While browsing GameStop in Los Angeles, I pondered whether I truly needed a Switch Lite, especially since I already own a Switch and various handheld consoles from the GameBoy to the PSP. Despite my urge to buy the Switch Lite, I decided to hold off for now. Instead, I explored the EvoFox Deck by Amkette, an intriguing accessory that transforms your phone into a handheld gaming console.
I’ve always been an avid gamer, yet I’ve had a complicated relationship with smartphone gaming, mainly due to my dislike for touch-based controls. Having grown up with handheld consoles, I never found mobile gaming very appealing. However, my experience with the EvoFox Deck has shifted my perspective. While it’s not the only game controller available, its affordability and compatibility with both Android and iOS make it stand out. Here’s my take on it.
The EvoFox Deck is a sliding controller designed to hold your phone, giving it the appearance and feel of a traditional handheld console like the Nintendo Switch. It features a flexible middle plate that stretches to accommodate most phones securely, with a rubberized finish for added protection. I tested it with my iPhone 15 Pro and CMF Phone 1, both over 6 inches, and they fit perfectly, even with cases.
The controller includes two analog sticks, one on each side, which are comfortable though not as robust as the Switch’s Joy-Cons. They’re well-suited for mobile and cloud gaming. It also features a responsive D-pad on the left and a standard A, B, X, Y button layout on the right. The buttons are clicky and satisfying to press. The shoulder buttons and triggers also feel good. Additional buttons include start, select, key map, and a Dojo button for launching the app. The controller has a USB-C port for charging.
The EvoFox Deck supports a free app called Dojo, a gaming dashboard that helps launch games and provides several benefits. Its clean interface makes finding games easy, and it recommends popular games across genres. The app enhances the gaming experience with cloud gaming services and supports over 450 controller-compatible games on both Android and iOS. While not required, it’s a useful addition. The Android version of the app has key map presets for popular games, though the inability to reprogram the shoulder buttons is a downside.
I tested the EvoFox Deck with various games on Android and iOS. The controller’s quality impressed me, with Amkette not skimping on the essentials. The grip is comfortable, and the controller doesn’t feel cheaply made. The thumbsticks are grippy, and the triggers offer precise feedback, making mobile gaming feel natural. As someone with smaller hands, the controller was a great fit.
One concern was potential battery drain on my smartphone, but after an hour of gaming, my CMF Phone 1’s battery life was barely affected. The controller also features pass-through charging via its USB-C port.
While some might argue against the need for a controller for mobile gaming, I believe it enhances the experience significantly. Priced at Rs 2,999, the EvoFox Deck is an excellent controller for both Android and iPhones, especially compared to pricier options like Razer and Backbone. Overall, it’s a solidly built controller that adds a new dimension to mobile gaming. I’m excited to see what Amkette does next to further enhance gaming experiences.
