Archos Release GamePad 2 – Nvidia Shield Rival

Android device maker Archos has just unveiled its latest Android gaming device – the GamePad 2. The Archos GamePad 2 is a big rival to Nvidia’s Tegra 4 based Shield Android gaming device and is the second revision of their gaming handset. The Archos GamePad 2 features an updated display which is now 1280 x 800 across a 7 inch IPS panel. It also features improved internals with a 1.6GHz quad core CPU and 2GB of RAM. Archos are initially offering only an 8GB model but a 16GB model is expected to debut later this year. The GamePad 2 does of course retain the microSD card slot of the first Archos GamePad so storage can easily be added that way.

For those who do not remember the first Archos GamePad that used a 1024 x 600 display, a 1.6GHz dual core processor, Mali 400MP quad core graphics and ran Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The first Archos GamePad came to market with an MSRP of £129.99 but can currently be had for around £100-£110 from competitive retailers. That said the GamePad 2 will most likely come in firmly above the original GamePad in terms of pricing to ensure that it does not price its predecessor out of the market until all remaining inventory is cleared. I’d estimate a price of around £150 GBP. More details are expected to arrive soon.

Image courtesy of Archos