At first mention the Wikipad sounds like an e-reader designed around viewing Wikipedia. However, this tablet and controller combo powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor might change how you play games on the go.
The meeting to get hands on with the Wikipad was too secret to be in one of the meeting rooms in the convention center so I made the 543 step urban hike to the Crown Plaza Hotel where I discovered what this gaming tablet has to offer.
The Wikipad is fast. It runs Android 4.1 (jellybean) and in combination with the Tegra 3 and 1GB of DDR2 RAM (full system specs below) Max Payne for android launched very quickly and load times were almost non existent. This was the only game they were showing me, but it handled great. The controller felt responsive and was comfortable to hold. The setup looks heavy but it actually weighs less than the latest generation of Apple’s iPad, and still manages to have rumble in the device.
In addition to the current library of games on the Android market, which isn’t very strong, the Wikipad is a PlayStation certified device. Hopefully this means that a huge library of the classic Sony titles will be making its way to the device right at launch. They also have a partnership with the game streaming service Gaikai but aren’t talking specifics since the service was recently purchased by Sony.
The device with its controller attachment in place is huge, so much so that portability becomes an issue. The tablet slides into the controller shell and gives the initial impression of the crazy circle pad pro attachment for the 3DS. Unlike Nintendo’s frankenstick this one feels great to hold. It has all of the functionality of a controller: twin clickable-analog joysticks, four main face buttons, directional pad, start/select, shoulder buttons and triggers. This has more functionality and even feels better to hold than the PS Vita.
This added tactile arsenal might give the Wikipad a leg up over other tablets as far as gaming goes, but it might be the loser when it comes to portability.
The thing is huge. The 10.1” screen is beautiful but having to carry a giant controller shell around to play games will be discouraging for people who are just used to sliding their iPad in their backpack. This gaming tablet will need its own dedicated carrying case, but it’s still more convenient doing that then trying to prop up your current tablet on a table and hunch over using a Bluetooth controller.
The tablet will not be sold without the gamepad and so far is only available for pre-order at Gamestop. This Halloween, $499.99 will get you 16GB of on board storage (upgrade through microSD) and a tablet gaming experience that will out match any other device on the market, if they manage to get a library of games and developers that is better than the current Android ecosystem.
Technical Specifications
- nVidia Tegra 3 T30s, 1.4GHz Quad-core
- 1GB DDR2 RAM
- 16GB storage (upgradeable)
- 3G (optional)
- Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
- 10.1″ (diagonal) LCD (1280×800) 16:10 ratio wide-view panel
- Capacitive multi-touch screen (supports 10-point gesture)
- Scratch-resistant Gorilla® glass screen
- Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
- 3-axis Accelerometer
- Ambient Light Sensor
- e-Compass
- Gyroscope
- Docking connetor port
- 3.5mm stereo headphone minijack
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Microphone
- Micro USB connector
- Front: 2-megapixel
- Rear: 8-megapixel (Autofocus, flash)
- Built-in 23.46 watt-hour rechargable lithium-polymer battery
- Up to 8 hrs watching video
- Charging via power adapter (included)
- Height: 10.34 inches (262.6 mm)
- Width: 6.91 inches (175.4 mm)
- Depth: 0.34 inch (8.6 mm)
- Weight: 1.23 pounds (560 g)
