Budget version of EVOTOP, "EVOTOP Axis," reviewed. Attention to detail remains strong even in the budget model, with improved ergonomics thanks to lightweighting and adjustments around rear buttons [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999902/20250926004/
Writer: Hayashi Yuki | 2025/09/25 16:22 (UTC)
At the ZUIKI booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025, a budget version of the highly detailed gamepad “EVOTOP” — dubbed “EVOTOP Axis” — made a sudden appearance. Since it was available for hands-on testing, we’re sharing our impressions here. The release date remains unconfirmed (with plans to launch as soon as possible), and pricing is expected to be under ¥10,000.
ZUIKI booth: Hall 8, Booth 08-S04 Thumbnail image No.001 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
The EVOTOP Axis features a distinctive design with a small display on the front, and four additional buttons mounted on the back. While it hasn’t undergone major changes compared to its predecessor, EVOTOP, subtle refinements have been made — such as adjusting the positions of the [-], [+] and menu buttons for better finger reach.
Regarding the central [C] button located just below the mini-display, we were told “we can’t go into details right now,” so we’ll wait for an official announcement.
EVOTOP Axis features a Hall-effect joystick and microswitches on all buttons. Thumbnail image No.002 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
Left: EVOTOP, Right: EVOTOP Axis. The shape is clearly based on the original EVOTOP, but minor adjustments have been made throughout.
Related article
HARDWARENintendo SwitchAdvertising Feature
Experience the PC & Switch-Compatible Gamepad “EVOTOP” Without Apps: Customizable to Your Heart’s Content and Enamored by Its Premium Design 【PR】
The high-end gamepad “EVOTOP” by ZUIKI, which first drew attention at TGS 2024, began pre-orders on November 22, 2024. Although priced in the premium segment due to its unique design and built-in small display, what makes this product stand out?
[November 22, 2024, 12:00]
- Keywords:
- Advertising Feature
- HARDWARE
- Input Devices
- Nintendo Switch
- ZUIKI
- Gamepad
- Writer: Yuki Hayashi
- Photographer: Yuki Hayashi
One major factor contributing to its low price is the decision to offer only a wired connection. Additionally, at around 300g, it’s significantly lighter — a deliberate move, as many users found the original EVOTOP too heavy. If you’ve ever felt the original was cumbersome, this weight reduction will likely be a welcome change.
The cable length is approximately 3 meters, with a USB Type-A connector, and supports both XInput and DirectInput protocols.
The grip uses exposed resin parts finished in a matte texture. Thumbnail image No.004 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
All buttons use ZUIKI’s proprietary microswitches, making it easy to confirm when they’ve been pressed. In the original EVOTOP, [A/B/X/Y] buttons used membrane switches; however, due to user feedback, all buttons were switched to microswitches.
[ZB/ZL] buttons also use microswitches and feature a slight travel for comfortable input. The tips of these buttons have anti-slip treatment applied. Thumbnail image No.005 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
Although the back buttons are no longer detachable, their positioning follows that of the original EVOTOP’s rear lever — making them easily accessible even for smaller hands. Since both buttons on each side are easy to press, there’s no need to adjust your grip based on button layout.
Back buttons also use microswitches, with four total (M1–M4). Thumbnail image No.006 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
Pressing the edges of back buttons still registers input reliably. Thumbnail image No.007 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
The ease of pressing the back buttons appears closely tied to the slimness of the midsection. While hard to grasp without actually using it, this thin profile provides more room for grip and makes reaching the rear buttons feel significantly easier.
Perfectly slim midsection Thumbnail image No.008 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
The mini-display continues the core philosophy of EVOTOP — enabling fine-tuned settings without a PC. You can adjust connection mode, profiles, audio settings, as well as outer dead zone, dead zone, response curve, and reverse controls directly through the display.
Information flow and design inside the mini-display are still in prototype stage; further features may be added later. Thumbnail image No.009 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
Back button key assignments are similarly customizable. For instance, you can assign the [L3] button’s function (e.g., dash) to a rear button and disable [L3] entirely.
Additionally, another highlight is that the surface color of the gamepad body can be changed. The outer cover uses magnetic attachment, allowing users to swap it with optional colored covers sold separately.
Color variations of the magnetically attached cover on display. Thumbnail image No.010 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
The magnet has seven attachment points (subject to change during final adjustments), but covers remain securely in place and don’t shift or detach during gameplay. Thumbnail image No.011 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
We tried switching the cover. Thumbnail image No.012 / EVOTOP Axis report: Obsessive attention to detail lives on even in the budget version. Improved handling via lightweight design and refined rear button placement [TGS2025]
Since many aspects of a gamepad are hard to judge without hands-on use, those interested in the EVOTOP Axis should definitely visit the ZUIKI booth and try it out.