The Archos GamePad is a video gaming tablet developed and marketed by Archos.[3] 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 February 2013.[4][5] 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.[6] Archos have designed a technology which 'converts' the touch controls (of Android games) into physical controls from the buttons.[7] It is able to get over a thousand games from the Google Play library.

Archos GamePad
An Archos Gamepad
DeveloperArchos
TypeTablet
Release date
  • EU: 6 December 2012
  • USA: February 2013
Introductory price€150, £130, US$170[1]
Operating systemAndroid 4.1 Jelly Bean
CPUDual-core Rockchip RK3066 @ 1.6 GHz
Memory1024 MB
StorageGB internal, with expandable microSD up to 64GB
Display7" capacitive touchscreen @ 1024x600 px
GraphicsMali-400 quad-core
Controller inputBuilt-in
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Mini-HDMI, USB 2.0
Online servicesGoogle Play
Dimensions229.8mm x 118.7mm x 15.4mm[2]
SuccessorArchos GamePad 2

Archos GamePad features a 7-inch screen, 8GB of internal storage, 16 physical buttons, a 0.3 MP front camera, and stereo speakers.[8] It is 10mm thick and weights 300 grams. Archos have developed a special mapping software for developers to officially make their game(s) compatible with the GamePad's physical buttons.

Release

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Archos retailed GamePad in the UK for £130, although Archos originally had said that the tablet will sell for "under £130"[7] The GamePad has a 7" screen.[9]

Reception

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The Archos GamePad received largely negative reviews. Poor battery life, low screen quality and uncomfortable controls were among the most frequently mentioned complaints.[10][11][12][2]

Gamepad 2

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In August 2013, it was revealed that Archos is working on a successor, called Archos GamePad 2.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Broida, Rick (2013-03-22). "Review: Archos GamePad". wired. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  2. ^ a b McFerran, Damien (2013-01-06). "Archos GamePad review". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  3. ^ "Archos GamePad is £130 Android-packing 7-inch gaming tablet | CNET UK". Archived from the original on 2012-08-31. Retrieved 2012-09-10.
  4. ^ "ARCHOS GamePad specs". 29 August 2012.
  5. ^ Stacy Warden. "Archos GamePad hits the states in February Archived January 21, 2013, at the Wayback Machine". Know Your Cell, 2013-01-17. Accessed 2013-01-17.
  6. ^ "Archos GamePad for Android Gamers Tired of Touchscreens". 29 August 2012.
  7. ^ a b "Archos unveils 7-inch GamePad with physical controls, Ice Cream Sandwich for 'less than 150 euros'". 19 July 2019.
  8. ^ http://www.arctablet.com/blog/featured/archos-gamepad-android-portable-console-review-part-1-introduction/ Archived 2012-12-09 at the Wayback Machine GamePad review Part 1
  9. ^ "Archos GamePad: An Android gaming tablet that looks like PlayStation Vita". Eurogamer. 29 August 2012.
  10. ^ Rougeau, Michael (2013-01-10). "Hands on: Archos GamePad review". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  11. ^ Williams, Andrew (2013-01-10). "Archos GamePad Review". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  12. ^ McFerran, Damien (2013-01-09). "Archos GamePad review: Archos GamePad". CNET. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
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