Archos GamePad

The Archos GamePad is a video gaming tablet developed and marketed by Archos. It runs on the Android operating system. It was announced on August 29, 2012, and was first released on 6 December 2012 in Europe, with a US release projected for February 2013. The tablet is aimed at gaming, and features dedicated dual analog sticks along with regular gaming keys and shoulder buttons - a similar design as the PlayStation Vita. Archos have designed a technology which 'converts' the touch controls into physical controls from the buttons. It is able to get over a thousand games from the Google Play library.
Archos GamePad features a 7-inch screen, 8GB of internal storage, 16 physical buttons, a 0.3 MP front camera, and stereo speakers. It is 10mm thick and weights 300 grams. Archos have developed a special mapping software for developers to officially make their game compatible with the GamePad's physical buttons.

Release

Archos retailed GamePad in the UK for £130, although Archos originally had said that the tablet will sell for "under £130" The GamePad has a 7" screen.

Reception

The Archos GamePad received largely negative reviews. Poor battery life, low screen quality and uncomfortable controls were among the most frequently mentioned complaints.

Gamepad 2

In August 2013, it was revealed that Archos is working on a successor, called Archos GamePad 2.