Samsung is finally ready to launch its Android GamePad controller, which was unveiled way back in March along with the Galaxy S4 and recently received a more sober design. Called “Smartphone GamePad,” the controller will be compatible with devices running Android 4.1 and above (optimized for Android 4.3 on Samsung devices), connect via Bluetooth (or NFC), with the ability to hold devices ranging from 4 to 6.3-inches in size. The controller comes with a dedicated “PLAY” button that will fire up Samsung's Mobile Console app on select Galaxy phones, through which users will be able to download various game titles, and a rechargeable battery is included for powering the entire thing.
At launch, the GamePad is compatible with 35 games, including Need for Speed™ Most Wanted, Asphalt 8 : Airborne, Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour, Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame, and Virtua Tennis™ Challenge. Availability will be extended outside Europe in the coming months, though pricing remains a mystery at this point (judging by other Samsung accessories, expect this one to be rather costly as well).