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NVIDIA and Nyko Technologies introduce gamepads tailored specifically for Tegra 3 devices

By Daniel P.

Published: Jun 05, 2012, 3:55 AM

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NVIDIA and Nyko Technologies introduce gamepads tailored specifically for Tegra 3 devices

NVIDIA is pushing hard to differentiate its Tegra line of mobile chips, which have the potential to become its largest revenue source. It already introduced the Tegra Zone shop in the Google Play Store, where one can find games made to work specifically with Tegra-running gadgets, and now it is thinking to accessorize the experience.

Nyko and NVIDIA have entered a partnership which will bring Bluetooth game controllers that are made exclusively with Tegra 3 Android devices in mind.

Tablet and smartphone gaming has been looked upon condescendingly by console owners because of the tricky touchscreen controls, but Nyko and NVIDIA are aiming to change that perception, says Chris Arbogast, director of marketing for Nyko Technologies:

To embrace the enormous growth of mobile and tablet gaming, our new controllers will provide physical and familiar controls to tablet gamers for a console-like experience. Tablet games are evolving, pushing the envelope of graphics and performance. The only limitation has been the lack of physical-input controllers, until now. We are happy to collaborate with the veterans at NVIDIA to create dedicated hardware that’s optimized for games running on the Tegra chipset.

There will be two models - the full-size PlayPad Pro, and the smaller PlayPad, both with dual analog sticks, a d-pad, face buttons and shoulder triggers, as the gaming gods intended. Launching this fall, the gamepads will be accompanied by their own management app called Playground, which will expand the games support from NVIDIA's Tegra Zone only to other tablet games as well.

source: Nyko

Nyko Technologies Announces Gaming Controllers for Tegra-Based Tablets to Take Console-Quality Gaming Experience Mobile

LOS ANGELES – June 4, 2012 – Nyko Technologies®, the leading gaming peripherals manufacturer, today announced a new line of controllers to enable console-quality gaming experiences on Android tablet devices. Nyko is creating controllers to support games optimized for NVIDIA® Tegra® mobile processors, notably the high-powered graphics capabilities of the Tegra 3 quad-core processor. Available Fall 2012, the tablet controllers will offer a future-proof gaming experience, blurring the line between mobile and console video gaming.

“To embrace the enormous growth of mobile and tablet gaming, our new controllers will provide physical and familiar controls to tablet gamers for a console-like experience,” said Chris Arbogast, director of marketing for Nyko Technologies. “Tablet games are evolving, pushing the envelope of graphics and performance. The only limitation has been the lack of physical-input controllers, until now. We are happy to collaborate with the veterans at NVIDIA to create dedicated hardware that’s optimized for games running on the Tegra chipset.”

The Nyko tablet controller series/line features:

PlayPad Pro – Nyko’s full-sized controller for an at-home gaming experience, including dual analog sticks, d-pad, face buttons and shoulder triggers/bumpers for wireless tablet gaming in the living room.

PlayPad – Nyko’s mini controller includes dual analog sliders, collapsible tablet stand and a carrying case for gaming on the go

Console-style control for ease of gameplay, perfect for first-person shooters and other complex games.
No rooting required; controllers are usable out of the box

Compatible with all Android 3.0 and higher tablets/phones with Bluetooth® connectivity

The Nyko tablet controllers are being developed with input from NVIDIA to ensure compatibility with a large library of high-end mobile games optimized for all Tegra-powered devices. These games are available in TegraZone™, NVIDIA’s free app that showcases the best games optimized for the Tegra processor. NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 chipset delivers console quality graphics on mobile devices with the world’s only 4-PLUS-1™ quad-core mobile processor, including a 5th battery-saver core.

Nyko has also developed a free Android app, called Playground, to provide backwards compatibility for their controllers with legacy tablet titles, including those that currently utilize keyboard mapping, touch mapping and mouse support. Playground provides profile management for customized control schemes, as well as pre-set profiles for top selling and popular games. Like Nyko’s tablet controllers, the app will not require rooting of the device.

Fans and press are invited to get a first look at the Nyko Tablet Controllers at E3 in Los Angeles, June 5-7 2012, in the West Hall, booth #5000.