A few days ago we wrote a IPEGA PG-9017 review, which helped some customer to know the device better. We recommend that you read it, because there may be some useful information (including comments) that you won't find in this review.
This time, we would like to review the Wamo Pro, another Bluetooth controller (Xbox 360 controller/Moga Pro comfortable ergonomic design) that works with Android, iOS and PC. This Bluetooth gamepad also has an extensible grip to support different smartphone sizes.
The Wamo Pro is manufactured by "SZ Wamo" and was bought on Dealextreme (sku.222605). The package came with the following items:
- 1x Wamo Pro Bluetooth controller.
- 1x ~148cm USB cable (used to recharge the Bluetooth gamepad or to update the Wamo Pro firmware).
- 1x User manual (English and Chinese).
Features of the Wamo Pro
- 4 modes of use: Gamepad, Keyboard, App and iOS (details later).
- GREAT dpad, analogs and buttons quality.
- Extensible grip (9cm).
- Bluetooth 3.0 (it works with older Bluetooth devices too).
- 6~8 meters of wireless range.
- Compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
- Compatible with PC (tested on Windows 7).
- 500mAh built-in lithium battery.
- Buttons: A, B, X, Y, LB, LT, RB, RT, Select, Start, L3, R3 and HOME.
- Pads: one D-Pad and two Analogs.
- Material: plastic.
Check our YouTube channel for more Wamo Pro videos.
Will my smartphone fit in the Wamo Pro grip?
The Wamo Pro grip (or clamp/holder) extension is limited, so you only will be able to attach smartphones whose width is around 9cm. If your smartphone width (smartphone + case thickness) is bigger than that (is there any?), then you will not be able to use this wireless Bluetooth controller, at least not using the grip.
How to use the Wamo Pro Bluetooth Controller
As with IPEGA PG-9017, this Android Bluetooth controller (also works on iOS) only requires a device with Bluetooth in order to work. However, in practice, there may be compatibility issues, so you would have to seek solutions on Internet forums or developers.
Below we will explain the usual way of use, which should be enough for most of the owners. After that, we will put some extra information regarding workarounds and apps that may help you in case of problems while connecting the Wamo Pro to your smartphone. So, to connect Wamo Pro to your Android smartphone do the following:
Step 1: Download and install "Wamo Ground" app from SZ Wamo's website (see note 1).
Step 2: Open "Wamo Ground" (see image 1).
Step 4: Hold down X button for "GAMEPAD MODE" (others buttons start others modes - details in the next section).
Step 5: Still holding the before button, hold down HOME button until lights start blinking.
Step 6: Release both buttons.
Step 7: Back to "Wamo Ground" app, click on the Bluetooth ON button in case Bluetooth is off (see image 3).
Step 8: Click on "Add equipment" (see image 4).
Step 9: App will list any equipment around, including WamoPro (with MAC address). Click on "Binding" button related to your WamoPro device (see image 5).
Step 10: After successful connection, the first light will stay on (others modes have others light combination) and app will open a test screen so you can check if the Bluetooth gamepad are working properly (press buttons to see a response).
Step 11: Close "Wamo Ground" app by pressing BACK or HOME button.
Step 12: Open your prefered app/emulator and map buttons according as you prefer.
Case you have problems even following those steps, know that there are some useful apps that may help you. One of them is the custom Bluez IME with support to Wamo Pro (only in GAMEPAD mode for now). For us, it helped fix some connectivity problems with the HTC Desire HD (ROM ViperDHD v2.2.0). This custom Bluez IME also has support to IPEGA PG-9017 thanks to DiegoBaeza.
Others apps (for Android) that may help you are:
- GameKeyboard: Useful to play touch-only games with physical gamepad (and other things).
- Mupen64+ AE: Inside this Nintendo 64 emulator there is a diagnostic tool ("Settings" -> "Input" -> "Controller" -> "Controller diagnostics") to help you test gamepads.
- Tincore Keymapper: Useful to play touch-only games with physical gamepad.
- Wamo Key IME: Similar to GameKeyboard, but with less options (SZ Wamo's app).
- MOGA VK: Case a game/app itsn't compatible with Wamo Pro (though compatible with keyboard) or you want to remap buttons.
Which MODE should I use?
For retro games that don't need analog stick, such as Super Nintendo (SNES), Nintendo (NES), Master System, Mega Drive (Genesis) and Arcade, KEYBOARD mode should be the simpler mode for you, but you can also use GAMEPAD or APP modes too since they have more buttons.
For retro games that use analog sticks, such as Nintendo 64 and Playstation (PSX), GAMEPAD or APP are recommended since both have 2 real analogs (emulator must be compatible with real analogs and Android 3.1+ are required).
For Android gaming, GAMEPAD or APP are recommended, but there may be cases that KEYBOARD mode may be useful (old games without current updates for instance).
For PC gaming, more specifically talking about retro gaming (emulators), GAMEPAD (see note 3) should be compatible with most of the emulators and has a lot of buttons. Switch to KEYBOARD mode in case your emulator is not compatible with POV Hat (Dpad won't work).
Now, case you want play real PC games, then search for X360CE to play games compatible with Xbox 360 controller and search for Xpadder to play games that aren't compatible.
Finally, for iOS games, SZ Wamo recommends iOS mode (button B), but they said that currenctly there are just a few games that support Wamo Pro device.
Mode | Button |
---|---|
Gamepad | X |
Keyboard | A |
App | Y |
iOS | B |
Where can I buy this Wamo Pro?
This Wamo Pro Bluetooth controller is for sale at Dealextreme for about $30. You can also buy it on SZ Wamo's account in Taobao (Chinese website).
Note 1: SZ Wamo is planning to release an English version of "Wamo Ground" app. When they do, I will update this review.
Note 2: The English names used above was explain by a SZ Wamo employee during a chat. I don't know Chinese.
Note 3: In Windows 7, after finding WamoPro and before pairing, right-click on WamoPro, click on "Properties", click on "Services" tab and then enable "Drivers for keyboard, mice, etc (HID)" option.