Black Shark Game Pad Img

We've seen plenty of companies already trying to emulate the success of the Nintendo Switch with their own unique accessories and video game devices, and it looks like this trend won't be dying down any time soon.

Chinese technology company Xiaomi has announced the Gamepad 2.0 - a successor to the original accessory that launched for its Black Shark smartphone in April. Android Authority draws comparisons to the Switch Joy-Con controllers. The original model of the Gamepad only attached a single controller to the left side of the phone.

The 2.0 revision includes a joystick and four-button control pad on the left, much like the left Joy-Con. On the right, it has traditional ABXY buttons and a touchpad. Both sides of the accessory include trigger buttons and triangular-shaped buttons at the bottom. Its buttons are even mappable. The accessory will be available on the company's official website for €79/£79/$89.

Black Shark Game Pad Img 2

This isn't the first time a Chinese company has drawn inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. In October, Huawei revealed "the best portable mobile gaming machine" for $1,000. The mobile phone, known as the Mate20 X, has an optional gamepad that can be attached to the left-hand side of the phone to provide analog and control pad support, while the right side of the phone is reliant on touchscreen control. At the time of the announcement, Huawei called out the Switch as its biggest competitor on the gaming front.

Turning our attention back to Xiaomi's Gamepad 2.0, in all honesty, it doesn't look like it's much of a threat. As for the mobile in general, we're mostly just surprised more prominent manufacturers haven't tried to recreate the magic of the Switch Joy-Con with their own accessories.

What do you think of Xiamoi's Gamepad revision? Do you think mobile accessories like this could eventually be serious competition for the Switch? Tell us below.

[source androidauthority.com]