U.S Games retailer GameStop has confirmed that it is developing a customised Android tablet aimed at gamers and those looking for a cheaper alternative to the iPad 2.
GameStop’s President Tony Bartel recently spoke with GamesIndustry.biz, confirming that the retailer was well into the testing phases of a GameStop-branded Android tablet.
Bartel made no attempt to make the tablet sound new, instead stating that their tablet would be a re-branded version of an existing model, with added extras to satisfy gameaholics.
“I don’t see any need to create a new one with the three hundred or so on the market already,” Bartel said. “We have a refurbishment center and we can bring in the product and pre-load certain games onto it. It’s an Android device.” The tablet is currently being called a “GameStop-certified gaming platform.”
GameStop haven’t disclosed the manufacturer of their own-brand tablet, though we do know that prototypes are currently being tested in Dallax, Texas. As many have correctly pointed out, this is pretty close to where Samsung are based in the U.S. Could we be seeing a re-branded Galaxy Tab 10.1 for gamers?
Mr Bartel also confirmed that the company are developing a special type of gaming controller for use with their tablet, something no other tablet company have done yet. We’re going to take this as confirmation that the tablet will run Android Honeycomb 3.2, as this version will allow USB Host, and therefore the ability to connect a controller.
GameStop are already in talks with developers who want to create games that work with the proprietary controller on their tablet. Bartel hopes that if the product takes off, they will be able to develop a game streaming service similar to ONlive.
GameStop in the UK will be stocking an exclusive white PS3 console bundle starting November 1st, check it out here!
Via: BGR