Google puts up pre-order page for its first-ever proprietary game controller

posted by Paul.K / Oct 27, 2014, 3:40 AM

Google puts up pre-order page for its first-ever proprietary game controller

We are currently approaching the times when gaming on an Android-powered platform will be something not so uncommon, and even just as fulfilling, as gaming on a console or PC. Pioneer devices, such as the Kickstarter-funded mini-console OUYA, or the powerful Nvidia SHIELD gamer-centric tablet are testament to the desire of both consumers and developers to see a new age of portable gaming devices. Google also stands behind its operating system's gaming capabilities, with the upcoming Nexus Player – a set-top box, powered by Android, which can, naturally, play games from the Play Store.

After announcing the Nexus Player, Google promised a controller would be coming. The set-top box is up for pre-order on the Play Store for $99 right now and has recently been joined by a proprietary controller, which can be pre-ordered for $39.

The gamepad doesn't look like a joke, too – with 2 analog sticks, a 4-button D-pad, and 8 action buttons (2 of which are pressure-sensitive triggers), it just strikes you as any other powerful console's proprietary controller. And, much like the aforementioned consoles, the Nexus Player will allow multi-player, with support for up to 4 gamepads, for those house party gaming sessions.

Yes, unfortunately, there is still a small problem with gaming on Google's mobile platform (which goes for the other major players as well) – there just aren't that many titles out right now to warrant one's attention, as far as serious gaming alternatives go. Still, early adopters and Android fans will probably have a blast, and for a $138 investment plus a few cheap-ish (compared to consoles) games from the Play Store – some avid gamers may also be entertained by a title or two.

Will you be rocking a Nexus Player controller?

source: Google Play via PhoneDog

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18 Comments

1. nlbates66

Posts: 328; Member since: Aug 15, 2012

nope.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 4:06 AM 1

2. zacsaturday

Posts: 262; Member since: May 09, 2014

NNOOOOOO! Swap the left analog stick with the D-Pad, much better

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 4:38 AM 0

3. gaara6775

Posts: 738; Member since: May 20, 2014

Much like xbox 360 controller.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 4:46 AM 0

4. draconic1991

Posts: 200; Member since: Apr 27, 2012

can we use this on pc for normal pc gaming?

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 4:59 AM 3

5. envoy

Posts: 2; Member since: Sep 25, 2012

You Sir just asked a very important question. We need to get to the bottom of that. Surely it's just a BT device... Will Google release the drivers for Windows?

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 5:18 AM 1

8. draconic1991

i Hope they do...cos it looks really sexy...and is really reasonable priced

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 6:31 AM 1

15. seanwhat

Posts: 321; Member since: Jul 11, 2013

at this point in the game, if anyone is going to release a new controller, the only way it can succeed is by standing out from the crowd by doing the one thing the rest haven't: working on all platforms. ergonomics are pretty much on lock-down by the xbox controller. I suppose they could do well by undercutting price, but personally i'd pay more for something i can use on any platform, assuming it does everything else well.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 1:51 PM 0

6. Sniggly

Posts: 7305; Member since: Dec 05, 2009

For the overall investment, I think this is a great deal. Xbox 360 controllers are still like 60 bucks, and the console itself is also expensive. Then you factor in the cost of the games too. With Android L incoming and graphics ever improving on games, this is exactly the direction that I wanted to see Google go.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 5:52 AM 1

13. elitewolverine

Posts: 5192; Member since: Oct 28, 2013

Expensive for the x360? You get 2 games and controller for $200. And people would have to be in denial to think that a tablet game is in bigger depth than the hits that touch consoles. The halo series alone is worth it. And the arcade games that are resonable price in the 5-20 range. And the xbox 360 is still more powerful in terms of hardware, and that thing is nearly 10yrs old.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 11:41 AM 0

18. Sniggly

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360_technical_specifications http://www.androidcentral.com/nexus-player-specs Not necessarily. Also, the Nexus player has the advantage of games that will come in the future, while the Xbox 360's library primarily consists of legacy games.

posted on Oct 28, 2014, 7:41 AM 0

7. boosook

Posts: 1442; Member since: Nov 19, 2012

If I were Google, I would add to Google Player support also for the xbox and playstation controllers... ;)

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 6:20 AM 0

9. razraptre

Posts: 168; Member since: Oct 21, 2014

Button configuration is like the Xbox, while analog position is like the Playstation.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 7:13 AM 0

10. buccob

Posts: 2968; Member since: Jun 19, 2012

PS Controller compatible Xperias just got a bit of competition here... I really want to see Google tackle the gaming industry head on. Google themselves should create an exclusive title for Android... (Halo for XBOX, Mario/Zelda/DK/etc Nintendo, inFamous/Uncharted/LittleBigPlanet? PS) Maybe using Bugdroid as main character, but definitely would be cool to think of Android Gaming and automatically think of that character or title...

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 9:24 AM 0

11. Thedefenitionofawesome

Posts: 51; Member since: Sep 04, 2014

The graphics of the best android games on smartphones are on a ps2 level. Just because phones have hd screens , does not mean graphics of their games are good. Graphics on phones still have less details than modern consoles. Put it on a tv screen, and it will look horrible. Plus, when you guys talk about cheap android games you must remember that the quality of the games are not of as high quality as modern, next-gen consoles. Another thing, android games are polluted with in app purchases , which takes away the feel of playing the games.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 9:51 AM 0

12. Sniggly

The Wii was graphically way behind the PS3 and Xbox 360, yet outsold both by a wide margin and still did really well. Android as a game platform, with a cheap console/controller combo and cheap games that are ever increasing in quality, stands to perform similarly. It obviously isn't going to do as well on the AAA, hardcore gamer front for now, but it could easily challenge the Wii U and its idiotic controller.

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 10:19 AM 0

14. elitewolverine

This is true, does the android games have built in motion like the wii? The games that people want to play on a tv? Also how did the Wii U do?

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 11:42 AM 0

16. Thedefenitionofawesome

I admit, wii did well. But thats because its games are good. Unlike smartphone games. The Ps4 is currently leading console sales. The important thing here is the quality of games. Not just graphics. Dont forget gameplay too. Most android games have poor controls and lack support for controllers .

posted on Oct 27, 2014, 9:35 PM 0

17. frickbot

Posts: 21; Member since: Mar 15, 2014

If they put out drivers so it would work with my pc and I saw a few good reviews on YouTube I'd prolly end up buying it. I'm happy with my little 12 dollar moga controller at the moment though.