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GameStop preinstalls free games on existing Android tablets
Continuing with plans to create its own mobile gaming platform, GameStop has begun selling tablets with games preinstalled. Based on previous announcements, most people expected the company to launch its own tablet, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Instead of delivering something unique, GameStop has simply partnered with major Android tablet manufacturers including Acer, Asus and Samsung. You can purchase GameStop-exclusive versions of the 7-inch Iconia Tab, 10.1-inch Eee Pad Transformer and 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab for their standard prices of $329, $399 and $499.
However, they come with six free games: Dead Space, Re-Load, Sonic CD, Monster Madness, Riptide GP and Cordy. Folks who buy tablets through GameStop will also get a link to Digital Game Informer along with the Kongregate Arcade app, which contains over 580 free games. Although it hasn't gone as far as developing its own slate, GameStop is offering an exclusive Bluetooth gamepad with rechargeable batteries and a customizable button configuration.
When GameStop revealed its plans to enter the tablet segment earlier this year, one of the most common criticisms noted how lousy it can be to play games with touch controls. The gamepad seems like it addresses those concerns -- for a price. The controller is fetching $39 and unless you intend to play with your tablet on a flat surface, you'll probably have to purchase or jury-rig some kind of stand. In the case of the Transformer, its keyboard dock will set you back $99.
There's obviously a market for mobile gaming, but the platform tends to favor casual titles. Smartphones and tablets have less hardware resources and interface options, and people generally have less time to play (per session) on mobile platforms. Do we really need a third-party game supplier for those devices? I'm not big on mobile gaming, but the standard iOS and Android marketplaces seem to have things covered. Would you buy a tablet or controller from GameStop?
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User Comments: 10
Got something to say? Post a comment-
NO! bunch of ******, thinking that touch screen games are a good idea. They suck, and are nothing more than a time waster as you are waiting for the bus or train or whatever your waiting for.
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mattfrompa said:
I refuse to buy Gamestop branded hardware. Nothing but bad experiences for my friends and I. I'm glad if it works well for others, but I have a theory that even just Gamestops name touching the hardware degrades the quality.
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@ikesmasher most are just not done right but try playing superbrother sword and sorcery that game is definately in my top 10 all time favorite games
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Why would I buy from Gamestop when I can download most of these games for free from the market anyway? I bought a "refurbished" PS3 from Gamestop that was filled with dust, cat hair, and tar from cigarette smoke. I took it back and they tried to charge me a restocking fee, while blaming me for the filth that they failed to clean out. I will never buy anything from gamestop again.
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Let's be honest, the touch interface just hasn't really cut it for many games... But this may be a brilliant move for Gamestop - while the touch issue is a problem for hardcore games, it works very well on many casual games out there. This is Gamestop's way of getting a bite out of that potentially massive casual gaming pie. The key is going to be finding some exclusivity niche.
Would I buy a tablet from Gamestop right now? Nah, no real reason to. Would I buy the controller? Once I see some gamer reviews of how it performs, I might consider it (and if they provided a basic prop/stand for the tablet with the controller, it would add benefit). But Average Joe Consumer just might pick up a bundle, and that's what Gamestop is banking on. If they manage to find that exclusive content or a way to make their bundles stand out from the crowd, they could have some decent success.
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NTAPRO said:
I do think that maybe this might be well received from the younger age groups...
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simply NO RESPECT !
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Wait, what? The transformer should come with the keyboard as standard (or at least it does here) so shame on them for breaking it up for profit.
:@?
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pinothyj said:
Wait, what? The transformer should come with the keyboard as standard (or at least it does here) so shame on them for breaking it up for profit.
:@?
I don't think it's Gamestop breaking it up. Almost every store I've seen the Transformer in has sold the keyboard separately - it's an optional peripheral, not a core component. That said, those same stores usually sold the combination in a bundle as well, for $100+ more. So really, nothing shameful with Gamestop following suit with everyone else...
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pinothyj said:
Wait, what? The transformer should come with the keyboard as standard (or at least it does here) so shame on them for breaking it up for profit.
:@?
+1 Vrmithrax
The keyboard dock, as far as I know, has always been separate (unless you got lucky with a bundled promo). I suppose it also depends on where "here" is. If you're in Taiwan or S. Korea, I wouldn't be surprised if it came standard.
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