* fitted in pocket, the playstation portable is 7" :). The fit in pocket myth something Apple users have to justify screen envy.
Sorry but the whole point of this article is a [another] great new Android *gaming console* something I have Owned for the last year and half, and right now is currently experiencing massive growth, a more lucrative market than smartwatches or TV's in my opinion :)
The truth is I would prefer a dedicated gaming device than a phone with a joypad [I bought one].
CNET is the very definition of a 'bent' site. For this gaming device, the morons at CNET attacked the 1024x600 resolution, showing just how hard they were trying to trash the device. For gaming, given the relatively weak power of current Android GPUs, the last thing you want is 'retina' resolutions.
But Archos. Well here's the thing. Archos release new models on a VERY regular basis, meaning that old models frequently turn up at 'bargain' prices. So, people show a lot of potential interest in forums, and many people buy the discounted models. The universal experience is that Archos stinks as a brand, even when you pay a fraction of the original asking price. Quality control is the main issue- there is none. Even their high-end tablets (and these can be VERY expensive on release) flex so much, the LCD suffers pressure distortion spots. This from a company that releases videos dedicated to selling their wonderful new methods for building tablet cases.
Archos also uses cheapo components- this gaming tablet foregoes IPS when every cheapo Chinese no-brand at the cost specs a much better display.
The fact that Archos is choking out a new range of tablets every 8 months (many of them semi-re-badged Chinese parts) means that Archos rapidly disowns older models.
See, here's the problem. Why would you buy Archos over the best of the current Chinese no-brands? If you want a brand with first class support, why wouldn't you go Amazon or Google? Obviously, in this case Archos is selling a specialised product with few rivals, but if Archos struggles to make its more expensive tablets worth owning, what on Earth do you think the quality of their more gimmicky tablets will be like?
In a 7in format, this processor is too power hungry for the battery when gaming. Rockchip's ARM SoC was built on an old process and is seriously compromised by this. They have better SoC parts now being released, but they are probably too weak in the GPU for new Android gaming tablets. Nvidia's Tegra 4 is probably the first gaming SoC worth standing behind, but it is late and (currently) expensive. It will be a much better match for mains-powered Android gaming 'consoles' (like the OUYA) than the rather pathetic Tegra 3 current being used.
Proper Android gaming is coming, and faster than most of you realise. Tegra 4, and the next high-end Apple ARM SoC part later this year have some very significant GPU grunt. Tegra 5 brings a PC class GPU (in features, not speed) and PowerVR has big ambitions too. AMD is likely to throw its hat into the ring as well in the near future. In this light, the Archos gaming pad can be seen as the first serious attempt to address this market, even if early adopters almost always get burnt.
I carry a 3DS in my shirt pocket whenever I wear a shirt that has a pocket. It fits fine.
Even the original gameboy was 6"...but your implying this "The 3DS weighs approximately 230 grams (8.1 oz) and, when closed, is 134 mm (5.3 in) wide, 74 mm (2.9 in) broad, and 21 mm (0.83 in)" fits in a pocket comfortably. I'm not going to waste any more time on this.
Do you really want to live in a world where one platform wins?
...that is built from open source software [the kernel], using open standards, on predominantly open hardware, used on a massive range of hardware ranging from phones/tablets with extra electronic paper/lcd screen, has stylus/gamepad for input, some even include projector. So yeah...pretty happy, hopefully the proprietary hardware/software/standards that the old abusing monopolies like Apple/Microsoft will be gone one day.
Its a massive step up from the nightmare duopoly that stagnated the PC market.
In case you didn't read the article, it doesn't play Grand Theft Auto. He mentions this 3 separate times in the review.
It sounds like a review by a teenager who bought it to play one game, and it doesn't play that game. He has valid complaints, but the tone comes across as "bratty teen with grudge."
I said it before, and i'll say it again. Archos products in general are good except for one thing, and that one thing always makes them bad. Trying to get support from them is like pulling teeth. I owned an archos pad for 6 months, and i had to replace it twice. Well, i should say it broke three times. the 3rd time i just threw it in the garbage and bought something else.
Mean what you say...say what you mean.
The Amazon page for this device says it has two CPUs (it has one quad-core CPU) and it runs (!) Windows Mobile. It also fails to mention that it can take up to 64gb micro sdxc (though that comes up in the reviews).
Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
Ive have a JXD S7100 (2.3, single core 7" with Dpads, stick and buttons) and a newer S7300 (4.1, dual core, analog stick, more buttons) and specs are pretty much inline with this tablet. Problem being very few games work with any hardware controls, they use sloppy and inaccurate virtual touch controls. The 7300 does have a remapping app built in, to use the hardware controls on a touch screen game, but only works on some games. Until the app makers spend a bit more effort and give options for hardware controllers, android gaming will not take off, besides fairly casual games.
Today, CNET gave a poor review to a computing system that runs an OS not written by Microsoft. Film at 11.
its the emulators where it shines. and those are designed with generic button mapping. Google really needs to get the lead out with a unified standard for gaming controllers.