Grew up with a NES or SNES controller in your hands? Evercade has you covered. While it’s not a Nintendo platform, several Evercade cartridges are packed with games that appeared on — or feel right at home alongside — Nintendo’s classic hardware. Here’s a guide to the best picks for fans of that golden 8-bit and 16-bit era.
Codemasters Collection 1
Codemasters were a powerhouse of budget gaming in the late 80s and early 90s, and Codemasters Collection 1 leans heavily into their Mega Drive catalogue. Cannon Fodder, Sensible Soccer, and Mega-Lo-Mania are the headline acts — all games you’d have envied on a friend’s Mega Drive if you were a Nintendo kid at the time. Psycho Pinball and Super Skidmarks round out the Mega Drive side nicely.
The collection also includes ten Camerica-published NES titles — budget fun like Big Nose the Caveman and Bee 52 that defined affordable NES gaming in the early 90s. If you spent time with a Game Genie as a kid, you’ll know the Camerica vibe well.
Sunsoft Collection 1 & 2
Sunsoft made some of the most underrated NES games ever. Their titles punched well above the platform’s average in terms of music and gameplay polish. Sunsoft Collection 1 and Sunsoft Collection 2 bring that legacy to Evercade, and they’re essential picks for any NES nostalgic.
Games like Aero the Acro-Bat scratch that SNES platformer itch perfectly — and if you want to relive the full experience, the Aero the Acro-Bat manual is available to read on the site.
Jaleco Collection 1
Jaleco had a solid run on the NES and SNES, and Jaleco Collection 1 is a treat for fans of that era. Sports games, action titles, and beat-’em-ups featured heavily in their catalogue, and this collection has some real highlights.
Bases Loaded is a standout — a genuinely great NES baseball game that holds up well. You can even check out the Bases Loaded manual on evercade.info.
Astyanax is a side-scrolling action game that felt right at home on Nintendo hardware — and its original manual is available to browse on evercade.info too.
Brawl Brothers is another highlight — a solid SNES beat-’em-up in the spirit of Final Fight. You can read the Brawl Brothers manual on evercade.info as well.
Jaleco Arcade 1 is also worth a look if you want to go deeper into Jaleco’s back catalogue beyond the home console releases.
Data East Collection 1
Data East titles were a staple on the NES, and Data East Collection 1 collects some genuine classics. Side Pocket is a slick billiards game that holds up surprisingly well — and its original manual is available to browse on evercade.info. The collection also includes classics like Bad Dudes, BurgerTime, and Karate Champ.
If you want more arcade-flavoured Data East, Data East Arcade 1 and Data East Arcade 2 are both worth adding to your collection too.
Interplay Collection 1 & 2
Interplay were responsible for some brilliant SNES and NES releases, and both Interplay Collection 1 and Interplay Collection 2 do their legacy justice on Evercade. Earthworm Jim 2 — on Collection 2 specifically — is a highlight: one of the most visually impressive SNES games of its time, and still great fun today. The Earthworm Jim 2 manual is available on the site if you want the full retro package.
A Note on the Manuals
One of the best things about evercade.info is the original manual scans. Whether you’re after context for a game you’ve never played before, or just want a hit of nostalgia, being able to flip through the original booklet is a lovely touch. The most popular manuals include classics like R.C. Pro-Am, Winter Games, and California Games — all very much in the Nintendo era spirit.
You can browse the full cartridge library and manual scans on evercade.info.
Which Evercade Should You Play These On?
All Evercade cartridges work across the hardware range. If you want a handheld experience close to the original Game Boy or SNES portable feel, the Super Pocket is a compact and affordable option. For a bigger screen handheld, the EXP-R offers a 4.3-inch IPS display and is a great all-rounder. Or if you prefer playing on the TV with friends, the VS-R supports up to four players — perfect for multiplayer titles like Bases Loaded.
Not sure which device is right for you? Our hardware comparison guide will help you decide.
Ready to dig into the full Evercade cartridge library? Head over to our Carts & Manuals page to see every cartridge available, complete with game lists and original manual scans where available.