Amkette’s EvoFox Deck – Bringing the Console Experience to Smartphone Gamers
If you’ve ever felt the urge for a handheld gaming console despite having a high-end smartphone, Amkette’s EvoFox Deck might be the accessory you didn’t know you needed. I found myself pondering whether to invest in a Switch Lite at a GameStop in Los Angeles, already owning myriad handheld consoles from my childhood. This intrigue is on pause now, largely thanks to the EvoFox Deck, a clever accessory that’s turning smartphones into portable gaming consoles.
Compact and Portable Design
The EvoFox Deck is designed to offer a traditional console feel, transforming your phone with its sliding mechanism. This model features a flexible plate in the middle that securely slots your phone into place. The phone remains stable and protected with the rubberized finish.
Testing with devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and CMF Phone 1, I found the Deck to be perfectly accommodating, even with cases on the phones. Impressively lightweight, the Deck prevents fatigue from prolonged play sessions. With a matte black finish, it also avoids smudges and fingerprints — a bonus for those who dislike constant cleaning.
Intuitive User Interface
The device is adorned with two analogue sticks, a D-pad, traditional A, B, X, and Y buttons, shoulder buttons, and triggers. It doesn’t intend to match the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, yet it delivers a premium feel. The controller is tailored for mobile and cloud gaming experiences.
Additional features include four extra buttons: start, select, key map, and Dojo. These enhance the control panel’s convenience, keeping everything within the user’s reach. The USB-C port ensures the Deck can be charged with ease.
App Integration
Amkette provides a companion app named Dojo, a gaming dashboard that enriches the gaming experience by curating and launching games. With its intuitive interface, the app makes finding downloaded games a breeze, offering game recommendations and showcasing popular titles in various genres. The app interfaces seamlessly with over 450 games compatible with the controller, maximizing usability for both Android and iOS users. However, Android users may find additional perks, like key map presets for popular games inside the app.
Sophisticated Design for Long Gaming Sessions
Upon extensive testing with multiple game genres — racing, FPS, fighting, and more — the EvoFox Deck impressed with its high-quality build. Amkette did not compromise on basics – with well-designed thumbsticks and responsive triggers offering precise feedback. For someone accustomed to traditional controllers, the Deck feels entirely natural, comfortable, and ready for extended sessions.
Concerns about potential battery drain due to the heavy use of smartphones were unfounded. The Deck’s efficient design ensures minimal impact on smartphone battery life while the built-in battery maintains controller operation.
Should You Get the EvoFox Deck Controller?
For those who might question the need for an additional controller for their smartphones, the EvoFox Deck makes a compelling case. Priced at Rs 2,999, it offers great value against competitors like Razer and Backbone, which easily triple this cost. The Deck is robust, versatile, and provides superior gameplay experiences across both Android and iOS devices.
Overall, Amkette’s EvoFox Deck is a remarkable accessory that can enhance your smartphone gaming experiences. It suggests a promising road ahead for Amkette and its future innovations in the gaming accessory sphere. This development is exciting for all handheld gaming enthusiasts!
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Lightweight design doesn’t strain wrists
- Easy compatibility with both Android and iOS
- Feels like using a regular console controller
- High-quality thumbsticks
- Intuitive companion app
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
- Cons:
- Does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack