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Piko Interactive Arcade 1 — What’s on the Cartridge?

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Evercade’s cartridge library is packed with beloved classics, but some of the most interesting releases shine a light on arcade games that many players have simply never had the chance to try. Piko Interactive Arcade 1 is a perfect example — nine arcade titles, many of them genuine rarities, all on one cartridge.

Here’s everything that’s on it.

  

The Games on Piko Interactive Arcade 1

Piko Interactive Arcade 1 is cartridge 10 in the Evercade Arcade Collection and includes nine games:

Burglar X — A side-scrolling action game where you play as a thief navigating traps and hazards. Quirky premise, solid arcade gameplay.

Diver Boy — An underwater arcade platformer with a charming retro aesthetic. Not one you’ll find on many other platforms.

Dragon Master — A fantasy-themed arcade brawler. If you like old-school beat-em-up action, this one’s worth your time.

Fancy World: Earth of Crisis — A colourful arcade platformer that brings some real personality to the lineup. One of the more visually distinctive titles on the cart.

The Legend of Silkroad — An action arcade game drawing on Eastern themes and mythology. A genuinely obscure title that Piko has done well to preserve.

Magic Purple — A shoot-em-up with a magical twist. Fast, fun, and the kind of game that rewards repeat plays.

Master’s Fury — A fighting game in the classic arcade mould. Straightforward controls, satisfying combat.

Steel Force — A top-down shooter bringing the classic overhead shmup experience. Great for fans of the genre.

Ultimate Tennis — Exactly what it sounds like — arcade tennis done right. A solid sports title rounding out a varied lineup.

Why Piko Interactive’s Preservation Work Matters

Piko Interactive has built a reputation for rescuing games that would otherwise be lost to time. Many of the titles on this cartridge were regional arcade releases that never made it to home consoles — meaning if you didn’t play them in an actual arcade back in the day, you almost certainly never played them at all.

That’s what makes Evercade such a good home for Piko’s library. Rather than hunting down ageing arcade hardware or relying on incomplete emulation archives, you get these games in a clean, physical format that’s easy to pick up and play.

It’s genuine preservation — not just nostalgia for its own sake.

If this cart’s caught your interest, Piko’s other Evercade releases are worth a look too — the recently-returned Piko Interactive Collection 1, plus Collection 3 and Collection 4.

Which Evercade Should You Play It On?

Piko Interactive Arcade 1 works across the Evercade lineup. If you want something portable, the Super Pocket is a compact and affordable option. For a bigger screen handheld experience, the EXP-R features a 4.3-inch IPS display and TATE mode — handy for vertical arcade games. And if you prefer playing on your TV, the VS-R lets you enjoy the full arcade experience on the big screen, with support for up to four players. Or for the full arcade cabinet feel, the Alpha bartop cabinet is arguably the most fitting home for a cart this arcade-focused.

Not sure which hardware suits you best? Check out our Evercade hardware comparison to find the right fit.

Want to dig deeper into the full Evercade cartridge library? Head over to our Carts & Manuals page for the complete collection — or if you’re looking for recommendations, our Best Arcade Cartridges guide is a great place to start.

Evercade Wireless Controller — Complete Buyer’s Guide

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Evercade Wireless Controller

The Evercade Wireless Controller is Blaze Entertainment’s first official wireless pad for the platform — and it’s been a long time coming.

  

If you own a VS-R, VS, or Alpha, this is the upgrade that rounds out the experience.

WHAT IS THE EVERCADE WIRELESS CONTROLLER?

Announced on 20 February 2026, the Evercade Wireless Controller releases on 28 September 2026, priced at £34.99 / $39.99 / €39.99. Pre-orders are open now.

It connects via a USB wireless dongle — and here’s a neat detail: the dongle stores magnetically on the back of the pad, so you’re not hunting through a drawer every time you want to play. A USB-C charging cable is included in the box too.

KEY SPECS AT A GLANCE

Controls: Classic directional pad plus dual analogue sticks, with customisable deadzone and sensitivity.

Battery life: Up to 15 hours of play on a single charge via USB-C.

Turbo Auto Fire: Adjustable fire rate built in.

Dimensions: 151 x 95 x 44mm — a solid, full-sized pad.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The wired controllers bundled with the VS, VS-R, and Alpha do the job — but cables create clutter, limit where you sit, and become a real headache in multiplayer setups. If you’ve ever wrestled with a tangle of wires during a four-player session on the VS-R, you already know the pain.

The wireless controller is the obvious solution for multiplayer households. Extra pads, no extra cable mess. It’s also just a more comfortable everyday setup for solo play — sit where you like, no cord pulling at the controller.

Beyond cable fatigue, the dual analogue sticks are arguably the bigger deal. The community has been asking for official analogue stick support for years. Previous options meant either living with the wired pad or taking a punt on third-party compatibility. This fixes that properly.

WHICH DEVICES DOES IT WORK WITH?

The wireless controller is built specifically for the three Evercade devices that use external controllers:

It does not work with the handheld devices — the EXP-R, Nexus, and Super Pocket all have controls built directly into the unit, so a separate pad doesn’t apply.

As a bonus, it also works as a general-purpose wireless pad for Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Android — so it earns its keep beyond Evercade too.

Not sure which Evercade device you own or are considering? Our hardware comparison guide has you covered.

IS IT WORTH THE UPGRADE?

At £34.99, this sits at a fair price point for an official first-party wireless pad with dual analogue sticks, a 15-hour battery, and smart dongle storage. You’re not paying a premium for the Evercade name — this is a genuinely spec-competitive controller.

If you play solo on the couch and the bundled wired pad suits you fine, the upgrade is nice but not urgent. But if you play multiplayer regularly, or you’ve been waiting for proper analogue stick support, this is the pad you’ve been holding out for.

It’s also worth noting the timing: several outlets have pointed out the connection between this controller and an upcoming DOOM x Evercade release, given how much a dual-stick pad matters for a shooter. That’s not a confirmed tie-in, but the timing is hard to ignore.

QUICK FACTS

  • Price: £34.99 / $39.99 / €39.99
  • Release date: 28 September 2026
  • Battery life: Up to 15 hours
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Connectivity: USB wireless dongle (magnetically stored on the pad)
  • Compatible with: VS, VS-R, Alpha, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Android
  • Not compatible with: EXP-R, Nexus, Super Pocket

Pre-orders are open now. For the full retailer list, check our Where to Buy page. If you want to see the full picture of what controllers work with Evercade hardware, our Controller Compatibility Database is the place to start — and if you’re planning to use this pad for local co-op, check out our multiplayer & EverSync guide.

Piko Interactive Collection 1 Is Back — What This Legacy Cart Return Means

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Piko Interactive Collection 1 is one of those Evercade cartridges that collectors have been quietly kicking themselves over for missing. It went out of production, earned legacy status, and became increasingly tricky to track down at a reasonable price. Now it’s coming back — and that’s genuinely great news.

WHAT IS A LEGACY CARTRIDGE?

If you’re new to Evercade, here’s a quick explainer. A legacy cartridge is one that has gone out of active production — discontinued, out of print, and no longer available through standard retail channels. You can still find them, but you’re hunting the second-hand market and often paying a premium for the privilege.

We keep a dedicated legacy cartridges page here on the site so collectors always know which carts have gone out of print. It’s a useful watch list — and Piko Interactive Collection 1 had been sitting on it for a while.

Carts go out of print for all sorts of reasons — licensing windows close, manufacturing runs end, demand shifts. It doesn’t mean the cartridge was unpopular. Sometimes it just means the stars didn’t align for a reprint. Until now.

WHAT’S ON PIKO INTERACTIVE COLLECTION 1?

This is Cartridge 9 in the Evercade library, and it’s a generous one. Twenty games spanning NES, SNES, and Megadrive/Genesis — a real cross-platform retrospective of titles that Piko Interactive has lovingly preserved.

Here’s the full lineup:

  • 8-Eyes (NES)
  • Brave Battle Saga (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • Canon – Legends of the New Gods (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • Dorke and Ymp (SNES)
  • Dragon View (SNES)
  • Drakkhen (SNES)
  • Iron Commando (SNES)
  • Jim Power (SNES)
  • Magic Girl (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • NightShade (NES)
  • Power Piggs of the Dark Ages (SNES)
  • Power Punch II (NES)
  • Radical Rex (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • Switchblade (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • The Humans (SNES)
  • The Immortal (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • Tinhead (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • Top Racer (SNES)
  • Water Margin (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • Way of the Exploding Fist (NES)

That’s a seriously eclectic mix. Action-RPGs, beat-em-ups, platformers, racing, puzzlers — there’s something here for almost every retro gaming taste. Titles like Drakkhen, The Immortal, and Dragon View offer meaty RPG experiences, while Switchblade, Iron Commando, and Way of the Exploding Fist bring the arcade energy.

For the full details on every game, head over to the Piko Interactive Collection 1 page.

ORIGINAL MANUALS — A NICE BONUS

One of the things that makes the Evercade community special is the attention to detail around preservation. The cartridge page pulls together original game manuals wherever they exist — and for a collection like this, that’s a real value-add.

A few highlights you can dig into right now:

Not every game has a manual available — some link out to info pages or longplay videos instead — but the effort to track them down is very much in the spirit of what Evercade is about. Physical cartridges, proper preservation, respect for the games.

WHY THIS RETURN TO PRODUCTION MATTERS

For collectors and newcomers alike, a legacy cart coming back into production is a big deal. It means you can buy it new, at a fair price, from a legitimate retailer — no second-hand lottery, no inflated prices, no worrying about the condition of the cartridge you’re buying blind.

It also signals something encouraging: that Blaze is paying attention to demand and willing to bring beloved carts back when there’s appetite for them. That’s good for the long-term health of the Evercade ecosystem.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about this one, now is the time to grab it. Legacy status can return at any point, and there’s no guarantee how long this production run will last.

Not sure which Evercade device to play it on? Check out our hardware comparison guide — every current Evercade device plays all cartridges, including this one. Whether you’re picking up the compact Super Pocket handheld, the full-sized EXP-R handheld, or hooking up the VS-R to your TV, you’re good to go.

Head over to our Where to Buy page to find current stockists, and check the full Evercade cartridge library if you want to see everything else in the collection. It’s a great time to fill the gaps.

Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition Sold Out — What Happens Now?

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The Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition bundle — console, DOOM Collection cartridge, hard case, comic and poster

The Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition was announced, went on sale, and sold out — all in the space of a single afternoon. If you missed it, here’s what happened and what you can do about it.

WHAT WAS THE NEXUS DOOM EDITION?

The Nexus DOOM Edition was a limited bundle pairing a DOOM-themed Evercade Nexus with The DOOM Collection cartridge and a set of exclusive physical extras. It was limited to just 3,000 units worldwide, sold exclusively through Funstock, and priced at £199.99 / €239.99 / $249.99.

Here’s everything that was packed in the box:

  • Evercade Nexus handheld with a DOOM-inspired design
  • The DOOM Collection cartridge
  • Exclusive DOOM EVA hard case
  • Numbered certificate of authenticity
  • DOOM keyring
  • Poster
  • Comic
  • Screen protector
  • Charging cable

That’s a genuinely strong package for DOOM fans — and it’s worth noting that The DOOM Collection features new native ports built specifically for Evercade hardware, not emulated versions of existing console releases.

HOW FAST DID IT SELL OUT?

Pre-orders opened on 7 August 2026 at 3pm UK / 10am ET / 7am PT, exclusively via Funstock. All 3,000 units were gone shortly after. There is no restock planned before the 30 October 2026 release date — and given this was a one-off limited run, a restock seems unlikely full stop.

The speed of the sell-out says something meaningful: demand for the Evercade Nexus is clearly strong even before the handheld has launched. When a limited £199.99 bundle disappears in hours, that’s not luck — that’s a fanbase paying attention.

MISSED IT? HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS

You don’t need the limited edition to play the games. The DOOM Collection cartridge is not limited — it’s a standard release available separately, launching on the same day, 30 October 2026. Pick up a standard Evercade Nexus and grab The DOOM Collection alongside it, and you’re playing exactly the same games.

What you won’t get is the DOOM-themed hardware design, the EVA hard case, the numbered certificate, the comic, the keyring, or the poster. Those extras are gone. But the actual gaming experience is identical.

If you’re new to the Evercade ecosystem and wondering where to start, our introduction to Evercade is a good first stop, and the hardware comparison page will help you figure out which device suits you best.

WHAT DOES THIS TELL US ABOUT EVERCADE?

Selling 3,000 units of a premium limited bundle — one that hadn’t even shipped yet for a handheld not yet released — in a matter of hours is a strong signal. The Nexus launches in October 2026 with some serious momentum behind it. Bundled with the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack in its standard form and sporting a 5.89-inch screen, dual analogue sticks, and WiFi 6, it’s shaping up to be the most capable Evercade handheld yet — and the market is clearly taking notice.

If you’re building out a wider Evercade collection alongside the Nexus, the official Evercade Wireless Controller (£34.99) is worth a look too — it adds dual-stick play to the VS, VS-R, and Alpha.

It also shows that physical extras still matter to this community. The EVA case, the comic, the numbered certificate — these aren’t throwaway additions. Evercade fans care about owning something tangible, and Blaze clearly knows it.

THE DOOM COLLECTION CARTRIDGE

The DOOM Collection is available as a standalone cartridge for anyone picking up any Evercade device. As mentioned, these are new native ports built for Evercade hardware — not ports of ports. That’s worth getting excited about regardless of which version of the Nexus you end up with.

And if you love the physical side of Evercade cartridges — the manuals, the packaging — don’t forget that original game manual scans are available on the site, letting you browse the included documentation for cartridges across the entire library.

Missed the DOOM Edition? Don’t write off the Nexus. Head over to the Evercade Nexus page for full specs and details — and check where to buy to secure your standard Nexus before launch.

The DOOM Collection — id Software’s Classics Arrive on Evercade

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The DOOM Collection Evercade cartridge box and cart

Nine id Software classics. One red cartridge. DOOM is coming to Evercade on 30 October 2026 — and it’s a bigger deal than almost anything else to hit the platform.

The DOOM Collection is Cartridge 11 in the Evercade Home Computer Collection, priced at £24.99 / $29.99 / €29.99. These aren’t emulated ports of existing console versions. Blaze has built native ports specifically for Evercade hardware — and the lineup is seriously impressive.

WHAT’S ON THE CARTRIDGE

Blaze’s own packaging describes it as “2 games included + 7 bonus map packs” — but the full contents are considerable:

  • DOOM (1993) — the original that defined the FPS genre. 1–3 players.
  • DOOM II: Hell on Earth (1994) — the direct sequel, introducing the Super Shotgun. 1–4 players.
  • Master Levels for DOOM II (1995) — the official add-on pack of extra single-player levels.
  • TNT: Evilution — one of the two Final DOOM episodes.
  • The Plutonia Experiment — the other Final DOOM episode, notorious for its difficulty.
  • No Rest for the Living (2010) — the bonus episode originally made for the Xbox Live Arcade re-release.
  • SIGIL (2019) — John Romero’s fan-made episode, released for DOOM’s 25th anniversary.
  • SIGIL II (2023) — Romero’s follow-up, made for DOOM’s 30th anniversary.
  • DOOM: Deathmatch — a dedicated set of Deathmatch-only levels. 1–4 players.

Nine pieces of content on a single cart. That’s exceptional value for the asking price.

Several of the titles also come with original manual scans — DOOM, DOOM II: Hell on Earth, TNT: Evilution, and The Plutonia Experiment all have them. You can browse all of Evercade’s original manual scans over at the Carts & Manuals page.

GAMEPLAY EXTRAS

Beyond the nine games themselves, the cartridge packs in some genuinely fun additions. There are custom gameplay modifiers — including Turbo Monsters and Vampire Mode — plus adjustable violence settings.

Multiplayer is well catered for too. Alongside standard co-op and deathmatch, you get dedicated modes: Chaosmatch, Instagib, and Tag. If you’ve got friends who want to frag each other on the sofa, this cartridge has you covered.

A LANDMARK FOR EVERCADE

DOOM isn’t Evercade’s first FPS — Duke Nukem 3D got there first on the Duke Nukem Collection — but it’s the first time id Software’s own DOOM franchise has come to the platform, and given how important DOOM is to gaming history, that’s still a genuine milestone.

Blaze first teased the collaboration on 4 February 2026, timed to id Software’s 35th anniversary. An early retailer listing leak had suggested a smaller two-game red cartridge, but the confirmed lineup turned out to be considerably bigger than anyone expected.

Speaking of red — the physical cartridge ships in a distinctive red shell rather than the usual Home Computer Collection blue, as a nod to DOOM’s colour scheme. The outer box is still standard blue. It’s a lovely little detail.

WHICH EVERCADE SHOULD YOU PLAY IT ON?

The DOOM Collection works across all current Evercade hardware — the Alpha bartop arcade cabinet, the VS-R home console, the EXP-R handheld, the Nexus handheld, and the Super Pocket.

If you want dual analogue sticks for a more modern DOOM feel, the official Evercade Wireless Controller (£34.99, releasing 28 September 2026, compatible with VS/VS-R/Alpha) is well-timed. Check the Controller Compatibility Database for the full rundown on what works with what.

And if you want the ultimate DOOM experience on Evercade, Blaze also released a limited-edition Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition bundle — a DOOM-themed Nexus handheld packaged with this cartridge and physical extras, limited to just 3,000 units worldwide. It’s already sold out, which tells you everything about the demand — the standard Nexus plus this cartridge gets you the same games.

Not sure which Evercade device is right for you? Our hardware comparison guide breaks it all down.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Honestly? Almost everyone with an Evercade. If you grew up with DOOM, this is a beautifully presented way to revisit it. If you’ve never properly played it, this is an absurd amount of content for £24.99. And if you’re a collector, a red-shelled cartridge with SIGIL and SIGIL II on it is hard to argue with.

Pre-orders are open now. Check our Where to Buy page for current retailers.

For everything else — full game listings, screenshots, and more — head to the official DOOM Collection page on evercade.info.

Piko Interactive Collection 1 Is Coming Back — Everything We Know

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One of Evercade’s retired Legacy cartridges looks set to return to production. Piko Interactive Collection 1 — out of production since it entered Legacy status, with prices climbing on the secondhand market as a result — has surfaced on an Amazon UK listing and been picked up by multiple retro gaming outlets, pointing to an official announcement from Blaze on 28 August 2026.

Update: this is now confirmed — Blaze officially announced the return on 28 August 2026. See our full write-up on what the confirmed return means for pricing, availability, and why it matters.

WHY THIS IS UNUSUAL

Evercade cartridges are retired to Legacy status fairly regularly — licensing terms and physical distribution realities mean Blaze can’t keep every cart in print forever. What’s genuinely unusual is a Legacy cart coming back into production. It’s happened rarely enough that it’s real news for collectors, and it’s a good sign for anyone who’s been priced out of the secondhand market for this specific cart.

WHAT’S ON THE CARTRIDGE

Piko Interactive Collection 1 packs 20 games spanning several 8-bit and 16-bit systems:

  • 8 Eyes
  • Brave Battle Saga
  • Canon – Legends of the New Gods
  • Dorke and Ymp
  • Dragon View
  • Drakkhen
  • Iron Commando
  • Jim Power – The Lost Dimension
  • Magic Girl
  • NightShade
  • Power Piggs of the Dark Ages
  • Power Punch II
  • Radical Rex
  • Switchblade
  • The Humans
  • The Immortal
  • Tinhead
  • Top Racer
  • Way of the Exploding Fist
  • Water Margin

See our full Piko Interactive Collection 1 guide for manuals and info links on each game.

IT’S OFFICIAL

Blaze’s 28 August 2026 announcement confirmed the return — see our updated piece for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Piko Interactive Collection 1 really coming back?

Yes — confirmed by Blaze on 28 August 2026, after first surfacing via an Amazon UK listing and retro gaming press coverage.

Why did it become a Legacy cartridge in the first place?

Like other Evercade Legacy carts, it was retired from production due to licensing and physical distribution constraints — not because of low demand. That’s part of why a comeback is unusual.

How many games are on it?

20, confirmed via Blaze’s own cartridge listing — see the full list above.

Which Evercade devices does it work on?

All current Evercade hardware, plus the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket.

While you wait, the rest of the Piko Interactive library is still in print — see Piko Interactive Collection 3, Collection 4, and Piko Interactive Arcade 1. Still hunting for it secondhand in the meantime? See our Legacy Cartridges guide for eBay links, or browse the full Evercade cartridge library.

NEOGEO Arcade 4 — Is This the Best Arcade Cart Yet?

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NEOGEO Arcade 4 cartridge

SNK’s Neo Geo is one of the most celebrated arcade hardware platforms ever made. The raw power, the iconic fighters, the buttery-smooth sprite work — it was in a league of its own when it launched, and it still looks and plays brilliantly today. Blaze Entertainment clearly knows this, because NEOGEO Arcade 4 — Cartridge 22 in the Evercade Arcade Collection — is now out, bringing eight more SNK classics to the platform.

WHY THE NEO GEO STILL MATTERS

When SNK released the Neo Geo MVS arcade system in 1990, it changed the game — literally. Arcade operators got a multi-game cabinet that could swap cartridges. Home players (with very deep pockets) could buy the AES version and play near-perfect arcade ports at home. The library that followed was stacked: brawlers, shooters, sports titles, and of course, some of the greatest one-on-one fighting games ever made.

That legacy is exactly why the NEOGEO Arcade carts are some of the most anticipated releases in the Evercade lineup. These aren’t watered-down ports — they’re the real thing, arcade-accurate and ready to play on modern hardware.

WHAT’S ON THE CARTRIDGE

NEOGEO Arcade 4 packs in eight games, spanning fighters, shooters, sports, and action:

  • Fatal Fury Special (1993) — an enhanced update of Fatal Fury 2, often ranked among the best entries in SNK’s foundational fighting series.
  • The King of Fighters 2002 (2002) — a fan-favourite “dream match” entry, bringing back the full roster from the series’ earlier years.
  • Metal Slug 4 (2002) — the run-and-gun series’ fourth mainline entry, co-developed with Noise Factory.
  • Blazing Star (1998) — a highly-regarded horizontal shoot-’em-up from Yumekobo, praised for its scaling and rotation effects.
  • King of the Monsters (1991) — SNK’s kaiju-wrestling brawler, giant monsters battling it out across a city.
  • Baseball Stars 2 (1992) — the celebrated baseball series’ sequel, known for deep team customisation for its era.
  • Robo Army (1991) — a cyberpunk beat-’em-up starring a cyborg protagonist, one of SNK’s lesser-known action titles.
  • 3 Count Bout (1993) — a rare SNK entry blending fighting-game mechanics with a boxing ring setting.

Full details, box art, and links for every game are on the NEOGEO Arcade 4 page. It sits alongside three earlier NEOGEO Arcade collections — NEOGEO Arcade 1, NEOGEO Arcade 2, and NEOGEO Arcade 3 — each bringing its own curated slice of SNK’s arcade vault to Evercade. It’s also worth noting the NEOGEO Arcade carts sit alongside some seriously strong arcade competition on the platform — from Toaplan and TAITO to Data East and Irem. The purple-case arcade library is genuinely impressive at this point. Check out our Best Arcade Cartridges guide if you’re looking to build out your collection.

SO, IS THIS THE BEST ARCADE CART YET?

With the full lineup confirmed, it’s a genuinely strong case. Fatal Fury Special and The King of Fighters 2002 give fighting game fans two certified classics, Metal Slug 4 continues one of Evercade’s most-loved series, and Blazing Star is a shoot-’em-up regarded as one of the Neo Geo’s technical high points. If you want the platform’s deepest one-on-one fighting roster, see our Best Evercade Cartridges for Fighting Game Fans guide — NEOGEO Arcade 4 is a serious contender for that list.

Whether it truly tops its three predecessors is a matter of taste — NEOGEO Arcade 1 leaned hard on genre-defining hits, and each cart since has had its own highlights. But on raw lineup strength alone, NEOGEO Arcade 4 holds its own. The foundation — SNK’s hardware, Blaze’s curation track record, and the Evercade platform’s commitment to accuracy — is as solid as it gets.

PLAYING YOUR NEOGEO CARTS

All Evercade cartridges — including the NEOGEO Arcade series — work across the full current hardware lineup. Whether you’re playing on the handheld EXP-R (which even supports TATE mode for vertical arcade games), the compact Super Pocket, or the living-room-ready VS-R home console, you’re getting the same great arcade experience.

If you want the full arcade cabinet feel, the Evercade Alpha bartop cabinet is worth a look too — there’s something special about playing Neo Geo titles on a proper stick setup.

Not sure which hardware is right for you? Our hardware comparison guide breaks it all down.

GOING DEEPER

Want the full story on where NEOGEO Arcade 4 fits in? Read our deep dive on NEOGEO Arcade 1 — SNK’s Greatest Hits on Evercade for how the series started, or browse the Best Evercade Cartridges for Arcade Fans and Best Evercade Cartridges for Fighting Game Fans guides to see how it stacks up against the rest of the library.

NEOGEO Arcade 4 is out now. See the full NEOGEO Arcade 4 page for pricing and where to buy, browse the complete Carts & Manuals library, or search for specific games in the Evercade Games Database.

Activision Collection 3 — What’s on the New Cartridge?

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Activision Collection 3 cartridge

Activision Collection 3 is out now on Evercade — Cartridge 52 in the Home Console Collection, following on from Activision Collection 1 and Activision Collection 2. It landed on 26 June 2026, priced at £19.99 / $29.99 / €24.99, with 13 more Atari 2600-era classics on board.

A THIRD ACTIVISION COLLECTION — WHY IT MATTERS

Activision’s back catalogue stretches across decades and dozens of platforms. The first two Evercade collections — Activision Collection 1 and Activision Collection 2 — already gave retro fans a fantastic slice of that history, covering classic home console titles that many players will have fond memories of.

A third collection is a good sign for the platform: it shows there’s clearly appetite from fans for more, and that there’s no shortage of quality games left in the Activision vault to draw from.

True to form, this one leans into the golden age of the Atari 2600 — action, sports, and a couple of genuine rarities thrown in for good measure. Activision has always had range, and Evercade’s Home Console Collection is a fitting home for this material.

WHAT’S ON THE CARTRIDGE

All 13 games are Atari 2600 titles, each with its original manual scan included:

  • Barnstorming (1982) — biplane stunt-flying action
  • Bridge (1981) — Activision’s take on the card game
  • Chopper Command (1982) — one of Activision’s best-known 2600 shooters
  • Dolphin (1983) — underwater dodge-and-collect action
  • Dragonfire (1982) — treasure-grabbing, dragon-dodging arcade action
  • Ice Hockey (1981) — an early Activision sports classic
  • Kabobber — an unreleased Atari 2600 prototype that never got a full commercial release back in the day
  • Kaboom! (1981) — one of Activision’s biggest-selling 2600 games, catching falling bombs
  • Keystone Kapers (1983) — the classic department-store chase
  • Laser Blast (1981) — vertical shoot-’em-up
  • Pressure Cooker (1983) — fast-paced fast-food arcade action
  • The Activision Decathlon (1983) — the multi-event sports showcase title
  • Thwocker — another unreleased prototype, making its first proper commercial release here

Two genuine rarities alongside the well-known hits: Kabobber and Thwocker were both unreleased Activision prototypes on the original Atari 2600, so this is one of the few ways to play them on real cartridge hardware today.

Full details, box art, and a manual link for every game are on the Activision Collection 3 page. You can also see where it sits in the wider lineup on the Evercade carts & manuals page, or search for any of these games individually on the Evercade Games Database.

GOOD NEWS FOR RETRO FANS

The continued expansion of the Activision library on Evercade is genuinely exciting. These aren’t emulation afterthoughts — they’re properly packaged physical cartridges with real cases and manuals, playable on every piece of Evercade hardware, from the compact Super Pocket to the full-sized EXP-R handheld, the living room-friendly VS-R home console, and even the Alpha bartop cabinet.

If you’re new to the platform and wondering where to start, check out our introduction to Evercade or the hardware comparison guide to find the right device for you.

And for the full picture of what’s available — including exactly where Activision Collection 3 sits in the lineup — head over to the complete Evercade cartridge library.

Evercade Collecting — How to Build a Complete Library

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People playing the full range of Evercade devices — Alpha bartop arcade, handhelds and cartridges

Building a complete Evercade cartridge library is one of the most satisfying projects in retro gaming collecting. The range is big enough to feel like a proper challenge, but manageable enough that a full collection is genuinely achievable. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

How Evercade Cartridges Are Organised

Every Evercade cartridge has a number printed on the spine of the case. That number tells you exactly where it sits in the full collection — and it’s the clearest way to track your progress as a collector.

The library is split into three distinct series, each with its own colour-coded case:

  • Console Games — Red Cases. The main series, covering licensed compilations of classic console games from publishers like Atari, Namco, Interplay, Rare, and many more.
  • Arcade Games — Purple Cases. Dedicated arcade compilations, pulling together coin-op classics from Technos, Data East, Toaplan, TAITO, NEOGEO, and others.
  • Home Computer Games — Blue Cases. A fantastic series focused on the C64, Amiga, and home computer era, featuring collections from Team17, Delphine Software, Llamasoft, and more.

Keeping track of all three series at once is much easier with the full Evercade cartridge library on Carts & Manuals — every cart, every number, all in one place.

The Console Games Series (Red Cases)

This is the biggest and most varied series. It includes heavy-hitters like Atari Collection 1 (Legacy), Namco Museum Collection 1 (Legacy), Rare Collection 1, and Tomb Raider Collection 1, alongside indie-focused releases like the Indie Heroes Collection 1 (Legacy) through Indie Heroes Collection 4.

Publisher series — Activision, Sunsoft, Gremlin, Piko, Interplay, Duke Nukem — each span multiple volumes, so if you love a particular publisher’s back catalogue, chances are there’s more than one cart to hunt down.

There are also some standout individual releases worth highlighting: Xenocrisis / Tanglewood, Full Void, Broken Sword Collection, and the upcoming Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack (bundled with the Evercade Nexus) are all must-haves for any serious collection.

The Arcade Games Series (Purple Cases)

If you’re an arcade fan, the purple cases are essential. The series covers coin-op legends from Technos Arcade 1 (Legacy) right through to multiple volumes of TAITO Arcade, NEOGEO Arcade, and Toaplan Arcade.

Highlights include Data East Arcade 1 and Data East Arcade 2, Irem Arcade 1 (Legacy), Windjammers, Karnov & Friends, and the Jaleco Arcade Collection 1. There’s genuine depth here — and more volumes keep arriving.

For recommendations on where to start, check out our guide to the best Evercade cartridges for arcade fans.

The Home Computer Series (Blue Cases)

The blue cases often fly under the radar, but they’re brilliant. The C64 Collection 1, The C64 Collection 2, and The C64 Collection 3 bring dozens of Commodore 64 classics to Evercade. Team17 Collection 1, Delphine Software Collection 1, Thalamus Collection 1, The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2, and Llamasoft Collection round out an excellent series for home computer fans.

Roguecraft DX also sits in this series — a newer indie release that fits the home computer aesthetic perfectly.

Legacy Cartridges — The Out-of-Print Ones

Some Evercade cartridges are no longer in production. When the licence to manufacture a cart expires and isn’t renewed, that cart becomes a Legacy cartridge — no new stock will ever be made. The only way to get one is second-hand.

This is one of the trickier parts of building a complete library, but it’s also part of what makes Evercade collecting genuinely interesting. The Evercade Legacy Cartridges page has the full list of discontinued carts, along with eBay links to help you track them down.

If you’re serious about completing the set, check the legacy list early. Some of these carts are harder to find than others, and prices on the second-hand market can vary significantly.

Tips for Finding Second-Hand Carts

Whether you’re hunting legacy carts or just filling gaps in your collection, here’s what works:

  • eBay is the most reliable source for second-hand Evercade carts. Search by cartridge name and check sold listings to get a sense of fair prices before you bid.
  • Facebook Marketplace and retro gaming groups can turn up bargains, especially from sellers who don’t know what they have.
  • Retro gaming fairs and car boot sales are long shots, but Evercade carts do turn up — particularly the earlier releases.
  • Retro gaming forums and Discord communities often have buy/sell/trade sections where fellow collectors offload duplicates at reasonable prices.
  • Always check the cart number on the spine matches what you expect — it’s the quickest way to confirm you’ve got the right one.

Don’t Forget — There Are Announced Carts Too

Blaze Entertainment occasionally teases cartridges before full details are confirmed. One to watch right now: DOOM x Evercade, officially teased in February 2026 to mark id Software’s 35th anniversary. No games list, price, or release date yet — but it’s one to keep an eye on.

Original Manuals — A Collector’s Bonus

One of the things that makes Evercade collecting extra rewarding is the physical packaging — each cart comes with a manual. But did you know you can also browse original game manuals for many of the games in the Evercade library?

The Evercade manual scans section has a growing collection of original PDFs. Some of the most popular include the Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain manual, the Tomb Raider manual, the Duke Nukem 3D manual, and the Worms Armageddon manual.

There are also great scans for games like Another World, Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars, Earthworm Jim 2, California Games, R.C. Pro-Am, and The Fantastic Adventures of Dizzy — perfect for diving deeper into the history of games in your collection.

Start With the Full Library List

The best first step for any Evercade collector is getting the full picture of what exists. Head to the Carts & Manuals page for the complete numbered library — console, arcade, and home computer — all in one place. From there, you’ll know exactly what you have, what you’re missing, and what to hunt for next.

Happy collecting!

Evercade Gift Guide 2026 — The Best Picks for a Retro Gaming Fan

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People playing the full range of Evercade devices — Alpha bartop arcade, handhelds and cartridges

Buying a gift for a retro gaming fan? Evercade is one of the best things in that space right now — physical cartridges, a growing library of classic games, and hardware to suit every budget. Here’s everything you need to know to get it right.

WHAT IS EVERCADE?

Evercade is a retro gaming ecosystem built around physical cartridges, each packed with multiple classic games. There are handhelds, a home console, and even a bartop arcade cabinet — all playing from the same cartridge library. If you’re new to it, our introduction to Evercade is a great place to start.

The good news for gift buyers: you don’t need to know everything. Pick a device, grab a cartridge or two, and you’ve got a genuinely great present.

THE HARDWARE — WHAT TO BUY AND WHY

Budget pick: Super Pocket — from £59.99

The Super Pocket is the smallest and most affordable Evercade device. It fits in a shirt pocket, takes all Evercade cartridges, and comes pre-loaded with 12–50 built-in games depending on the edition. Editions include Taito, Capcom, Atari, Technōs, Neo Geo, Data East, Rare, and Activision — so you can match it to whatever the recipient loves.

If you’re not sure whether the person you’re buying for will take to Evercade, this is the lowest-risk entry point. Great value, genuinely pocketable, and a full gateway into the cartridge library.

Mid-range pick: Evercade EXP-R

The EXP-R is the most well-rounded Evercade handheld. It has a 4.3-inch IPS screen, TATE mode for vertical arcade games, and plays every Evercade cartridge. It comes bundled with Tomb Raider Collection 1, so there’s something to play straight out of the box.

No built-in game library like the Super Pocket, but a bigger, brighter screen and a more premium feel. This is the sweet spot for most retro gaming fans who want the full cartridge experience on the go.

Premium pick: Evercade Nexus — £169.99 (launching October 2026)

The Nexus is the flagship handheld — a 5.89-inch screen, dual analogue sticks, WiFi 6, and EverSync for local wireless multiplayer between two Nexus units. It launches in October 2026 and comes bundled with the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack.

If budget isn’t a concern and you want to give the best possible Evercade experience, this is it. Perfect for someone who wants to play 32 and 64-bit titles as well as the classic 8-bit and 16-bit library.

Home console pick: Evercade VS-R

The VS-R is Evercade’s home console — it plugs into the TV via HDMI at 1080p, has dual cartridge slots, and supports up to four players via USB controllers. If the person you’re buying for prefers gaming on a big screen or plays with family and friends, this is the one to go for.

Statement piece: Evercade Alpha — from £229.99

The Alpha is a pre-assembled bartop arcade cabinet with an 8-inch IPS screen, competition-grade arcade controls, and dual cartridge slots. It comes in Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Taito editions, each with 6–10 built-in games.

This isn’t an everyday gaming device — it’s a desk or counter centrepiece for someone who loves arcade culture. A serious gift for a serious retro fan.

THE BEST STARTER CARTRIDGES

Evercade cartridges are where the library really shines. Here are some strong picks for someone new to the platform — all tried, tested, and well-loved by the community.

For arcade fans: Capcom Collection is packed with instant classics — Street Fighter II, Mega Man, and Final Fight among them. TAITO Arcade 1 and TAITO Arcade 2 are equally essential, and Data East Arcade 1 is also a superb choice. Check our full best arcade cartridges guide for more.

For all-round retro gaming: The Activision Collection 1 is a brilliant starting point with a huge breadth of classic titles — Pitfall! and River Raid among them. Interplay Collection 1 and Team17 Collection 1 (Worms, anyone?) are crowd-pleasers. The Turrican Collection is unmissable for action platformer fans.

For indie and modern retro: Xenocrisis / Tanglewood, Alwa’s Awakening / Cathedral, and the Indie Heroes collections are all great picks if the recipient enjoys contemporary games made in the classic style.

Browse the full library on our Carts & Manuals page, or check out our best Evercade cartridges guide for curated recommendations.

BUNDLE SUGGESTIONS BY BUDGET

Under £80 — Super Pocket starter bundle: Pick the Super Pocket edition that matches their taste (Capcom for fighting games, Taito for arcade, Atari for classics) and add one cartridge. That’s a complete, ready-to-play gift.

Around £100–£120 — EXP-R ready to play: The EXP-R comes with Tomb Raider Collection 1 included, so it’s gift-ready on its own. Add a second cartridge — Capcom Collection or Activision Collection 1 work brilliantly — and you’ve got a fantastic bundle.

£150+ — VS-R with a cartridge or two: The VS-R is a great living room gift. Pair it with a couple of cartridges (Data East Arcade 1 and Team17 Collection 1 are solid choices) and anyone who plays it will be immediately hooked.

£200+ — Nexus pre-order bundle (October 2026): The Nexus at £169.99 comes with the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack. Add an extra cartridge and you’ve got one of the most exciting retro gaming gifts of 2026. Bear in mind the October 2026 launch date if timing matters.

NOT SURE WHICH TO CHOOSE?

If you’re still weighing up the options, our hardware comparison page breaks down every device side by side with full specs. It’s the quickest way to land on the right decision.

When you’re ready to buy, head to our Where to Buy guide for UK, US, EU and worldwide retailers — including Amazon, Funstock, and second-hand options for anyone on a tighter budget.

Whatever you pick, you’re giving someone a gateway into one of the best retro gaming ecosystems around. They’ll thank you for it.