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First impressions and unboxing of Green Throttle's Atlas controller for Android gaming

Hands on with the in-beta unconsole gamepad

First impressions and unboxing of Green Throttle's Atlas controller for Android gaming
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The past couple of months has seen an explosion in what I, at least, am calling 'unconsoles'.

Starting with Ouya in 2012, the unconsole sector has since expanded with devices such as PlayJam's GameStick - currently up to $450,000 on Kickstarter - and Nvidia's Project Shield.

Like them, Green Throttle's Atlas controller is based on Android games, but it doesn't add another piece of hardware to provide the console (or unconsole) functionality.

Instead it uses (or will use when released) your Android phone or tablet to run games, which are then connected to your big TV using the TV-out port.

To that extent, then, what's important for Green Throttle is providing a proper console-style controller, and an ecosystem of high quality Android games that support it.

It's early days for the company in terms of the latter, but we have got our hands on a physical joypad.

So to the unboxing.

This is the box. At present, developers can get free samples of the Atlas controller by signing up to the SDK, or anyone can buy a controller, direct from Green Throttle or Amazon.

The basis price is $45, but being the UK, and including P&P, my unit cost $101. Ouch. (And we should point out, there's no reason for consumers to buy a controller now because there aren't any games for it yet.)

Once we open the box, there's the controller sitting in a transparent plastic tray, while the influence (if not the actual quality) of companies such as Apple and Nike in terms of how they package consumer electronics can be seen in the small Pull tab.

Taking everything out of the box, we have our Atlas controller, a legal 'The fine print' booklet, two Duracell AA batteries, and a reminder where to download the Arena app from.

Because the service isn't commercially launched yet, you can't go to Google Play for the app, but have to ensure you can download and install apps from Unknown Sources. Check your Android device's security settings.

So let's get to grips with the Atlas. As console-style controllers go, it's about the same size as an Xbox 360 controller, although not demonstrating the same build quality.

Of course, Green Throttle doesn't have as deep pockets as Microsoft, nor is it manufacturing Atlas controllers in volume for consumers yet. The build quality may improve when the service is live.

Nevertheless, the Atlas looks fresh, thanks to the bright colours chosen and feels solid in the hand, with the batteries providing some weight in the middle and the two grips consisting of a nice matte plastic finish.

I'd give it a 'B' in terms of ergonomics (obviously noting I haven't played any games on it yet).

The buttons - two triggers each side and four action buttons - are responsive, as are the dual sticks. These also have vertical movement so you can click them down.

The D-pad equivalent isn't to my personal liking though. It's feels okay, but I'm not sure about the teardrop shape and it's raised high from the case.

Other buttons are an almost flush 'back' button on the left, and a start button on the right (which has a tiny nipple on it to aid location), while the big green 'G' acts as the on button.

Finally, there are four small, green LEDS, which light up and flash when the Atlas is syncing over Bluetooth with your device.

In terms of how it plays... well, we can't tell.

Downloading the Arena app gives you some idea of the UI and the games that are in development for use with the Atlas, but the two demo games provided should not be considered characteristic of the final results. They are definitely just tech demos, and on that level, at least, they work technically.

The only other comparison I'll make is with a couple of other mobile-focused controllers I happen to have lying around.

On the left is PowerA's Moga portable controller for Android games. It's designed to work directly with your Android phone or tablet, so there's no support for connecting out to a TV. It's also much smaller than the Atlas, although I'd argue the build quality is better.

On the right is the very unsophisticated Duo Gamer controller for use with Gameloft titles running on iOS. Ugh.

Of course, neither of these are direct competition with Atlas, but most gamers would find it the best of the three. Whether they are prepared to shell out cash to buy an Atlas when it's released is another story though. Neither Moga or Duo Gamer has been a roaring success either, so it might just be that everyone's happy with their default touchscreen.

You can find out more about what Green Throttle gets up to on its website.

Jon Jordan
Jon Jordan
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon can turn his hand to anything except hand turning. He is editor-at-large at PG.biz which means he can arrive anywhere in the world, acting like a slightly confused uncle looking for the way out. He likes letters, cameras, imaginary numbers and legumes.