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Is the Evercade Worth Buying in 2026?

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You’ve heard about Evercade, maybe seen one in a YouTube video or spotted a cartridge in a games shop, and now you’re wondering: is it actually worth buying in 2026? Here’s everything you need to know before you spend a penny.

WHAT IS EVERCADE?

Evercade is a retro gaming platform made by UK-based company Blaze Entertainment. It’s built around one simple idea: physical cartridges for classic and retro games. No subscriptions, no downloads, no DRM headaches. You buy a cart, you put it in the machine, you play. Every cartridge comes in a physical box with a full-colour manual — a proper collectable, not just a chip in a case.

Each cartridge is a curated collection — usually 5 to 20+ games from a specific publisher or theme. Think Atari, Namco, Data East, Piko Interactive, and dozens more. The cartridges work across the entire Evercade hardware range, which is a big part of the appeal.

THE HARDWARE RANGE

Evercade isn’t a single device — it’s a growing ecosystem of hardware. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available in 2026:

Evercade EXP-R — A handheld with a built-in screen, shoulder buttons, and a dedicated arcade stick layout. A great all-round entry point for playing Evercade cartridges on the go.

Evercade VS-R — A home console that plugs into your TV. Supports two cartridge slots simultaneously, making it great for multiplayer. This one’s all about the living room experience.

Evercade Alpha — A bartop arcade cabinet with a stick and buttons built in. A statement piece for a dedicated retro gaming space.

Evercade Nexus — The upcoming premium Evercade handheld, launching October 2026 and available to pre-order now at £169.99. Improved build quality and display over the EXP-R — the one to buy if you want the best Evercade portable experience. Find out more about the Nexus.

All these formats use the same cartridges, so your collection grows with you regardless of which hardware you own. Check out our full hardware comparison to see which one suits you best.

Blaze also makes the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket — a budget-friendly handheld that uses its own cartridge format rather than the Evercade range. Worth knowing about, but a separate ecosystem.

THE LIBRARY

As of 2026, Evercade has over 80 cartridges available, covering hundreds of individual games. The library spans arcade classics, home computer ports, 8-bit and 16-bit console games, and even some indie titles designed specifically for the platform.

Highlights include multiple Atari collections, the Namco Museum Collection, classic Data East and TAITO arcade titles, and gems from lesser-known publishers that you’d struggle to find legally anywhere else.

Browse the full catalogue on our Evercade games database, or browse every cartridge and its manual — the easiest way to see exactly what’s available before you commit to buying.

THE PRICE POINT

The Evercade EXP typically retails around £79–£99 depending on the bundle. The VS-R sits in a similar range. Individual cartridges usually cost between £14 and £20, which works out to pennies per game when you factor in how many titles each cart includes.

Compared to buying retro games individually — especially original cartridges at modern collector prices — Evercade is genuinely good value. You’re not paying for rarity, you’re paying for the games. See our where to buy guide for UK, US, and worldwide retailers.

THE HONEST DOWNSIDES

No product is perfect, and Evercade is no exception. Here’s what might put you off:

No digital option. Every game requires a physical cartridge. If you prefer a single device loaded with everything, or you travel light, this can feel limiting. There’s no app, no SD card dump, no cloud library.

The library is niche. If you’re hoping for Nintendo, Sega, or Sony first-party titles, you won’t find them here. Evercade focuses on third-party publishers and indie developers. For some, that’s the whole appeal. For others, it’s a dealbreaker.

It’s not a powerhouse. Evercade emulates older hardware. If you’re expecting pixel-perfect accuracy or advanced CRT filters, results vary by cartridge. It’s built for fun and accessibility, not digital archiving.

Availability can be patchy. Some older cartridges go in and out of stock, and a few have become harder to find at retail price.

WHO IS EVERCADE REALLY FOR?

Evercade is a great fit if you:

  • Love retro gaming and want a legal, affordable way to build a physical collection
  • Enjoy the ritual of cartridges — putting something in a slot, owning a physical object
  • Like the idea of a shelf full of colourful boxes — Evercade carts are genuinely nice to collect and display
  • Appreciate proper full-colour printed manuals with every game — something most modern platforms abandoned years ago
  • Want a platform that works both at home and on the go
  • Are interested in rediscovering publishers like Data East, Piko, or Technos
  • Want to share retro gaming with kids or friends without hunting down ageing hardware
  • Love discovering hidden secrets and easter eggs baked into the hardware

It’s probably not for you if you:

  • Primarily want Nintendo or Sega first-party titles
  • Prefer digital libraries with instant access to everything
  • Are a hardcore accuracy-focused emulation enthusiast
  • Only have occasional interest in retro gaming and don’t want to invest in hardware

THE VERDICT

In 2026, Evercade remains one of the most thoughtful retro gaming platforms on the market. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone — and that’s exactly why it works. If the physical cartridge philosophy resonates with you and the library has games you love (or want to discover), it’s absolutely worth the investment.

The entry price is low enough that the risk is minimal. And once you’ve got the hardware, building a cart collection is genuinely fun.

Want to dig deeper before you buy? Check out our Evercade hardware comparison to pick the right device, browse the full games database to see if the library is right for you, and check our VS controller compatibility database if you’re planning multiplayer sessions.

Evercade Multiplayer Games: Every Option Explained (Including EverSync)

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Evercade has a reputation as a solo collector’s platform — cartridges, couch, and quiet nostalgia. That reputation isn’t wrong, but it sells the ecosystem short. Across its hardware lineup, Evercade has built out a genuinely solid set of multiplayer options, from traditional couch co-op to something genuinely new with EverSync. Here’s every option explained, so you can pick the right setup for your situation.

THE VS-R: THE NATURAL MULTIPLAYER HUB

If you want the most straightforward Evercade multiplayer experience, the VS-R is where you start. It’s a home console with two built-in controller ports, designed from the ground up for couch co-op and head-to-head play. Plug it into your TV, load a cartridge, hand a pad to whoever’s sitting next to you, and you’re done.

The VS-R draws from a wide library of two-player arcade and home console titles. Beat-em-ups, sports games, puzzle games, platformers — the catalog covers most of the genres where multiplayer has always mattered. It’s the closest thing the Evercade lineup has to a traditional living room games console, and for families or anyone who plays with friends regularly, it earns its place easily.

THE ALPHA: BUILT FOR TWO FROM THE START

The Evercade Alpha is an arcade-style bar-top cabinet with one set of built-in controls, but it supports multiplayer via USB controllers plugged directly into its ports. Grab a second pad, plug it in, and you’re ready for two-player play without any additional hardware setup.

The Alpha is particularly satisfying for arcade head-to-head and co-op titles. Fighting games, run-and-guns, scrolling beat-em-ups — anything that was designed for side-by-side arcade play feels at home here. It’s a more specialised piece of kit than the VS-R, but for what it does, it does it well.

EVERSYNC ON THE NEXUS: THE BIGGEST LEAP

EverSync is the most significant development in Evercade multiplayer, and it lives on the Nexus handheld. Using WiFi 6, two Nexus units can connect directly to each other for local wireless multiplayer — no internet connection required, no router needed, no subscription. Just two handhelds in the same room.

The clever part is that only one cartridge is needed between the two players. One Nexus runs the cart, the other connects wirelessly and joins the session. For a platform built around physical media, this is a meaningful step forward. It keeps the collector appeal intact while removing the biggest practical barrier to handheld multiplayer.

BEST CARTRIDGES FOR MULTIPLAYER

Knowing the hardware is one thing — knowing which carts to load is another. Technos Collection 1 is an easy first pick, giving you Double Dragon co-op in the way it was meant to be played. Worms Collection 1 brings Worms Armageddon, which needs no introduction as a multiplayer classic. Bitmap Brothers Collection 1 includes Speedball 2, still one of the most brutal and entertaining two-player sports games ever made.

The arcade collections are worth loading up too. Data East, Namco, Taito, and Jaleco all have strong representation on the platform, and most of those collections carry titles originally designed for two-player simultaneous or alternating play. For sports-style multiplayer, the Piko sports collections round things out with a range of options that work well in a pass-the-pad session.

HOT-SEAT: THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED OPTION

Not every multiplayer session needs simultaneous play. Hot-seat — where players take turns with a single controller — works across virtually every VS-R and Alpha title. It’s a low-friction way to involve more people, especially with puzzle games, sports titles, and anything turn-based. Don’t overlook it as a genuine option for groups.

EXP-R AND SUPER POCKET: SOLO ONLY

To be clear about what the lineup doesn’t offer: the EXP-R and Super Pocket handhelds are single-player devices. There’s no link cable, no wireless, no multiplayer of any kind. They’re excellent for what they are — personal, portable, cartridge-based gaming — but if multiplayer is your goal, neither of these is the answer.

THE VERDICT

Evercade multiplayer games span a wider range than most people realise. The VS-R handles couch co-op with no fuss. The Alpha nails the arcade head-to-head experience. EverSync on the Nexus breaks new ground for the platform in a genuinely useful way. Pick your hardware based on how you actually play, load the right carts, and there’s a lot here worth sharing.

For more detail on the Nexus and EverSync, see our full Evercade Nexus guide. Trying to decide where Evercade fits against other handhelds? Our Evercade vs Anbernic, Retroid, and Miyoo comparison breaks it down.

Is the Evercade Nexus the Best Retro Handheld of 2026?

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The retro handheld market in 2026 is busier than ever. Anbernic, Miyoo, and Retroid Pocket are all putting out impressive hardware, and if raw emulation power is your thing, there’s genuinely never been a better time to be a fan. But the Evercade Nexus isn’t trying to win that race — and that’s exactly why it stands out.

THE EMULATION GREY AREA (AND WHY IT MATTERS)

Let’s be honest about something the retro handheld community often glosses over: most emulation handhelds operate in a legal grey area. The hardware is legitimate. The software you load onto it — ROMs downloaded from the internet — almost certainly isn’t.

That’s not a moral lecture. It’s just context. For a lot of players, that doesn’t matter. But for retro fans who want a clean conscience alongside their collection, it absolutely does.

Every single game on the Evercade Nexus is officially licensed. Blaze Entertainment has done the legal legwork with publishers and rights holders so you don’t have to think about it. And every cartridge ships with a full-colour numbered manual — the kind of tactile, collectible experience that a microSD card stuffed with ROMs simply cannot replicate.

With 80+ collections and 700+ games already available in our Evercade cart library, there’s no shortage of content to get stuck into.

DUAL ANALOGUE STICKS — A BIGGER DEAL THAN IT SOUNDS

Older Evercade hardware leaned hard into the 8 and 16-bit era, which suits a D-pad just fine. The Nexus changes that conversation entirely. Dual analogue sticks, rear bumpers, and triggers mean the Nexus is properly equipped for N64 and PS1-era titles — the kind of 3D games where previous Evercade handhelds had to make compromises.

If you’ve ever tried to play a tank-control survival horror or a 3D platformer on a device without analogue inputs, you already know why this matters. The Nexus doesn’t ask you to settle.

THAT SCREEN

The Nexus packs a 5.89″ IPS display running at 840×512 resolution with brightness rated at over 500 nits. For pixel-art games, that resolution is a thoughtful choice — it scales cleanly for retro content without the softness you get when forcing a 1080p panel to display low-res sprites.

At 500+ nits, outdoor gaming in daylight is actually viable. Not “squint and hope” viable — genuinely usable. That’s a quality-of-life detail that makes a real difference day to day.

EVERSYNC MULTIPLAYER IS QUIETLY BRILLIANT

EverSync is one of those features that sounds modest until you think about it properly. Using WiFi 6, two Nexus units can share a game wirelessly — and only one player needs the cartridge. Your friend doesn’t need to own the game. You both just need a Nexus.

For a platform built around physical media, that’s a genuinely clever solution to the classic problem of local multiplayer collecting. No doubling up on carts, no awkward lending. Just play.

THE BANJO-KAZOOIE LAUNCH BUNDLE

The Nexus launches in October 2026 with something special in the box: the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack, featuring both Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie on a single physical cartridge. Two of the most beloved N64 platformers ever made, officially licensed, on day one.

It’s a statement launch. Rare’s bear-and-bird duo are the kind of titles that justify those dual analogue sticks all by themselves, and having them as a physical collectible cart — complete with manual — is exactly the kind of thing Evercade fans will appreciate.

HOW IT STACKS UP AGAINST THE COMPETITION

Devices like the Anbernic RG and Miyoo line offer tremendous value if you want a wide-open emulation box. The Retroid Pocket range pushes further still, with Android under the hood and access to higher-end emulation targets. These are good devices. Genuinely.

But they’re asking a different question. They’re asking: how much can we emulate?

The Nexus asks: how good can a curated, legal, physical retro experience actually be?

With a 5,000mAh battery delivering 5+ hours of gameplay, USB-C charging, dual front-facing stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, wireless headphone support, and a quad-core 1.5GHz processor with 4GB eMMC RAM, the Nexus isn’t making compromises on the hardware side. It’s a premium device that happens to have a principled approach to game licensing baked into its DNA.

At £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99, it sits at a higher price point than entry-level emulation handhelds — but factoring in the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack in the box and what you’re getting in terms of build quality and legal peace of mind, it’s a fair ask.

THE VERDICT

The best retro handheld of 2026 depends on what you’re looking for. If you want maximum emulation flexibility, the Anbernic and Retroid options are worth your attention. No shame in that.

But if you want a beautiful screen, proper analogue controls, clever local multiplayer, a growing library of officially licensed physical games, and a Banjo-Kazooie cart waiting in the box on day one — the Evercade Nexus is in a category of its own. It’s the retro handheld for people who actually care about the games, not just the ROMs.

Check out the full specs and everything you need to know on our Evercade Nexus hub page.

Evercade Cartridges — How the Library Has Grown

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When the Evercade launched in 2020, it arrived with 10 cartridges ready to go — a solid debut that gave players a taste of what Blaze Entertainment had in mind. Fast forward to today, and that number has exploded past 80 cartridges. That’s a remarkable amount of growth for a dedicated retro gaming platform, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

The original Evercade lineup leaned heavily on established retro publishers — Atari, Namco, Interplay, Data East — and for good reason. These were names that carried instant recognition for anyone who grew up gaming in the 80s and 90s. Collections like Atari Collection 1 and Namco Museum Collection 1 gave the platform genuine credibility right out of the gate.

Those early 10 cartridges covered everything from arcade classics to home console favourites, and they made it very clear what Evercade was all about: curated, legal, physical retro gaming done properly.

THE LIBRARY FINDS ITS FEET

Through 2021 and into 2022, the catalogue expanded at a steady pace. New publishers joined the fold — Jaleco and others — bringing with them a huge range of genres and platforms. Beat-em-ups, platformers, sports games, shooters: the Evercade was building something genuinely varied.

The introduction of the Evercade VS home console in late 2021 added extra momentum. With a home device in the mix, multi-cart support and couch co-op became part of the conversation, and the appetite for new cartridges grew alongside the expanding hardware range.

GOING BEYOND THE CLASSICS

One of the most exciting developments in the library’s growth has been the shift toward indie and homebrew content. The Morphcat Games Collection, the Bitmap Bureau Collection, and others showed that Evercade wasn’t just a nostalgia machine — it was a platform willing to champion modern developers making games in a retro spirit.

The Evercade EXP and Evercade EXP-R handhelds pushed things further still, with built-in titles and a sharper focus on specific genres and platforms. Each new hardware launch has brought fresh cartridges with it, keeping the library moving forward.

OVER 80 CARTRIDGES AND COUNTING

Hitting 80+ cartridges is a genuinely impressive milestone. Think about what that means in practice: hundreds of individual games, spanning multiple decades and dozens of original publishers, all available in a consistent physical format with proper manuals and artwork.

The breadth of the catalogue today is something few would have predicted back in 2021. You can jump from an Atari 2600 classic to a sharp 16-bit beat-em-up to a modern indie gem — all on the same device, all on cartridge.

And with Blaze continuing to announce new collections regularly, the library isn’t done growing yet. Every few months brings something new to track down and add to the shelf.

EXPLORE THE FULL LIBRARY

Want to see exactly what’s available? Our Evercade games database lists every cartridge and game in the library — fully searchable and regularly updated. Whether you’re a newcomer figuring out where to start or a collector tracking down the gaps, it’s the best place to get a complete picture of just how far the Evercade catalogue has come.

Super Pocket — Which Edition Should You Buy?

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Super Pocket Rare Edition handheld

Seven editions. One pocket-sized handheld. Same price. So how do you pick the right Super Pocket for you? Here’s a breakdown of every edition and who each one is best suited for.

WHAT IS THE SUPER POCKET?

The Super Pocket is a compact handheld developed by HyperMegaTech! — the same company behind the Evercade ecosystem. Each edition comes themed around a classic publisher, with a built-in game library pre-loaded and ready to go.

Every edition shares the same solid hardware: a 2.8″ IPS screen, quad-core 1.2GHz processor, full shoulder buttons, USB-C charging, and up to 4 hours of battery life. At 165g it genuinely fits in your pocket.

Crucially, every edition includes an Evercade cartridge slot — so on top of the built-in games, you get access to 80+ officially licensed Evercade collections and 700+ games. No downloads, no internet, just insert and play.

All editions are priced at £59.99 / €69.99, with the Rare Edition at $69.99 in the US.

TAITO EDITION — 18 GAMES

Best for: Fans of classic Japanese arcade games and bubble-based platformers.

The Taito Edition packs in some genuine arcade legends. Space Invaders and Space Invaders ’91 are here, alongside Bubble Bobble, Puzzle Bobble, The NewZealand Story, Rastan, and Operation Wolf. There’s real variety — action, platformers, shoot-’em-ups, and puzzle games — making this one of the most well-rounded built-in libraries.

If you have fond memories of Taito’s golden age, or you want a handheld with broad arcade appeal, this is an excellent starting point.

CAPCOM EDITION — 12 GAMES

Best for: Action game fans and Street Fighter devotees.

Twelve games, but what a twelve. Street Fighter II’: Hyper Fighting, Final Fight, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Mega Man, Strider, Bionic Commando, and the full 194X trilogy — this is a murderers’ row of Capcom classics.

The Capcom Edition has the smallest built-in library of all seven editions, but the quality-per-game ratio is arguably the highest. If you’re a Capcom fan, you already know you want this one.

ATARI EDITION — 50 GAMES

Best for: Retro purists, Atari collectors, and anyone who wants sheer volume.

With 50 built-in games, the Atari Edition is the biggest library of any Super Pocket edition — by a long way. It spans Atari’s arcade hits, the Atari 2600, and the Atari 5200, covering decades of gaming history.

Highlights include Asteroids, Missile Command, Pong, Millipede, Berzerk, Yars’ Revenge, Adventure, Haunted House, and many more. If you want the most content out of the box, this is the one.

TECHNŌS EDITION — 15 GAMES

Best for: Beat-’em-up lovers and Double Dragon fans.

Technōs Japan gave us some of the defining beat-’em-ups of the 8 and 16-bit era. If Double Dragon, Renegade, and Kunio-kun mean anything to you, this edition was made with you in mind.

It’s a more niche pick than some of the others, but for fans of the genre it’s a genuinely exciting collection on a device you can take anywhere.

NEO GEO EDITION — 14 GAMES

Best for: Fighting game fans and SNK enthusiasts.

The Neo Geo Edition brings 14 games from SNK’s legendary Neo Geo hardware to your pocket. Neo Geo games were premium arcade-quality titles — and having them built into a handheld at this price point is genuinely impressive.

Released in July 2025, this is one of the newer editions. If you’re an SNK fan or always wanted a portable Neo Geo experience, this is your edition.

DATA EAST EDITION — 18 GAMES

Best for: Arcade game fans who love cult classics.

Data East had a knack for producing wildly creative and memorable arcade games, many of which don’t get nearly enough recognition today. With 18 built-in games, the Data East Edition is a great way to rediscover — or discover for the first time — some genuinely underrated classics.

If you want something a little different from the usual suspects, this edition rewards the curious.

RARE EDITION — 14 GAMES

Best for: Anyone who grew up with a NES, SNES, or Game Boy in the late ’80s and ’90s.

The Rare Edition is the most anticipated Super Pocket release to date — and arguably the most exciting for a generation of gamers. Rare produced some of the most beloved games of the 8 and 16-bit era, and getting 14 of them built into a Super Pocket is a big deal.

Launching in June 2026, this is the most recently announced edition. It’s priced at $69.99 in the US — a small premium that reflects just how sought-after the Rare back catalogue is.

If the Rare logo gives you a rush of nostalgia, you don’t need us to tell you to buy this one.

SO WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

  • Best overall variety: Taito Edition
  • Best quality hits: Capcom Edition
  • Most games out of the box: Atari Edition
  • Best for beat-’em-up fans: Technōs Edition
  • Best for fighting game fans: Neo Geo Edition
  • Best for cult arcade fans: Data East Edition
  • Best for ’90s nostalgia: Rare Edition

And remember — whichever edition you choose, the Evercade cartridge slot means you’re never limited to just the built-in library. Every Super Pocket can play the full range of Evercade carts, so your collection can grow with you.

Want the full specs, complete game lists, and more detail on every edition? Head over to our Super Pocket hub page for everything you need to know.

Evercade Alpha — Is a Bartop Arcade Right for You?

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The Evercade Alpha is unlike anything else in the Evercade lineup. It’s a bartop arcade cabinet — a proper upright unit you sit at a desk or counter, with a screen, joystick, buttons, and that unmistakable arcade feel. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s break it down.

WHAT IS THE EVERCADE ALPHA?

The Evercade Alpha is Blaze Entertainment’s take on a home bartop arcade cabinet. It features dual Evercade cartridge slots and plays the same Evercade cartridges you know and love, but the experience is completely different from the handheld or VS console. You’re getting an 8″ IPS screen, a proper joystick and button layout, and a cabinet design that genuinely looks the part sitting on a desk or shelf unit.

It’s designed to scratch that arcade itch without requiring a full-size cab or a dedicated games room. Think of it as the middle ground between a tabletop machine and a full standing arcade unit.

THE THREE EDITIONS

The Alpha launched in three distinct editions, each aimed at a slightly different buyer.

The Street Fighter Edition is the headline version. It features official Street Fighter branding, artwork across the cabinet, and comes bundled with the Street Fighter cartridge. If you’re a fighting game fan, this one makes an immediate statement on any surface it sits on.

The Mega Man Edition celebrates classic Capcom arcade titles — think Mega Man, Final Fight, Strider, and more. The artwork leans into Capcom’s golden-age arcade aesthetic, and it’s a great fit if you love those iconic Capcom franchises but aren’t solely a Street Fighter fan.

The Taito Edition celebrates classic Taito arcade titles — think Bubble Bobble, Elevator Action, and more golden-age gems. If your retro tastes run a little broader than just Capcom, this is the one with a different flavour of nostalgia baked in.

All three editions share the same hardware — the difference is in the cabinet artwork and the built-in games.

WHAT’S THE ARCADE EXPERIENCE ACTUALLY LIKE?

This is where the Alpha earns its place. The controls genuinely feel arcade-grade — the joystick has good resistance and accuracy, and the buttons are responsive with satisfying tactile feedback. For fighting games, shoot-’em-ups, and classic platformers, it’s a noticeable step up from a gamepad.

The screen is bright and sharp, and the slight upward angle of a bartop cabinet puts you in exactly the right position for extended play. It’s comfortable in a way that hunching over a handheld simply isn’t.

Two-player gaming is supported via the USB ports on the front of the cabinet — plug in a second USB controller and you’re good to go. Fire up a beat-’em-up or a co-op shoot-’em-up and it immediately becomes the centrepiece of any gaming session.

One honest caveat: not every Evercade cart suits the arcade format equally. Games built around a D-pad and buttons translate perfectly, but anything that leans heavily on analogue input or shoulder buttons can feel a little awkward. Stick to arcade-style games and you’ll be grinning the whole time.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO THE HANDHELD RANGE?

The Evercade handheld — in both its original and EXP forms — is about portability and personal play. You’re gaming on the go, in bed, on the sofa. It’s intimate and convenient, and the flip or landscape form factor suits a wide range of games beautifully.

The Alpha is the opposite in almost every way. It’s fixed, social, and immersive. You’re not taking it anywhere. But what it gives you in return is a shared experience — the kind of gaming moment that gets people gathered round, competing, cheering, and talking about it afterwards.

If you already own a handheld and want to expand your Evercade setup, the Alpha adds something genuinely different rather than duplicating what you have. Your cartridge collection works across both, which is one of the smartest things about the Evercade ecosystem.

If you’re buying your first Evercade device and you’re a solo player who games in different rooms or on the move, the handheld might serve you better day-to-day. But if you entertain, game with friends or family, or just want something that looks incredible on a desk — the Alpha is hard to argue with.

WHO IS THE EVERCADE ALPHA FOR?

It’s for you if:

  • You love arcade games and want that authentic joystick-and-buttons experience at home
  • You game with a partner, friends, or kids regularly
  • You want a display piece that also happens to be a serious gaming machine
  • You already own Evercade cartridges and want to play them in a completely new way
  • You’re a Street Fighter, Capcom or Taito Arcade fan and the themed editions speak to you

It might not be for you if:

  • You want flexibility of where you play
  • Your collection skews heavily towards RPGs, puzzle games, or console-style titles
  • Space or budget is a significant constraint

Want to dig deeper into specs, availability, and all three editions? Head over to our dedicated Evercade Alpha page for everything you need to know before you buy.

The Turrican Collection — A Legendary Series Comes to Evercade

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The Turrican Collection has arrived on Evercade, and it’s a big deal. Packing ten games across three classic platforms, this cartridge brings one of the most beloved run-and-gun series in gaming history to your handheld or home console in style.

A SERIES BUILT ON BLASTING AND EXPLORATION

Turrican was born in 1990, the brainchild of developer Manfred Trenz. Published by Rainbow Arts, the original Turrican released for the Commodore 64 in May 1990, with an Amiga version following that August — it’s the Amiga version included on this Evercade cartridge. Either way, it immediately turned heads, blending the frenetic shooting of Contra with vast, sprawling levels that rewarded exploration — a combination that felt genuinely fresh at the time.

The series was powered by Chris Hülsbeck’s legendary soundtracks, which are still celebrated to this day. If you’ve never heard the Turrican II music, you’re in for a treat. It’s the kind of score that gets stuck in your head for decades.

Turrican II: The Final Fight landed in 1991 and is widely regarded as the peak of the Amiga originals — bigger, bolder, and even more musically spectacular. Turrican 3 rounded out the Amiga trilogy, pushing the hardware further and wrapping up the story.

CONSOLE GLORY — SNES AND MEGA DRIVE

As the series moved to consoles, it evolved. The SNES entries — Super Turrican and Super Turrican 2 — were developed by Factor 5 and showed off the hardware’s capabilities beautifully. Both are fantastic games in their own right, with tight controls and that signature sense of scale.

This cartridge also includes Super Turrican Director’s Cut, a version that restores content that was cut from the original release. It’s a genuine piece of gaming history — and one that many fans will be playing for the first time here.

On the Mega Drive side, Mega Turrican is another Factor 5 gem — arguably the best-looking entry in the whole series and a showcase for what the Genesis could do. The Mega Turrican Director’s Cut similarly restores elements from the original vision of the game.

SCORE ATTACK MODES — SOMETHING EXTRA

Alongside the main games, the cartridge includes dedicated Score Attack modes for two of the titles: Super Turrican Score Attack and Mega Turrican Score Attack. These stripped-back modes put the focus purely on racking up points, adding excellent replay value and a competitive edge for those who want to chase high scores.

TEN GAMES, ONE CARTRIDGE

To be crystal clear about what you’re getting, here’s the full lineup:

  • Turrican (Amiga)
  • Turrican II: The Final Fight (Amiga)
  • Turrican 3 (Amiga)
  • Super Turrican (SNES)
  • Super Turrican Director’s Cut (SNES)
  • Super Turrican 2 (SNES)
  • Super Turrican Score Attack (SNES)
  • Mega Turrican (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • Mega Turrican Director’s Cut (Megadrive/Genesis)
  • Mega Turrican Score Attack (Megadrive/Genesis)

That’s three Amiga classics, four SNES entries including score attack and the Director’s Cut, and three Mega Drive titles. Tremendous value for fans of the series or anyone who missed it the first time around.

ORIGINAL MANUALS — A NICE TOUCH

One of the great things about the Evercade community is the attention paid to preserving the history around these games — not just the games themselves. We’ve got original manual scans available for several titles in this collection, and they’re well worth a look for context, nostalgia, and just the sheer retro charm of old gaming documentation.

You can check out the original Turrican Amiga manual, the Super Turrican 2 SNES manual, and the Mega Turrican Mega Drive manual. Great for reading before you dive in — or just for a trip down memory lane.

WORTH YOUR TIME?

If you have any love for classic action games, absolutely yes. The Turrican series represents some of the finest 16-bit era gaming there is. Having it all in one place on Evercade — with Director’s Cut versions, score attack modes, and original manuals to browse — makes this one of the most compelling collections the platform has offered.

Whether you grew up with an Amiga, a SNES, or a Mega Drive, there’s something here for you. And if Turrican is completely new to you? You’re about to discover something special.

Head over to our Turrican Collection page for more details, screenshots, and everything you need to know about this release.

THEC64 Handheld vs The Spectrum Handheld — Which Should You Buy?

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HyperMegaTech has given retro fans two fantastic handheld options — one for Commodore 64 devotees, and one for Spectrum die-hards. But if you’re on the fence, or new to both machines, which one deserves your money? Let’s break it down.

THE HARDWARE

Both handhelds share the same satisfying form factor. You get a 4.3-inch IPS display, a built-in rechargeable battery, a proper d-pad and face buttons, a MicroSD card slot for loading additional software, and a USB-A port for connecting an external keyboard or joystick. The build quality is solid on both — chunky in a good way, with enough heft to feel premium without being uncomfortable for long sessions.

THEC64 HANDHELD

THEC64 Handheld is the one for Commodore fans. It comes loaded with 25 built-in C64 games, covering a brilliant spread of classics — from arcade conversions to home computer originals that defined a generation of gaming in the 1980s.

If you grew up typing in listings from magazines or haunting your local computer shop for cassette tapes, this will hit hard. The C64’s library is vast and deep, with strong representation in shooters, platformers, and sports games. The built-in selection reflects that variety well.

THE SPECTRUM HANDHELD

The Spectrum Handheld is the Sinclair faithful’s dream device. It packs in 25 built-in ZX Spectrum games, pulling from the enormous library of titles that made the Speccy one of the most beloved home computers in British gaming history.

The Spectrum’s game library leans into its own identity: text adventures, quirky British originals, and some genuinely innovative design that holds up surprisingly well today.

KEY DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE

Built-in games: Both come with 25 games apiece — it’s the quality and flavour of those titles that sets them apart.

Button feel: THEC64 has tactile plastic buttons; The Spectrum Handheld uses rubber buttons, which feels more authentic to the original hardware.

Game style: C64 titles tend to feel more arcade-adjacent. Spectrum games often have a distinct character — more experimental, more British, occasionally more obtuse (in the best possible way).

WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY?

If you grew up with a Commodore 64 — or you’ve always wanted to explore its library — THEC64 Handheld is the obvious choice. The built-in game selection is excellent, and the MicroSD slot gives it real longevity beyond the included titles.

If the ZX Spectrum holds a special place in your heart, or you want to dig into the quirky, creative side of early British gaming, The Spectrum Handheld delivers that experience beautifully.

Can’t decide? Honestly, both are worth owning if your budget allows. They complement each other perfectly, and together they cover two of the most important home computers in gaming history.

Check out the full specs and details for both devices on evercade.info: THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld. And if you want to see everything HyperMegaTech has in the Evercade lineup, head over to our full hardware guide.

EverSync Explained — How Nexus Multiplayer Works

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The Evercade Nexus brings something genuinely exciting to the retro gaming table: local wireless multiplayer. And the system powering it — EverSync — is cleverly designed to make couch co-op as painless as possible. Here’s everything you need to know.

WHAT IS EVERSYNC?

EverSync is Blaze Entertainment’s proprietary local wireless multiplayer technology built into the Evercade Nexus. It allows multiple Nexus units to connect to each other wirelessly — no cables, no internet connection, no faff. Think of it like a modern take on the classic Game Boy Link Cable, but without the cable.

The connection is designed to be low-latency and reliable, which matters a lot when you’re playing fast-paced retro games where split-second timing makes the difference between winning and losing.

THE BIG DEAL: ONLY ONE PLAYER NEEDS THE CARTRIDGE

This is the feature that really turns heads. When playing a compatible multiplayer game over EverSync, only the host player needs to own the physical cartridge. The other players can join the session on their own Nexus units without needing their own copy of the game.

That’s a huge deal for a physical-media-first platform. It means you don’t have to convince your friends to buy the same cartridge before you can play together. One copy between a group is enough to get a multiplayer session going.

It’s a thoughtful, player-friendly approach — and it removes one of the biggest friction points that has historically held local multiplayer back on cartridge-based systems.

HOW DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK?

The host player — the one with the cartridge inserted — launches the game and starts a multiplayer session. Other Nexus owners nearby can then discover and join that session on their own devices.

The game data is effectively broadcast from the host’s cartridge to the other connected units over the local wireless link. Each player retains full control on their own screen, just as you’d expect from a handheld multiplayer experience.

The range is suited to local play — we’re talking same-room or nearby distance, not across the street. This is intentionally a local-first feature, keeping that communal, in-person gaming feel that retro gaming is all about.

WHICH GAMES SUPPORT EVERSYNC?

EverSync support isn’t automatic for every title in the Evercade library — games need to be specifically built or updated to support the feature. Blaze has confirmed that compatible titles will be clearly marked, so you’ll know before you buy whether a cartridge supports local wireless multiplayer.

As the Nexus library grows, expect to see more developers and publishers taking advantage of EverSync — especially for titles where multiplayer is a natural fit, like sports games, beat-’em-ups, and competitive arcade classics.

WHY IT MATTERS FOR THE EVERCADE COMMUNITY

Evercade has always been about sharing the love of retro gaming — showing friends old favourites, discovering hidden gems together. EverSync fits perfectly into that ethos.

Being able to say “grab your Nexus and come over, I’ve got the cartridge” lowers the barrier to multiplayer significantly. It’s the kind of feature that could genuinely bring more people into the Evercade ecosystem, because the ask is smaller: you don’t need to own the game, just the hardware.

It’s also a smart differentiator. In a market full of digital-only multiplayer, EverSync offers something tactile and immediate — plug in a cartridge, play with friends, no subscriptions required.

Want to know more about the hardware behind EverSync? Check out our full Evercade Nexus guide for specs, features, and everything else you need to know about Blaze’s latest handheld.

Evercade Nexus — Five Things We’re Most Excited About

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The Evercade Nexus is shaping up to be the most ambitious handheld Blaze has ever made. Here are the five things we simply can’t stop thinking about.

1. Dual Analogue Sticks — Finally

This is the big one. Every previous Evercade handheld has shipped without dual analogue sticks, which meant 3D-era games were always a bit of a compromise. The Nexus fixes that completely.

Proper twin sticks open the door to a much wider range of titles being playable in the way they were meant to be played. Whether that’s third-person action games, first-person shooters, or anything in between, the Nexus suddenly makes those experiences feel legitimate on an Evercade device.

2. EverSync — Local Multiplayer With One Cart

EverSync is a brand new wireless feature exclusive to the Evercade Nexus. It lets you connect two Nexus consoles together for local multiplayer — and you only need one cartridge between you. No internet connection required.

For a handheld platform, this is a genuinely clever solution. Two friends, two consoles, one cart — just host a game and play. It removes one of the traditional barriers to multiplayer on dedicated cartridge hardware and makes the Nexus a much more compelling couch co-op device.

3. WiFi 6 — Built for the Long Term

The Nexus ships with WiFi 6 (5GHz/2.4GHz) support, used for console firmware updates. It might sound like a spec-sheet detail, but it signals that Blaze is building the Nexus with longevity in mind.

WiFi 6 is current-generation standard — this isn’t hardware that will feel outdated in two years’ time. It also gives the platform a solid foundation should Blaze choose to add further connected features down the line.

4. Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack — A Landmark Moment

When Blaze announced that Banjo-Kazooie would be coming to Evercade, it sent a genuine ripple through the retro gaming community. The Nexus ships with a Double Pack cartridge containing both Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie — two of the most beloved platformers ever made, on one cart.

Getting both games onto a dedicated retro handheld in cartridge form is a remarkable achievement, and it speaks to the growing credibility of the Evercade platform that deals like this are happening. If this is just the start of what the Nexus era brings, the catalogue is about to get very interesting indeed.

5. That Screen

The Nexus sports a 5.89” IPS display running at 840×512 with 500+ nit brightness — a significant step up from previous Evercade handhelds. For a platform where you’re often playing pixel-art classics or N64-era 3D games, screen real estate and brightness genuinely matter.

Paired with the new form factor built around those dual sticks, the Nexus looks like a device that’s been designed to feel premium in your hands. Sometimes the simple things matter most, and a big, bright screen is always welcome.

These five features alone make the Evercade Nexus one of the most exciting Evercade announcements to date. Want to know everything we know about the device so far? Head over to our Evercade Nexus hub page for the full rundown.