Mobile gaming is a market that continues to grow in size, and as smartphones and tablets continue to become more powerful and portable, many consumers are relying solely on their mobile hardware for their gaming needs. Samsung recognizes this and is responding to the growing popularity of mobile gaming with its new Smartphone GamePad.

The Smartphone GamePad is exactly what it sounds like: A controller that can be used in conjunction with either a smartphone or tablet to give the user a set of physical buttons for more precise controls. The GamePad pairs with devices over Bluetooth and can be physically attached to devices ranging from 4 to 6.3 inches in size. Also included is NFC support that Samsung makes connecting the GamePad to Galaxy devices running Android 4.3 or higher even easier. The GamePad is compatible with Android devices running 4.1 Jelly Bean or higher.

Samsung's Smartphone GamePad features a D-Pad, two analog sticks, a set of four Action buttons, two triggers and both Start and Select buttons. Also included is a dedicated "PLAY" button for use with Samsung's Galaxy hardware that will launch the company's Mobile Console app, which will help users to find and purchase GamePad-supported games. Samsung says that there will be 35 dedicated games in the Mobile Console app at launch and that more are due in 2014.

Samsung says that its Smartphone GamePad is already available in select European markets and that the unit will be coming to more regions in the coming weeks. It's certainly not the first mobile-focused controller to hit the market, but with its combination of sticks and buttons as well as its steel frame, Samsung's Smartphone GamePad looks like it could be a solid option for folks that want more tactility while gaming on the go. 

Do you play any games on your smartphone or tablet? If so, would you be interested in supplementing your gaming experience with a physical controller?

Via Samsung