Great news for enthusiasts of retro gaming! After experiencing significant stock shortages for most of the year in US retail, the highly sought-after Evercade gaming hardware has finally been replenished on Amazon. Both the Evercade EXP-R handheld and the Evercade VS-R home console are now available. Each system comes bundled with the beloved Tomb Raider I-III Collection and is priced at approximately $130. These units feature a sleek charcoal gray design accented with striking turquoise elements.
Initially, these special Tomb Raider bundles were quite challenging to find upon their launch during the last holiday season. The supply chain issues were further exacerbated by US tariffs, which not only tightened stock availability but also contributed to a $30 price increase. While popular variants like the Street Fighter and Mega Man Evercade Bartop Arcades remain sold out, fans can anticipate the upcoming Evercade Alpha Taito Bartop Arcade, which is currently open for preorder at $260, with an expected release date of November 12.
Exploring the Evercade Platform: A Cartridge-Based Retro Experience
Evercade is a distinctive cartridge-based retro gaming system crafted by Blaze Entertainment. Since its debut in 2020, the platform has seen the release of over 75 unique cartridges. This extensive library includes nearly 50 console game collections, 20 arcade game collections, and 10 home computer carts. Although some of these collections are now out of print, a broad selection remains accessible. The Evercade catalog largely features classic 8-bit and 16-bit titles, but it also delves into the N64 and PS1 eras with games like the first three Tomb Raider titles and the Legacy of Kain series. Additionally, Evercade offers exclusive enhanced editions of retro classics such as Duke Nukem 1 + 2 Remastered, alongside a curated selection of modern retro-inspired indie games, including the acclaimed GBA platformer Goodboy Galaxy and the recently released Amiga tower defense game, Roguecraft.
Detailed Look: Evercade EXP-R Handheld
Evercade EXP-R Handheld – Tomb Raider Bundle Overview
- Vibrant Display: Features a 4.3-inch high-resolution IPS display with an 800 x 480 aspect ratio.
- Precision Controls: Equipped with a top-tier 8-way D-pad, highly responsive face buttons, triggers, and shoulder buttons for an optimal gaming experience.
- Ergonomic Design: Boasts excellent ergonomics and robust build quality, though its dimensions (7.76 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches) mean it may not easily fit into smaller pockets.
- Immersive Audio: Includes a powerful stereo speaker system and a 3.5mm auxiliary port for private listening with wired headphones.
- Battery Life: Comes with a USB-C cable and provides approximately 4-5 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
- Seamless Updates: Firmware updates are conveniently available for download via Wi-Fi.
- Innovative TATE Mode: Features two dedicated face buttons positioned below the D-pad to facilitate TATE mode, an alternative vertical play style ideal for arcade games. A specific grip for TATE mode is available for separate purchase.
- Hidden Gems: The system includes a hidden library of more than 10 digital games, which can be unlocked through a secret menu in the settings or by entering specific button combinations on the home screen.
Detailed Look: Evercade VS-R Home Console
Evercade VS-R Home Console – Tomb Raider Bundle Overview
- Home Entertainment Hub: Designed as a home console, it connects to your television or monitor via HDMI, delivering crisp 1080p resolution.
- Multiplayer Ready: Supports up to four players simultaneously with its four USB controller ports.
- Dual Cartridge Slots: Equipped with two cartridge slots, ingeniously concealed behind a front hatch that opens, reminiscent of classic console designs like the NES.
- Bundle Contents: The package includes the console itself, one wired controller, a USB power cord, and an HDMI cable. Additional VS-R controllers are sold separately, but the system is compatible with many existing wired controllers.
- Enhanced Wireless Support: For wireless gameplay, the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 is highly recommended. It unlocks compatibility with 8BitDo`s Bluetooth controllers, as well as those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, and various other brands.
- Expanded Hidden Library: The VS-R boasts an even larger collection of hidden games than the EXP-R, with 13 or more titles that can be unlocked by simultaneously loading two specific Evercade cartridges.
Across the entire Evercade ecosystem, its extensive library of classic and retro-inspired games offers modern conveniences like save states and comprehensive button mapping. Players have the flexibility to remap inputs either globally within the system`s home menu settings or on a per-game basis. Furthermore, users can select from three distinct aspect ratios—Original, Full Screen, and Pixel Perfect—and apply scanlines to evoke the nostalgic visual style of a CRT television. The platform also provides a selection of bezel options for games that do not fully occupy the screen.
Super Pocket: Evercade`s Portable Companion
For gamers seeking a truly pocket-sized Evercade experience, Blaze Entertainment`s spin-off brand, Hyper Mega Tech, introduces the Super Pocket series of handhelds. These compact, vertically oriented devices draw inspiration from the iconic Game Boy Pocket form factor. Each Super Pocket model features a 2.8-inch IPS display with a 320 x 240 aspect ratio and comes preloaded with a curated selection of games from a specific publisher, all while maintaining full compatibility with the existing Evercade cartridge library.
Super Pocket Retro Gaming Handhelds:
All six models feature preloaded games and are compatible with Evercade cartridges.
- Neo Geo Super Pocket (14 Games) – $70
- Data East Super Pocket (18 Games) – $70
- Capcom Super Pocket (12 Games) – $60
- Taito Super Pocket (17 Games) – $60
- Technos Super Pocket (15 Games) – $65
- Atari Super Pocket (50 Games) – Currently Sold Out
Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade: Bringing the Arcade Home
The Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade presents an outstanding home arcade solution, perfectly sized to integrate into your living space without requiring extensive room. It features a bright 8-inch display, two cartridge slots, a high-quality arcade stick, and six action buttons. Like the VS-R console, it supports both wired and wireless controllers (compatible with the 8BitDo USB Adapter 2), though it is limited to two players. This unit is highly recommended for its premium construction and the immense versatility provided by its extensive cartridge library. The forthcoming Evercade Alpha Taito Bartop Arcade is themed around the classic Bubble Bobble and will arrive preloaded with 10 iconic games.
Evercade Alpha Taito Bartop Arcade (Preorder: $260, Releases November 12)
Includes 10 preloaded games:
- Bubble Bobble
- Puzzle Bobble
- Space Invaders
- Cadash
- Rastan
- Elevator Action
- The FairyLand Story
- Growl
- The Legend of Kage
- The New Zealand Story