Android-touting Wikipad gaming tablet confirmed for September 27 UK outing

Android-touting Wikipad gaming tablet confirmed for September 27 UK outing
Is this the Android gaming device you're looking for?

The makers of the "built for gamers," Android-based Wikipad tablet have confirmed it will go on sale in the UK on September 27 and will be priced at £249.

The 7-inch device, which has been on sale in the United States since June, brings access to the Google Play store and allows gamers to dock their device into an innovative dual analogue controller.

UK gamers may be slightly disappointed that the $249 (around £162) U.S. price point hasn't been converted directly into sterling, but unfortunately, in these circumstances, that's rarely the case.

Likewise, European gamers will fork out €299 (around £256) to obtain the quad-core, Tegra 3 touting device, which the company claims is perfect for cloud-based gaming from portals like Steam.

Android console takeover

The Wikipad, which is completely unrelated to online encyclopaedia Wikipedia, is the latest of a growing array of Android-powered devices that promise access to AAA-like gaming experiences.

The Nvidia Shield is now shipping, as is the TV-based Ouya console. Another competitor, the British-based GameStick console is set to arrive at the end of September, while Mad Catz' Android gaming device is also on the way.

Recent rumours have also suggested that both Amazon and Google may be plotting standalone gaming devices, although nothing has been confirmed.

Are high-powered, yet affordable, devices like the Wikipad and Nvidia Shield the future of Android gaming? Let us know your thoughts below.

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.