Android tablet being tested by GameStop

Video game and player retailer GameStop is testing a branded Android powered tablet. The device is expected to launch sometime in 2012 with a dedicated game controller and a number of pre-installed games. The company is said to have found a tablet manufactured by an OEM that meets its specs and according to GameStop president Tony Bartel, GameStop has been testing the unit for the last two weeks as a  "GameStop certified platform".

Besides offering a small number of mobile titles, the tablet is expected to allow you to stream console games from the cloud, which is where the dedicated game controller comes into play since it is hard to play console-style games using a finger, according to Bartel. And while GameStop is no longer owned by Barnes and Noble, the latter has actually been able to make some waves in the tablet and eReader market with its Barnes and Noble Nook devices, so there is precedent for GameStop to deliver a branded tablet.

Obviously, with the tablet still being tested, it is way to early to consider pricing. The trend toward low-end Android tablets has recently picked up momentum with the Lenovo A1 IdeaPad priced at $199 as we reported, and the upcoming Amazon 7 inch tablet which is due out next month as we informed you.

source: GamesIndustry.Biz (subscription req'd) via Thisismynext