Gamers prep your thumbs: Archos has announced a 7-inch portable games console that will run Google's Android OS and carry a sub-£130 price-tag.
If you've been lusting after the Playstation Vita but can't quite afford Sony's prices then read on.
In addition to a generously-proportioned capacitive touchscreen pane, the GamePad has a full complement of physical control buttons and analogue sticks to keep your thumbs busy.
Under the hood is a 1.5GHz chip and a Mali 400MP quad-core GPU. Pocketlint reports the GamePad will also be Google certified so you'll get access to Google's Play Store to download games and apps. You'll also be able to map touch controls to the tab's physical keys so you can mash its buttons and batter its joysticks rather than dabbing your fingers on glass.
"Until now, tablets provided gamers with touch controls that lacked response and compatibility, providing a disappointing gaming experience. As one of the main tablet uses, there is a strong need for a tablet that does more for gaming," said Archos in a statement.
Considering the GamePad is a Nexus 7-sized Android tablet, you will also presumably be able to download books and TV shows from Google Play too, should you want to use it for more typical tablet activities.
The GamePad's launch date is pegged for the end of October -- which is perfect timing for it to be swept up in the gadget-guzzling Christmas shopping rush.
Archos announced the GamePad tablet at the IFA tech conference that's taking place in Berlin this week. Stay tuned to CNET UK for more from the show's gadget-infested halls.
Are you excited by the prospect of a £130 gaming tablet or would you rather just buy Google's Nexus 7? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or sound off on our Facebook page.
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Comments 9
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anonymous 29 August, 2012 13:21
want one
anonymous 29 August, 2012 13:54
definitely want one
billfred 29 August, 2012 14:06
Looks uncomfortably thin.
Ryan Simmons 29 August, 2012 14:15
I'd want one if this wasn't Archos. They frequently release underwhelming tech, an at only £130, this won't stack up against either the PS vita or 3DS in almost every way.
misterk1973 29 August, 2012 15:22
I wish someone thought I looked uncomfortabley thin... Seems a nice option.
anonymous 31 August, 2012 06:12
Even though I'm not generally interested in tablet and tablet devices that small, it is a neat alternative for nintendo and sony
anonymous 16 September, 2012 16:33
definitely want one
shaurz 15 October, 2012 16:02
I've got a Nexus 7 but I want one of these too. I am slightly disappointed it has a TN screen instead of IPS, I would have paid extra for a better screen. I'm not a fan of the PS-style split d-pad either. But I'll be buying one anyway for playing emulators and hopefully they will make an improved version in the future.
anonymous 21 March, 2013 18:30
Um So Is This AvaaIble In The USA?