Two new tablet gamepads from Nyko

Andrew Brush 4 Jun, 2012 at 6:00pm ET Article published in Gaming

Mobile gaming has come leaps and bounds since the days of Snake. With high production values in titles like Shadowgun, and mainstream publisher interest from the likes of Sega, the viability of the tablet platform for more than just casual gaming is quickly becoming clear.

There is just one thing dragging the tablet down as a games machine: the interface. Touchscreens are fantastic for surfing the net and flicking a few belligerent birds across the screen, but when it comes to making quick, precise and accurate movements, tabs leave a lot to be desired. That’s something Nyko Technologies hopes to remedy with their new range of controllers.

Set for release this fall, the Nyko PlayPad will be a compact and portable dual analogue gamepad complemented by a full-sized “Pro” version for home use. Both offer layouts that are instantly recognisable to any Xbox owner and will be supported by any Bluetooth-equipped Android 3.0+ device.

While the Bluetooth support isn’t really anything new (OnLive has been selling a similar controller for some time), Nyko’s new “Playground” app differentiates with backwards compatibility for older Android games, as well as customisable control schemes and pre-set profiles for popular titles.

Comments

4 Jun 2012 ~ 10:20pm midga Freaking awesome. I gotta admit, I really don't mind two-stick shmups on my phone, except I gotta grease my fingers a little first, and then the screen is all smudgy. I actually just got the Ten One Design fling mini in the other day. Haven't taken the time to try it out yet, though.
6 Jun 2012 ~ 6:09pm Bandrik I'm on the fence. While I loves me some gamepads, and I definitely cheer for more gamepad options... I just can't see myself using a portable device with another portable device. If I'm going to use a gamepad, I want it hooked to a PC or a console. If I'm traveling, I'd want a single compact device -- and thus, why I have a Xperia PLAY (PlayStation) mobile phone.

I like the idea, and the controller definitely looks nice. I may just pick up one of the compact ones to use with my tablet, just because they look cool and to try it out in person. Who knows, maybe it will be worth lugging around. Only one way to really find out...
6 Jun 2012 ~ 6:39pm Thrax Hook phone to TV with MHL. Add gamepad. SUCCESS! Instant Sega Genesis.
6 Jun 2012 ~ 9:21pm Bandrik
Hook phone to TV with MHL. Add gamepad. SUCCESS! Instant Super Nintendo.
FTFY
6 Jun 2012 ~ 9:31pm Thrax Super Nintendo is bad, and you should feel bad.
7 Jun 2012 ~ 12:05pm ardichoke
Sega Genesis is bad, and you should feel bad.
FTFY
7 Jun 2012 ~ 2:42pm Basil Mega Drive or bust.

Seriously though, some of my mobile games like cogs, osmos and zen bound work great with a touchscreen but plenty of others, and all my emulated games, get a horribad onscreen control system that I'll happily pay money to not use.

If the mini Nyko pad is halfway decent (and makes it to Europe) I'll be picking one up.
7 Jun 2012 ~ 2:49pm CB I want my gamepad to attach to the device somehow. Otherwise how would I hold them both?
7 Jun 2012 ~ 9:00pm Thrax TIL CB doesn't have a lap.