Google's latest tablet, the Nexus 7 2013, has finally be released, and already, it has been compared time and again against it biggest competitor to date, the still rumoured iPad Mini 2.

Considering all the leaks that have been brought on for the iPad Mini 2, and the sure specs that you can get with the Nexus 7, there is one arena that the two should be compared, and that's in the gaming section.

Just how does Google's touted tablet king fare in the war against mobile gaming, which is now being seen as a more intensive and intense battleground in the ever-evolving scene of gaming?

Next-gen Nexus 7: A definite improvement

Since the new Nexus 7 is the only one of the two that has been officially released and tested, let's focus on its given features in relation to gaming.

In terms of the logistics of gaming, the design of this handheld device has been improved for better handling and performance, not just for games. Combining the power of portability and better design, it now features a slimmer body, thin bezel, and an easy-grip body.

Gizmodo adds that the speaker have also been improved, now providing clearer sounds with less distortion, perfect for playing games on the go. Ease of carry is potentially one of the big advantages in terms of design, as the Nexus 7 gives you the feel that you not only can carry it with you anywhere, but also that you will not get tired in playing games, no matter how long or frequent that may be.

Its 7-inch screen provides just enough visibility of the entire screen without having to squint, and its 10.5 ouch weight, which is almost 2 ounces lighter than the previous iteration, makes it less tiring to carry and handle, lessening the bulkiness and has a feels-right ring to the touch.

Higher resolution for crisp images at a lower price

Another one of the major changes that Nexus 7 has gone through is its display resolution. This time, it packs more pixels even more so than the Nexus 10, and, according to Android Police, this makes for one of the more admirable displays in tablets in the industry today.

The resolution of 1200x1920 is a far cry from the washed out and not-so-bright old iteration, which always makes for better images onscreen, something that can be crucial for gamers who are very particular about the graphics.

Compared to consoles, mobile games still have a long way to go to be at par with the graphics and gaming experience for consoles and high-end PCs, but with the improvements in devices, it is slowly taking the small steps to make it better for both casual and hardcore gamers on the go.

Ready to Play feature

For avid gaming fans, Asus, the official manufacturer of the device, has also states that the new Nexus 7 has been optimized not just for better gaming capabilities with Google Play, but has added a new feature, Play Games app to its mix.

According to the website, the Nexus 7allows you to "tilt, tap, and touch your way to the top" with the Play Games App. The new app also allows for tracking achievements, playing with or against friends and other gamers, and even discover new games that are in your field of interest.

The OpenGL ES 3.0

Another notable feature for the Nexus 7 is its support for the OpenGL/ ES 3.0, which, according to PC Mag, allows for better, more accelerated graphics.

This way, game developers an easily produce stunning graphics and effects, such as lens flares easily and effectively, which can put the Nexus 7 to a higher level in mobile gaming.

In fact, Consumer Reports adds that the Android 4.3 is the first OS that can support this system, and the hi-res display allows for more realistic gaming, which can bring the quality of gaming closer between mobile and console graphics.

iPad Mini 2: All the hardware and software ripe for gaming?

The rumours surrounding the iPad Mini 2 has always been including not just the possibility of an iOS 7 pre-installed OS or compatibility for updates, but also the Retina display, which would make it a perfect gaming companion.

But even with the recent rumours of a non-Retina display iPad Mini 2, progress in terms of Apple's plans for gaming for all its devices seem to be pointing towards the direction of gaming for it devices, and the iPad Mini 2 is not exempted from the developments.

iOS 7 third-party game controllers: The game changer?

Perhaps what could be the most obvious hints at the way Apple plans to tap into mobile gaming is in the reported third-party game controller that is said to come with the iOS 7.

First announced at the WWDC 2013 last June, TechCrunch reported earlier that the Kickstarter project first released last December, called The Flipside, was said to be aiming for a universal game controller for the iOS 7.

According to the report, Justice Frangipane, the Flipside creator, had stated that the project had already gone through a review with Apple as early as last fall, and that the suppot project had been ongoing. But details of the project in tandem with the iOS 7 were not yet allowed to be discussed in detail.

What is known about the controller is that it can work as both case and controller for an iPhone, while it can also be used as a Bluetooth controller for other Apple devices, such as the iPad and Mac.

Exploring the Game Center

What can be a product inspired by the Xbox Live is the Game Center app, which is going to be made available for the iOS 7. Pocket Gamer delves into what is being offered of the improved version of the app, reported to be made available once the iOS 7 becomes available come the autumn season.

You'll be seeing colored bubbles that contain different information, such as the number of games, friends, and points that you have. Explore the tab for Friends, so you can check out your friends request and even recommendations, and you can tap into the Games tab to see the list of titles under Game Center.

Pocket Gamer also reports that the games are connected to social media, and any progress or achievement that you are able to attain for the game can easily be shared by your choice of communication--Facebook, Twitter, or email.

In addition, Game Center is also an interactive sphere of gaming, letting you accept challenges and also throw the first provocation to anyone in your group. As far as a gaming community is concerned, the Game Center is a pretty good start, one that can easily be established given Apple's existing fan base, as well as the upcoming support for games.

Sprite kit: Easier games for Apple?

As though to solidly show just what direction it's taking its games for the next OS, and with the beta 4 already available for download for developers, it is also releasing a Sprite Kit and a UIKit for app developers.

According to iMore, this pushes Apple for a more gamified angle in its quest to tap into the mobile gaming sphere.

The report states that the UIKit give more realistic motions so that the interface will be more responsive to swipes, which is done by tracking your behaviors and the constraints of your movements.

The Sprite Kit, on the other hand, is the bare bones that allow you to create high-performance 2D games, combining all the necessary algorithms and conditions, such as the physics simulation, particle systems, and animation into one set of API.

The kit also aims to deliver better graphics for almost all types of games, from side-scrollers and puzzle games, to even platform ports. It's also easier for game development, because the Xcode supports texture atlas creation.

So the verdict? The iPad Mini 2's strengths are more invested in Apple's different upcoming technologies that are meant for all its other devices--but nothing is definite unless Apple comes out and says it. On the other hand, the Nexus 7 2013 does have several additions to its functions that can make for a great gaming device, but the technology may still be concentrated more on mobile gaming than more intensive ones.

RELATED STORIES