The Amkette Evo Gamepad Pro is another interesting product from the Amkette stable.
Cut back to 2012, Amkette launched Evo that promised to change the way you interact with your large flat screen TV and also bridge some of the then inherent weaknesses of smart TVs. This tiny box came with a host of ports and a handy remote with an accelerometer quite similar to the remote on a Wii Gaming console. At a time when Apple TV or Chromecast were not yet mainstream,the Evo attempted to be gaming console and an Apple TV alternative rolled into one. Despite a sub Rs 10,000 price tag, it didn’t quite set the sales charts on fire. The Amkette Evo Gamepad Pro is another interesting product from the Amkette stable and offers a gaming console style accessory for your smartphone at Rs 2,799. Tempting proposition? Read on even if you are not a compulsive gamer.
It’s a brilliant idea, you’d almost wonder why no one thought of it before. Phonejoy, a Kickstarter project did. You can order this product from their website (there’s a choice of three bundles that range from US $70 to US $90). The Phonejoy gamepad comes with a full set of console style controls – analog thumbsticks, D-pad, action buttons and shoulder buttons and also a kickstand should you need to game with your tab. The console almost splits in two to make room for your smartphone that then gets flanked on either side with a set of controls. The Gamepad Pro on the other hand stays with a typical console build. It looks just like a gaming console until the flip out unit is activated. Your Android smartphone fits snugly in the dedicated holster (it can accommodate phones with screens up to 5.5 inches). A series of LED lights, a micro USB connector and a simple on/off button are located under the ‘flip out’ stand. We tried the stand with devices of varying screen sizes (the 5.2-inch HTC One M9 Plus and the smaller 4.7-inch YU YUNIQUE) and both these devices snapped on without falling off. If you are looking at a device larger than 5.5-inches, the Game Pro also comes bundled with a tablet kickstand (Just like the Phonejoy).
You will need to download the Evo Gamepad App to get started. The App doesn’t just bridge the device with your smartphone but also has a list of cool game (Over 300 games) suggestions that allow you to max out on the Gamepad Pro. The App will direct you to Google Play for the actual download. We like the heavily rubberised build quality of the Gamepad Pro; it allows you to grip the device effortlessly for long periods; handy if you are one of those compulsive gamers who is in no hurry to stop. Overall the layout is quite conducive for serious gameplay – we tried a couple of racing games and a shooting game ( Dead Trigger 2). The keys are quite responsive too; if there’s a minor crib it’s that the bumper buttons are occasionally inflexible.
The device’s battery life was above average; we went for over 7 hours with a single charge. That’s more than you will need even if you are gaming all Sunday, chances are your smartphone battery will run out before the console! The big question is who is this device for, assuming that serious gamers are already hooked on to pure play gaming consoles with large TVs. We can think of gamers who want to elevate their smartphone gaming experience and maybe others who need to fight with family members for the large screen TV at home. It’s certainly not a device that’s going to radically alter your life. But if you’re a somewhat compulsive gamer looking for a not so expensive indulgence to keep you engaged for a few weekends and beyond, you might want to consider the Amkette Evo Gamepad Pro.
What we liked: Decent build quality, above average battery life
What we didn’t like: Bumper buttons are slightly rigid, no support for iPhones/iPads
Price: Rs 2,799 (Currently available only on Flipkart.com)
Specifications:
- Buttons: 2 Bumper buttons, 2 Analog sticks, 2 Analog triggers
- Tablet kick stand
- 400 mAH Rechargeable Li-Polymer battery
- Supports Android smartphones and Tablets
- Pairs via Bluetooth (v3.0)
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