Amkette launches Evo Gamepad to tap mobile gaming market

Aimed at tapping the gaming market in India, IT peripherals firm Amkette today launched a new handheld console which helps convert smartphones into gaming consoles. Compatible with Android-based smartphones, the Evo Gamepad Pro will be available exclusively through the e-commerce firm Flipkart for Rs 2,799.

"Over 120 million Indians can be called "gamers" and with mobile gaming becoming a craze, we see a huge potential. The Evo Gamepad allows users to play high performance games like Asphalt and Grand Auto Theft easily on their smartphones and tablets," Amkette Director Rajiv Bapna told PTI. He, however, declined to comment on sales target.

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The device requires an associated mobile app that, once installed, offers users a list of compatible games and also a ready list for ones they have downloaded. The company is also in discussions with large format retail stores to sell the device in the coming weeks.

"Gaming is emerging as an important category and with new devices coming up with larger RAMs and better screen quality, we see a huge scope for a device like ours... We are in discussions with handset makers for bundling the device," he added. The company is working on bringing in a separate gaming console, priced under Rs 10,000, to strengthen its position in the Indian gaming market, he further said.

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According to a KPMG report, the Indian gaming market 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 report attributed the growth in mobile gaming to increased availability of low-cost smartphones and tablets. Of the projected market in 2019, mobile is expected to account for about Rs 2,620 crore, while PC and digital TV is expected to contribute Rs 780 crore and console Rs 1,180 crore.

Source PTI