The next iteration of ARCHOS’ GamePad has been announced, the GamePad 2. The 7-inch handheld gaming tablet features some beefed up specs and a beautiful controller design that’s sure to bring Android gaming to the next level.
The GamePad 2 is powered by an A9 quad-core processor clocked at 1.6GHz, which is coupled with a Quad-core graphics processor and 2GB of RAM. The gaming device will tout Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, and will be available in 16 and 32GB variants, with both models touting a microSD slot which allows users to expand storage up to 64GB.
ARCHOS is making sure that gamers get a solid experience with the inclusion of a 7-inch IPS HD screen with a 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, which provides good viewing angles, vibrant colors and brightness.
Not only is the GamePad 2 compatible with the Google Play Store, but is offering a store of its own. The GamePad Game Zone is a curated gaming store, which displays the best GamePad 2 compatible games as well as over 1 million apps and games from the Google Play Store.
The ARCHOS GamePad 2 will be available for $199.99 in the U.S. in Q4, just in time for the holidays.
Will you be asking Santa for an ARCHOS GamePad 2 this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Press release follows below.
ARCHOS GamePad 2 Announced
A hybrid tablet made for gamers; the GamePad 2 features a faster Quad-Core CPU, a 7” IPS HD screen and the proprietary ARCHOS Game Mapping Tool
DENVER, Colo. – October 9, 2013 – ARCHOS, a pioneer in Android™ devices, is proud to announce its second generation tablet made for Gamers – the ARCHOS GamePad 2, available in the U.S. at the end of Q4 for $199.99.
“Following the success of the GamePad 1, we knew that we could take the gaming-tablet concept further. With our GamePad 2 we have included an HD screen, better controls, a larger battery and a faster processor,” said Loic Poirier ARCHOS CEO, “We’re excited to be working with a leading games company like Gameloft to pre-install two visually stunning titles for an amazing gaming experience.”
The ARCHOS GamePad 2 includes complete versions of Asphalt 8: Airborne and Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour by Gameloft both revisited for physical controls. “With a tablet that’s as innovative as the ARCHOS GamePad 2, it was an easy decision to optimize our games for the platform,” said Cyril Guilleminot, Gameloft Director for France & Benelux. “Users will be able to take part in a brand new gaming experience with its integrated physical control system.”
HD IPS Screen
The ARCHOS GamePad 2 features a 7 inch HD screen perfect for gaming. The widescreen 1280 x 800 pixel resolution gives an amazing gaming and multimedia experience and IPS technology ensures amazing colors and brightness as well as perfect viewing angles.
Powerful Processor, Larger Battery
Powered by an A9 generation quad-core processor running at 1.6GHz coupled with a fast Quad-Core graphics processor and 2GB of system RAM, the ARCHOS GamePad 2 has more than enough power to play the latest 3D games smoothly.
Thanks to super energy-efficient 28 nanometer processor technology and a much larger battery than normally used on a 7 inch tablet, the ARCHOS GamePad 2 has vastly improved battery life whether in gaming or simply when browsing the web.
Improved Thumb-Sticks, Buttons and Mapping Tool
The ARCHOS GamePad 2 features more precise, incurved dual thumb-sticks, double buttons on each shoulder, a single part directional pad and a vastly improved button click-feeling for a better physical gaming experience.
Combined with the updated version of the critically praised Game Mapping Tool, first featured on the GamePad 1, that lets users map any touch-screen button game to work with the physical controls, the ARCHOS GamePad 2 offers an improved android gaming experience for hundreds of thousands of free and paid games.
The ARCHOS GameZone – find the best games
To find great games faster, ARCHOS created the GamePad Game Zone application; curating over 1 million apps and games in the Google Play™ Store, the Game Zone shows off the best ARCHOS GamePad 2 compatible games.
With downloads, purchases, ratings, comments and game updates all taking place through the Google Play Store, users can get the best from the huge games catalogue available for the ARCHOS GamePad 2.
Storage for Games
The ARCHOS GamePad 2 is available in two storage sizes – 8GB and 16GB. Both versions include a microSD slot (64GB compatible) with app2sd support for extra storage.
Though the ARCHOS GamePad 2 was designed with gaming in mind, it’s still a fully functional Android tablet able to do everything that you expect from a tablet… and more, thanks to ARCHOS media applications. Additional key features and specs include:
Android 4.2™ ‘Jelly Bean’
Google Certified with full access to the Google Play store and its 1 million apps and games, GamePad Game Zone app also included to find the best games
Amazing Tablet Features: WiFi Display, HDMI, front stereo speakers, Front camera for video calling and an improved multi-media thanks to Archos Media Center applications
The ARCHOS GamePad2 will be available at the end of October at €179.99 on www.ARCHOS.com.
For more information about the GamePad 2 or other ARCHOS products visit www.ARCHOS.com.
ABOUT ARCHOS
ARCHOS, a pioneer in the portable audio and video player market, and now specializing in Android Tablets and Smartphones, has repeatedly revolutionized the market for consumer electronics since 1988. Today, ARCHOS offers its own line of Android Tablets and Smartphones, as well as a full line of OEM devices. In 2000, ARCHOS launched the Jukebox 6000, the first MP3 player combined with a hard disk. In 2008, ARCHOS launched the first generation Internet Tablets, and then the first ever Android powered tablets in 2009. In 2013, ARCHOS launched its first generation of Smartphones with the ARCHOS Platinum series. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is quoted on Compartment C of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN CodeFR0000182479. Website: www.archos.com.
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