Archos GamePad 2: Sports quad-core CPU, 2GB RAM, HD display

While the original gaming device only received lukewarm reception, the next-gen Archos GamePad 2 seems to be heading for release anyway. This dedicated Android gaming handset isn’t exactly official at the moment, but a retailer website recently leaked a press photo and some technical specs.

The Archos GamePad 2’s development was confirmed to be in progress when Archos mentioned it along with the company’s new range of devices at the IFA trade show. A picture of the device also surfaced online when it showed up at the FCC website, though nothing else significant was revealed. Only when it appeared at the (now-defunct) retailer HKTDC webpage did the world learn substantially more about the device.

Archos GamePad 2 Specs

• Android Jelly Bean
• 7-inch IPS display (1280×800), ~216ppi
• 1.6GHz quad-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 8GB or 16GB internal storage
• microSD support
• Wi-Fi

As the Archos GamePad 2 has yet to go out officially, take the specs listed above with a grain of salt. But if this rumor-based hardware listing is accurate, we’re seeing an upgrade in several departments: display, processing power, and memory. For comparison, the original GamePad only came with a dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, and a 1024-by-600 screen resolution.

Just like with its predecessor, the Archos GamePad 2 is an Android slate with integrated, physical buttons and analog sticks. These peripherals come with a patented game mapping technology, allowing users to play supported games without having their hands and fingers block the action happening on the screen. The screen is still a touchscreen anyway, so users can still navigate the Play Store, browse the web and do other stuff like they normally would on other Android tablets.

Pricing and availability information are currently unknown, although a $200 budget range wouldn’t be too far-fetched for the Archos GamePad 2. The first device currently retails at around $130-160.