Amkette’s Evo Gamepad Pro 2 is easy to use, compatible with many games and highly portable
By Mohd Ujaley
With the introduction of bigger RAM, long lasting battery and quality screen display, the smartphone is becoming more powerful and the user experience is also gradually improving, leading to augmented demand for peripherals product which could further add value to people’s experience.
Aiming to tap this opportunity, especially coming from gaming market in India, which according to research firm KPMG has grown from Rs 700 crore in 2008 to Rs 2,350 crore in 2014 and is set to rise further to Rs 4,580 crore by 2019, the New Delhi headquartered, IT peripherals firm Amkette recently launched – Evo Gamepad Pro 2 – a new hand-held gaming console which helps convert smartphones into gaming consoles. The device has been priced at Rs 2899 and it offers easy docking, clamping and softer control for playing games. To understand whether the device provides what it promise to, we used it for over two weeks and this is what we dig it out for you.
Basically, Evo Gamepad Pro 2 is an improved version of Android based Evo Gamepad Pro which was launched six months ago in August 2015. So, nothing substantial has changed except size of the controller which has become bigger. Now, it is a 6-inch clip, means there is ample room for all, be it phaplets that are becoming common these days.
Out of the box first thing you notice about this device is its design which is very much inspired from Xbox 360 controller. Overall, it is comfortable to hold and easy to use with perfect grip, responsive triggers and well placed analogue stick. The body is made of plastic and rubber and they have been used in such way that overall design look nice and offer pretty decent build quality.
Whatever way you lift the clip, basic information such as battery level, controller mode – gaming or mouse – remain visible through LEDs. The back and start buttons are placed on the top face, along with home and M buttons for mouse mode on the both side of the clip. Both home and M buttons have been highlighted with red colour. Volume down, play/ pause, and volume up button are placed under the clip.
Like other peripherals, the process to set-up this gamepad is simple. Switch the Evo Gamepad Pro 2 on and then hold the home button on the gamepad down until the last two LEDs start blinking. Then, pair it either using the free companion app, or via the usual Bluetooth. To activate the free companion app, the user has to use code that comes with gamepad box. But it is not necessary, the companion app basically helps you in finding the games that is supported by the controller. In case you are familiar with games compatibility, you can download it and play it straight away.
As far as battery life is concern, company claims it to be about 12 hours. We used it extensively and in different mode, and found to be decent. It offers a stand by time of about 10 hours. Also, to ensure lower battery drain when the device is not in use, the company has introduced sleep mode, which automatically power off the device if not in use for more than 8 minutes.
Overall, the Amkette’s Evo Gamepad Pro 2 is easy to use, compatible with over 400 games and highly portable – can be carried in pocket or bag with great ease. And, it is cheaper than what you will get from established palyers like Mad Catz or Steelseries, but if you already have the first version, there are only fewer reason to buy this one.
Price: Rs 2,899