Today is a pretty momentous day in the world of gaming: It is the day that Gamestop gets into the tablet game and releases game-specific Android devices. This is a bold step that could change the state of video game retailing as well as tablet gaming in general. Or it could be, using the parlance of the gaming world, an epic fail. Today we'll take a quick peek behind the curtain of America's largest game retailer's foray into the hardware market.

Gamestop's Android tablets come in three bundle options.

The Acer Iconia Tablet Bundle (7-Inch, 8GB)

This one is currently discounted at Gamestop, down from the soon to be regular price of $429.98 to $369.98. It comes with a seven free digital games pre-loaded on the device as a bonus. The games are Dead Space, Re-Load, Sonic CD, Monster Madness, Riptide GP and Cordy.

Tablet Features:

Processor & Chipset

• Processor Manufacturer: NVIDIA
• Processor Type: Tegra(TM) 2
• Processor Model: 250
• Processor Speed: 1 GHz
• Processor Core: Dual-core
• Cache: 1 MB

Memory

• Standard Memory: 1 GB
• Flash Memory: 8 GB
• Memory Technology: DDR2 SDRAM
• Memory Card Reader: Yes

Display & Graphics

• Screen Size: 7"
• Screen Mode: WSVGA
• Display Screen Type: Active Matrix TFT Color LCD
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 600
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Multi-touch Screen: Yes

Network & Communication

• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Wi-Fi Standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 2.1

Interfaces/Ports

• HDMI: Yes

Built-in Devices

• Webcam: Yes

Software

• Operating System: Android(TM)

Battery Information

• Number of Cells: 2-cell

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Blue
• Form Factor: Slate
• Height: 0.5"
• Width: 4.6"
• Depth: 7.7"
• Weight (Approximate): 14.46 oz

The Samsung Galaxy Tab (16GB, 10.1")

This gaming tablet is currently priced at $539.98. This is discounted down from $599.98. It also includes the seven free pre-loaded games.

Tablet Features:

Processor & Chipset

• Processor Manufacturer: NVIDIA
• Processor Type: Tegra(TM) 2
• Processor Core: Dual-core

Memory

• Standard Memory: 1 GB
• Flash Memory: 16 GB

Storage

• Hard Drive Capacity: Not Applicable
• Solid State Drive Capacity: Not Applicable
• Hybrid Hard Drive Capacity: Not Applicable
• Optical Drive Type: No
• Optical Media Supported: Not Applicable

Display & Graphics

• Screen Size: 10.1"
• Screen Mode: WXGA
• Display Screen Type: Active Matrix TFT Color LCD
• Aspect Ratio: 16:10
• Screen Resolution: 1280 x 800
• Touchscreen: Yes

Network & Communication

• GPS: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Wi-Fi Standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 2.1

Built-in Devices

• Webcam: Yes

Software

• Operating System: Android(TM) 3.1

Battery Information

• Maximum Battery Run Time: 14 Hour

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Metallic Gray
• Form Factor: Slate
• Height: 6.9"
• Width: 10.1"
• Depth: 0.3"
• Weight (Approximate): 1.24 lb

The Asus Eee Pad (16GB)

Regularly priced at $499.98, it is available right now for $439.98.

Tablet Features:

Processor & Chipset

• Processor Manufacturer: NVIDIA
• Processor Type: Tegra(TM) 2
• Processor Speed: 1 GHz
• Processor Core: Dual-core
• Cache: 1 MB

Memory

• Standard Memory: 1 GB
• Maximum Memory: 1 GB
• Flash Memory: 16 GB
• Memory Technology: DDR2 SDRAM
• Memory Card Reader: Yes

Storage

• Hard Drive Capacity: Not Applicable
• Solid State Drive Capacity: Not Applicable
• Hybrid Hard Drive Capacity: Not Applicable

Display & Graphics

• Screen Size: 10.1"
• Screen Mode: WXGA
• Display Screen Type: Active Matrix TFT Color LCD
• Aspect Ratio: 16:10
• Screen Resolution: 1280 x 800
• Backlight Technology: LED
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Multi-touch Screen: Yes
• Graphics Controller Manufacturer: NVIDIA
• Graphics Controller Model: ULP GeForce
• Graphics Memory Accessibility: Shared

Network & Communication

• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Wi-Fi Standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth® 2.1

Interfaces/Ports

• HDMI: Yes
• Built-in Devices
• Webcam: Yes

Software

• Operating System: Android(TM) 3.0

Battery Information

• Maximum Battery Run Time: 8 Hour

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Espresso
• Form Factor: Slate
• Height: 0.5"
• Width: 10.7"
• Depth: 6.9"
• Weight (Approximate): 1.49 lb

All three tablets come with the Kongregate Arcade App (reviewed previously here on the blog) and a wireless Bluetooth controller. Quick FYI on Kongregate:

"Kongregate...is a social gaming portal with thousands of free games built in Flash or the Unity 3D game engine. It works on a system of credits which are used to buy in-game items or to "tip" game developers directly."

Future features include a Cloud-based streaming service.

"GameStop is following the consumer lead on cloud gaming, and although services like Gaikai and OnLive have already demonstrated World of Warcraft and AAA games on tablets, he thinks it's a little too early for the best consumer experience. He also hinted that the retailer could work directly with developers on creating games that use a specific controller and stream to the GameStop tablet.

"I know people have tried it and shown it, but it isn't a great, immersive experience for the customer. Once it is, I think that's really exciting. As it stands now, I think we're seeing developer interest in developing immersive games that use the controller as well, but our first foray is to really be working with developers to create an install base of devices with the controller to allow them to develop immersive games."

This is a very bold move on the part of Gamestop; one that sees them as moving beyond their retailer title and into the realm of gaming platform provider. It's tough out there with mobile games becoming ever more present in the gaming world. Gamestop is trying to secure a piece of the pie for themselves. 

So what do you guys think? Ready to jump on the Gamestop bandwagon and snatch up one of these tablets for yourselves? Or are you like me and adopting a wait and see attitude, at least until they add more options in terms of available games? 

As always, follow my updates on all things gaming via Twitter @SavingsGCapes.