The Wikipad is an interesting Android gaming device that aims to bridge the gap between console gaming and touchscreen tablet gaming.
Featuring a 10.1" display with a 1280x800 resolution and powered by an Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 quad-core 1.4GHz processor, the Wikipad runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
But as well as being a tablet, it adds gaming controls with a slide-in case that includes dual analog sticks and a bunch of buttons (including four shoulder buttons).
It also has the support of
PlayStation Mobile, and content will be available via Google Play and highlighted by Nvidia's TegraZone.
More concerning, however, is the $499.99 price tag - something that's been announced as part of the exclusive pre-order program via
US retailer Gamespot.
What, no 3D?When the Wikipad was
unveiled at CES back in January, it was advertised as the first Android tablet to feature glasses-free 3D.
When its technical specs were released in July, however, there was
no mention of the stereoscopic 3D, and we correctly concluded that Wikipad Inc had jettisoned that feature.
Competing with whom?While the Wikipad is a robust and well-equipped tablet, distinguished from other 10.1" competitors by its analog sticks and suite of buttons, the big question facing the mobile gaming world is who would be interested in purchasing a $500 dedicated gaming tablet?
Weighing 560g / 1.23lbs with the controller shell attached, the Wikipad is nearly twice as heavy as the Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita.
Additionally, the 3DS edges the Wikipad out in terms of 3D gaming, and the PS Vita offers a 3G model while the Wikipad is available in a single wifi-only configuration.
Finally, there's the issue of the price. It's much more expensive than comparable 7" Android tablets such as Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire HD, while it doesn't have the consumer desire of an iPad.
Still, with a focus on gaming and the promise of more content hooks up to be announced in future, it's a device we'll certainly be keeping our eye on as the launch plans develop.
Joined:
Sep 2012
Post count:
30
I'll keep my eyes on this one. Nice post.
Joined:
Aug 2012
Post count:
12
the biggest problems is that developers are going to have to support the wiki-pads control interface. Unless they have a line-up of developers on board from launch - it's just going to be like any other high end android tablet.
It's also bridging a useless gap - mobile gaming doesn't have the titles to attract the core gaming audience. They're building a tablet for a very small niche...
Joined:
Aug 2012
Post count:
13
The physical controls are awsome but at$500 it's gonna flop big time, archos gamepad has controls built right into it like the vita and that's under $200 (much better buy). nobody with any sense at all is going to buy this overpriced wannabe vita.
Joined:
Aug 2012
Post count:
2
You could buy a decent tablet and ps vita for that price.
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Sep 2012
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1
I got me a BB Playbook for 140.00(USD) and it makes a great gaming device ,it's small,light,Good speakers(two in front),speedy,HDMI to hook to Big screen,great graphics and so much more. I've had mine a few weeks and love it. right off the bat I got some great games either for free or .99 cents. So far I have 9mm HD,Asphalt 6 HD,Frisbee Forever,GT Racing,Let's Golf 2 HD,Modern Combat 2, Nova 2,NFS Undercover,Spider-man Total Mayhem,Run in crowd and more. Since BB updated there PB to 2.0 they been adding a ton of apps everyday. I got my tablet for 140.00 and it's still on sale. Well worth it :)
Joined:
Aug 2012
Post count:
4
I mainly use my iPad for games. So a tablet dedicated to games interests me. However, I can't see myself buying one since I already own an iPad.
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