Wikipad gaming tablet arrives at GameStop on October 31st for $499

People who enjoy gaming on tablets but hate not having any analog sticks or physical buttons are in for a treat.GameStop (GME) announced on Friday its plans to release the Wikipad, a tablet that comes with an “attachable console-quality gamepad controller.” The Wikipad will be sold at GameStop starting on October 31st for $499 and comes with a 10.1-inch IPS display, NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, expandable memory card slot and support for games though Sony’s (SNE) PlayStation Mobile platform as well as games streamed through Gaikai. Wikipad’s included controller attachment adds two analog sticks, a D-pad, four front action buttons, and a both shoulder buttons and triggers to simulate console gaming. The full Wikipad press release follows below.

"WIKIPAD COMING TO GAMESTOP OCTOBER 31, 2012

GameStop Launches Pre-Order Program with Exclusive Content

LOS ANGELES, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012-GameStop (NYSE: GME), the world’s largest multichannel retailer of video games, has partnered with Wikipad, Inc. to offer the Wikipad tablet, the first tablet with an attachable console-quality gamepad controller, through its stores and website. The Wikipad will be available October 31 to consumers at a retailer price of $499 USD.

“GameStop is the retail destination when it comes to video games. Nobody but GameStop provides gamers with the best gaming content on the market. And for those that purchase or pre-order a Wikipad at GameStop, their tablet will have access to valuable extras including exclusive free, full-length game titles. The Wikipad is powered by an Nvidia Tegra 3 processor and will support PlayStation®Mobile platform,” said Fraser Townley, President of Sales for Wikipad, Inc.

Customers can pre-order the Wikipad now at GameStop stores nationwide or online at www.GameStop.com. Wikipads pre-ordered at GameStop will come with value-added extras including full-length titles and an issue of Game Informer Digital.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Wikipad to launch this unique new gaming tablet,” said Joe Gorman, vice president of GameStop’s mobile business unit. “We love the innovation and know our customers are excited to see it in action.”

Wikipad will launch in October with a full suite of games delivered by the latest video game platforms, including PlayStation®Mobile, NVIDIA’s Tegra Zone, Google Play as well as several upcoming unannounced platforms. To bring the best gaming experience to consumers, Wikipad will offer a premium 10.1″ IPS screen, ultra-light chassis, quad core processor, expandable memory and an attachable console quality game controller.

For more information on the Wikipad tablet, visit: www.wikipad.com."