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Samsung Gamepad promises console fun on your phone for $90 (pictures)

Samsung's new Gamepad accessory is a Bluetooth game controller for any Android phone.

Nick Hide
Nick manages CNET's advice copy desk from Springfield, Virginia. He's worked at CNET since 2005.
Nick Hide
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BARCELONA, Spain -- Samsung's new mobile Gamepad turns your Android phone into a portable console. We had a play with it at Mobile World Congress here.
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Its glossy black plastic looks durable and the unit itself is light.
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Clip in a phone though, and it becomes pretty cumbersome. Classic arcade shooter Metal Slug 3 is the ideal kind of game for this, with the d-pad and face buttons the Gamepads best features.
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The S Console app lets you pick from the games you have, or download compatible games from the Play Store.
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You can still use the touch screen for menus, of course.
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The Gamepad holds your phone in place with this clunky plastic clip, which extends out the back.
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It works with all Android phones, not just Samsungs.
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Don't leave him down there, he'll drown!
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The analogue controls are better than using your touch screen for 3D racers like Asphalt 8, but they're not a patch on a proper console controller.
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Samsung promises 40 hours of battery life before you have to recharge.
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There's no physical connection between the phone and Gamepad, with all the data going via Bluetooth.
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You can plug your phone into your TV via HDMI and use the Gamepad like a normal console controller.
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You can use an HDMI adaptor like this to stream your games to a big screen, or use Miracast wireless streaming if your TV supports it.
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The Gamepad charges via Bluetooth.

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