Envizions EVO Smart Console
Type Console Developer Envizions Computer Entertainment
Release Date 2009-Jan Region(s) Worldwide
Initial Price $399 - $679 USD Games Released Many (PC or Linux Compatible)
DW FACTS
     by Dark Watcher
We wonder where the inspiration for this device came from?  Sarcasm aside, Envizions Computer Entertainment had produced a Media Center PC that could be taken as a "PC in a videogame console" shell.

The EVO: Phase One was the conceptual brainstorm of founder Derrick Samuels approximately three years ago per their website (circa 2003).  One could say "Hey..thats around the time the Phantom console was announced...Hmm."  We suppose that's a pretty good assumption.

Although it looks like a console, the EVO: Phase One is still a multimedia PC.  It claimed to have featured many bells and whistles like streaming / downloadable content, DVR capability and the ability to run PC applications and games.  It also featured an integrated biometric scanner, HDMI output and a wireless controller that resembles the PlayStation 2 Dualshock.  The EVO would also be upgradable like a regular PC.  The creators said that the EVO would come in other phases.  Phase Two for example would make the device function like a console whereas Envizions will develop its own customized console games.
EVO Phase One
The first time the system was seen was May 10, 2006 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, with a proposed ship date of October 20, 2006 and initially priced at $679.95.
CONSOLE UPDATE
     by Marriott_Guy
The EVO: Phase One was eventually renamed the EVO Smart Console.  The console was redesigned to more closely resemble standard AV devices rather than a video game console as initially displayed during its development.  I prefer this sleek look - the clean, uncluttered interface is rather appealing to this gamer.

The EVO Smart Console endured continual delays, but in the end the system was made available on a preorder basis through the company's website on November 20. 2008.  According to CEO Derrick Samuels, the bulk of the orders were for the Linux version of the console.  Though the demand was extremely high, the production run was limited to fulfilling these existing preorders.  Various internet sources estimate that approximately 3,000 units were manufactured, but its founder Derrick Samuels confirmed that the actual number of units released were in the 'low hundreds'.  To the best of my knowledge, there was not a retail release of EVO Smart Console within the USA.  I recently learned that this was not the case abroad.

I received an interesting email from Marco, the owner of BrainFusion Video Games, a video game store based in Forli, Italy.  Marco let me know that he was the authorized Italian distributor of the EVO Smart Console.  He received 10 of the units and actually had a launch day event to showcase the system.  This was rather fascinating news for me since I had not read anywhere that any type of retail release had occurred (regardless of region).  He has been gracious enough share photographs of his remaining systems along with his launch day event (see the Other Media tab).

Though the positive public reaction to the EVO Smart Console would lead one to continue further production, the Envizions team instead focused on improving their console.  This new entry, named the EVO 2, is an Android based system and considerably less expensive than its predecessor ($249 vs. $399-$679).  The EVO 2 is currently available for preorder sale at the Envizions website.
 

EVO Smart Console - Promotional Picture
EVO Smart Console - Promotional Picture
MODELS
     Officially licensed releases
EVO Smart Console - Linux Version

EVO Smart Console Variations (via website pre-order)
EVO Smart Console - Linux
$399
EVO Smart Console Packaging
EVO Smart Console - Windows 7
$579
EVO Smart Console Packaging
EVO Smart Console - Windows 7 w\Blu-ray
$679
EVO Smart Console Packaging

EVO 2

The EVO 2 is a revision of the original EVO Smart Console.  The system is currently available for pre-order with shipping scheduled for early 2013.  Initially named the GameBox, the EVO is being offered at a lower price point but has upgraded the hardware considerably.  The following are the revised system specs:
  • AMD CORTEX A8 core, Samsung S5PV210 (1 GHz)
  • Nvidia Tegra GPU
  • 2GB RAM, 512MB internal flash memory
  • Android 2.3.4 operating system
  • Built-in WiFi module (wireless network)
  • RJ45 interface for wired network connection
  • Supports up to 1080p video playback
  • Composite, S-Video, HDMI video output
  • USB 2.0 ports (5)
  • Bluetooth support
  • 2.4 GHz wireless remote controls
  • SD card expansion
The system is available in three different models.  The EVO remote, HDMI cable and the power supply accompany each version:
  • EVO 2 HD - $129
  • EVO 2 XE - $159
         Includes (1) EVO controllers
  • EVO 2 XD - $179
         Includes (2) EVO controllers

EVO 2 DX


The EVO 2 DX is a hybrid PC-gaming console that was released in limited quantities in December of 2011.  The system features a Windows 7 Premium OS (operating system) with built-in support for the Android platform.  The following are the system specs for this model:
  • AMD 785G Chipset + SB750 Chipset
  • Socket AM3/AM2+/AM2 Quad-Core Opteron & Phenom
  • Support HT3.0 Technology
  • Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 (DirectX 10.1)
    a) ATI Stream, 1080p, Blu-ray HDCP playback
    b) Hardware Decoding H.264 / VC-1 / MPEG-2 / DivX
  • VGA / DVI-D / HDMI 1.3 outputs
  • 4 x SATA II 3Gb/s AMD RAIDXpert™ RAID 0,1,5,10
  • Dual Channel DDR2 667/800 SODIMM
  • Integrated ALC662 6-CH HD Audio
  • Realtek PCI-Express Gigabit Ethernet
  • 1 x 32-bit PCI, 1 x mini-PCI Express, 2 x eSATA
  • Advanced 3+1 PWM Design, 20-pin ATX Power
  • OC-CON High-Polymer Solid Capacitors
  • ECO-design for EuP (Energy Using Product)
CLONES
     Non-licensed hardware releases
No clones were released for this system.
 
FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO
     Interesting facts on software for this system
Software for the EVO Smart Console was distributed in the DVD disc format.   Three titles were packaged with the system which include Kid Destiny, Kobo Deluxe and SuperTux.  There was not any additional software released for this system.
Promotion Video showing Sample Game Play
Being a Windows (or Linux) based system, the EVO Smart Console is capable of running many popular PC titles.  Downloadable games and applications are available through Envizions EVO:Direct service.  Video On Demand was provided via an Akimbo-based application (prior to the company going out of business).
 
SCREENSHOTS
     Captured in-game images
The following are screenshots of the initial user interface during the beta phase of the EVO Smart Console
Home Screen
File Manager
Console Settings
Game Listing
Sample App (weather)
Shutdown Screen

 
EMULATION
     First and third party system emulators

The EVO runs either Linux, Windows or Android based software and is compatible with these respective computer systems.
 

SPECS & MANUALS
     For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.
Processor Type  Processor Speed  Other Processor Information RAM \ Video RAM
 AMD 64x2 5600 2.90 GHz GPU - ATI HD 3200 Chipset 2 GB DDR2
Screen Resolution Color Palette Polygons \ Sprites Audio
Up to 1080i and 1080p/HDCP 16.8 Million Sapphire Radeon X1600 Pro w/HDMI Core Clock 500 MHz Memory Clock 800 MHz Twelve pixel pipelines Creative Labs Audigy SE 24-bit Advanced HD EAX Advanced HD Dolby Surround Sound 5.1\6.1\7.1
Media Format Media Capacity Games Released Other Supported Formats
CD \ DVD ROM 20 GB Many (PC or Linux based system) DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R\RW, DVD+R\RW, CD-ROM, CD-R\RW
Internal Storage External \ Removable Storage Game Controllers Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
120 GB Hard Drive Cloud Data Storage
SD Card
Wireless Gamepad
(almost identical to the DualShock)
TV tuner, various 3rd party devices (keyboard\mouse\etc.)
Controller Ports Network Ports Other Ports Audio \ Video
Wireless Gamepad (2) Ethernet Port, Wireless Adaptor included with some models USB 2.0 (2), SATA (2), Audio Jacks (3) VGA, DVI, HDMI
Power Supply - External Other Outputs  Other Details \ Notes
Input: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 2.0A
Output: DC 12.0V, 10A
None Software - Mirrors X (modified Linux) or Windows. Blu-ray drive optional.
Manuals
Not available.  Can you help us out?  You will definitely receive full credit for your contribution.  Email MG@videogameconsolelibrary.com.

OTHER MEDIA
     Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc.
EVO Smart Console - Contents & Demonstration

EVO Smart Console Launch event at Marco's Store in Italy

 
DISCUSS
     Visitor insights and feedback
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