Samsung launches smartphone GamePad for Android

Samsung has unveiled a new gamepad that is optimised for its Galaxy phones, imaginatively titled – wait for it – the Smartphone GamePad.
This is not Samsung’s first attempt to create a separate controller for its gaming apps, but it is its best – made of a steel frame with glossy black plastic for a sophisticated finish.
The GamePad is out now in select European countries and is expected to hit the UK in the coming weeks.
Connecting using Bluetooth 3.0, the GamePad features an eight direction D-pad, two analogue sticks, four buttons  and two triggers. There’s also a slide-out stand to lock your phone in place (see below), or you could connect it to a TV for a proper console experience.
The Smartphone GamePad works best on Samsung’s Galaxy series, but it does in fact fit any Android phone or ‘phablet’ (we’re still not comfortable saying that) from 4 to 6.3 inches running Android 4.1 or higher.
Another great feature of the controller is the Play button in the centre, which launches Samsung’s accompanying Mobile Console app via NFC.Mobile Console is a new game store for Android that features only those apps that support the controller – so, you know that anything you download is going to be compatible with the pad.
There are a total of 35 games supported by the GamePad at launch, including Need for Speed, Modern Combat 4 : Zero Hour, Virtua Tennis Challenge and Prince of Persia : The Shadow and the Flame.
Lookout for more news on the Samsung GamePad in the coming weeks, but for now – what do you think? Are you looking to add separate pad to enjoy your favourite Android games? Or are you happy enough without?