Samsung GamePad For Android Smartphones Coming to India in January

Samsung has revealed that it will be launching the GamePad, a gaming accessory for Android smartphones, in the Indian market next month. It will be available sometime in the end of January at Rs. 4,999.

In the press release, Samsung noted, "The Smartphone GamePad instantly transforms the user's Galaxy smartphone or tablet into a portable gaming console or even a home console. Through its premium, easy-to-carry design and durable steel frame, GamePad is attachable to mobile devices ranging from 4-inches to 6.3-inches, allowing users to play games wherever they are. Users can also connect Galaxy devices to their TV through an HDMI cable or AllShare Screen Mirroring for video game console experience from their living room."

Recommended: Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 Officially Launched: Available in India From Next Week

Samsung is not the only one that has launched the game controller for smartphones, we have already seen the advent of the PowerShell game controller from Logitech made for iPhones.

Recommended: Lenovo Vibe X Up for Pre-Orders at Rs 25,999

Samsung's GamePad comes with a solid steel frame, but looks to be all plastic on the outside. The controllers layout is quite similar to that of PlayStation's controller with the analog sticks parallel to each other. But the GamePad is bit smaller than a PlayStation 3's controller. While there are regular, directional pad, two analog sticks, four face buttons, and two shoulder triggers.

The controller can host any devices measuring between 4-inches to 6.3-inches. According to Samsung, the GamePad is compatible with Android device running Android 4.1 or higher. It requires a Bluetooth 3.0. The most convenient features optimized for Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 4.3 such as Galaxy Note 3, S4, Note II, and S III enable easy connectivity with GamePad via NFC tag and quicker access to games via the "PLAY" button. Interestingly, you can even use AllShare Screen Mirroring through an HDMI cable to play games on your TV.

It should also be noted that along with the device a Mobile Console app is also being released. The companion Samsung Mobile Console app, will launch with 35 games including Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Asphalt8: Airborne, Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour, Virtua Tennis Challenge, and Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame. Samsung is promising "much more" in 2014. The GamePad and app are already available in select European markets.