The highly sought-after Evercade EXP-R handheld and Evercade VS-R home console, bundled with the Tomb Raider I-III Collection, are finally back in stock at Amazon after being sold out for most of the year in the US. Both charcoal gray systems, featuring turquoise accents, are available for $130 each. These Tomb Raider bundles were notoriously difficult to find at their initial launch, with stock issues compounded by US tariffs, which also led to a $30 price increase. While the popular Street Fighter and Mega Man Evercade Bartop Arcades remain unavailable, pre-orders are open for the Evercade Alpha Taito Bartop Arcade, priced at $260, launching on November 12.
Evercade offers cartridge-based retro gaming hardware developed by Blaze Entertainment. Since 2020, over 75 Evercade cartridges have been released, comprising nearly 50 console game collections, 20 arcade collections, and 10 home computer titles. Although some collections are now out of print, a wide selection of in-stock cartridges can still be found. The library primarily features classic 8-bit and 16-bit games, but also includes some N64 and PS1 titles, such as the first three Tomb Raider games and Legacy of Kain. Exclusive enhanced editions of retro games like Duke Nukem 1 + 2 Remastered are also available, alongside collections of retro-inspired indie games like the GBA platformer Goodboy Galaxy and the Amiga tower defense game Roguecraft.
Evercade EXP-R Handheld
The Evercade EXP-R handheld boasts a 4.3-inch high-resolution IPS display (800 x 480 aspect ratio). It features an excellent 8-way D-pad, responsive face buttons, triggers, and shoulder buttons, all contributing to great ergonomics and build quality. While not strictly “pocketable” for everyone (measuring 7.76 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches), it offers robust functionality. Audio is delivered via a fairly loud stereo speaker and a 3.5mm auxiliary port for wired headphones. It charges via USB-C, providing 4-5 hours of playtime, and supports Wi-Fi for firmware updates. Unique to the EXP-R are two face buttons below the D-pad for TATE mode, optimized for arcade games with vertical aspect ratios. A dedicated TATE mode grip is available separately, though often out of stock. Beyond its cartridge library, the EXP-R includes over 10 hidden digital games accessible through secret menus or button combinations.
Evercade VS-R Home Console
The Evercade VS-R is essentially the home console counterpart to the EXP-R, offering multiplayer support and connecting to a TV or monitor via HDMI for 1080p resolution. It features two cartridge slots and four USB controller ports. The bundle includes one wired controller, with additional VS-R controllers sold separately. Many existing wired controllers are compatible, and for wireless options, the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 (often on sale) is highly recommended, enabling support for 8BitDo, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony Bluetooth controllers. Like the NES, the VS-R has a front hatch that opens to reveal the cartridge slots. It also offers even more hidden games (currently 13+) that can be unlocked by simultaneously loading two specific Evercade cartridges. The bundle comes complete with the console, controller, Tomb Raider Collection, a USB power cord, and an HDMI cable.
General Evercade Features & Cartridge Collections
Every game across Evercade`s extensive library supports save states and full button remapping, which can be configured system-wide or for individual games. Players can choose from three aspect ratios (Original, Full Screen, Pixel Perfect) and apply scanlines for a CRT TV aesthetic, along with various bezel options for games that don`t fill the screen.
Evercade Game Cartridge Series:
- Evercade Console Series
- Evercade Modern Indie Cartridges
- Evercade Arcade Series
- Evercade Home Computer Series
Hyper Mega Tech Super Pocket Handhelds
For a more compact, pocket-friendly Evercade experience, Blaze Entertainment`s spin-off brand, Hyper Mega Tech, offers the Super Pocket series. These vertically oriented handhelds, inspired by the Game Boy Pocket, feature a 2.8-inch IPS display with a 320 x 240 aspect ratio. Each Super Pocket model comes preloaded with games from a specific publisher and is also compatible with the entire Evercade cartridge library. Recent additions, Neo Geo (14 games) and Data East (18 games), launched in June for $70 each. The original Capcom (12 games) and Taito (17 games) Super Pockets are available for $60 each. Other models include Technos (15 games) for $65, and the Atari Super Pocket (50 games), which is currently sold out.
Super Pocket Models and Pricing:
- 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) — Sold out
Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade
The Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade provides a premium home arcade experience, featuring an 8-inch display, two cartridge slots, a high-quality arcade stick, and six buttons. Similar to the VS-R, it supports both wired and wireless controllers (compatible with the 8BitDo USB Adapter 2), though it`s limited to two players. Its premium build and versatile cartridge library make it a highly recommended home arcade machine. The upcoming Taito Bartop Arcade, themed around Bubble Bobble, includes 10 preloaded games:
Evercade Alpha Taito Bartop Arcade (Preorder):
- Price: $260
- Release Date: November 12
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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
Learn More About Evercade:
- Evercade Alpha review
- Evercade EXP review
- Evercade VS review
- Super Pocket review