Game Release News

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.

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. This 2026 re-issue packs nineteen games spanning NES, SNES, and Megadrive/Genesis — a real cross-platform retrospective of titles that Piko Interactive has lovingly preserved. Worth knowing if you owned the original: this re-issue is one game short of the original 20-game release — Magic Girl didn’t make the cut. If you want the complete original lineup, that’s now a Legacy cartridge — see the original Piko Interactive Collection 1 page.

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)
  • 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 (Re-Issue) 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.

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.

Bitmap Brothers Collection 1 — Speedball 2 and Amiga Classics on Evercade

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The Bitmap Brothers were one of the most iconic developers of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their games were slick, stylish, and brutal in the best possible way — and Bitmap Brothers Collection 1 brings five of their classics together on a single Evercade cartridge.

This is cartridge 22 in the Evercade library, and it’s a must-have for anyone who grew up with an Amiga, a Mega Drive, or a SNES. Here’s what’s on it.

THE GAMES ON BITMAP BROTHERS COLLECTION 1

Speedball (Sega Master System) — the one that started it all. A brutal futuristic sport where passing, tackling, and sheer aggression rule the arena. This Master System version is a great way to see where the series began — the original manual is available too.

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe (Mega Drive/Genesis) — the standout of the entire cartridge, and honestly one of the greatest games of the 16-bit era. Faster, deeper, and more satisfying than its predecessor, Speedball 2 is a sport that never existed but feels like it always should have. Upgrading your team, battering opponents into the walls, and chasing that high score never gets old. An original game manual is available if you want to dive into the rules and controls properly.

Xenon 2: Megablast (Mega Drive/Genesis) — a vertical shoot-’em-up with a thumping Bomb the Bass soundtrack and some genuinely demanding shooting action. The weapon shop between levels adds a layer of strategy that sets it apart from other scrolling shooters of the time. You can grab the original Xenon 2: Megablast manual to brush up on the details.

The Chaos Engine (SNES) — a top-down run-and-gun set in a steampunk Victorian world overrun by a rogue machine. Choosing your mercenary pair wisely and working through each stage methodically is enormously satisfying. It’s atmospheric, tough, and brilliantly designed. The original manual — released in the US as Soldiers of Fortune — is available too.

Speedball 2100 (PlayStation 1) — a 3D reimagining of Speedball 2 from the turn of the millennium. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Brutal Deluxe, but having it here alongside the originals makes for a fascinating comparison and a solid extra.

WHY THE BITMAP BROTHERS MATTER

The Bitmap Brothers had a reputation that went beyond just making good games. Their visual style was unmistakable — dark, detailed, and cinematic at a time when most games were anything but. They understood that presentation mattered, and their releases always felt like events.

On the Amiga especially, titles like Speedball 2 and Xenon 2 were the kind of games you showed people to prove what the hardware could do. The fact that these ports hold up so well on their respective consoles is a testament to how strong the underlying game design really was.

Getting five of their games on one cartridge — spanning three different consoles — is a genuinely good deal, and the quality across the collection is high.

WHICH EVERCADE HARDWARE SHOULD YOU PLAY IT ON?

Bitmap Brothers Collection 1 plays on all current Evercade hardware. If you want the full couch experience, the VS-R is ideal — plug it into your TV and enjoy Speedball 2 on a big screen exactly as it deserves. For handheld play, both the EXP-R and the compact Super Pocket handle it brilliantly. Not sure which device is right for you? The hardware comparison page will point you in the right direction.

Want to see the full cartridge details and manual scans? Head over to the Bitmap Brothers Collection 1 page, or search every game across every cart in the Evercade Games Database. There’s more where this came from, too — check out Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 for further classics from the studio.

NEOGEO Arcade 1 — SNK’s Greatest Hits on Evercade

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The Neo Geo is the stuff of legend. SNK’s arcade powerhouse delivered some of the most visually stunning and mechanically rich games of its era — and NEOGEO Arcade 1 brings six of those classics straight to your Evercade cart slot. Whether you’re a longtime SNK devotee or just starting to explore the platform, this is a collection worth knowing about.

A LEGENDARY SYSTEM, IN YOUR HANDS

The Neo Geo arcade hardware was genuinely in a league of its own. The games looked and played like nothing else available at the time, and titles on the platform have aged remarkably well. Getting authentic Neo Geo arcade action on a portable Evercade device — or through your TV via the VS-R — still feels like a bit of a treat.

NEOGEO Arcade 1 is cartridge 16 in the Evercade Arcade Collection, and it packs six games across a solid range of genres. There’s something here for fans of run-and-gun, fighting, beat-’em-up, and action-platformers alike.

THE GAMES

METAL SLUG is the headline act, and rightly so. SNK’s iconic run-and-gun is bursting with personality — hand-drawn sprites, frantic action, and a level of polish that still impresses. If you’ve never played it, prepare to be won over fast.

SHOCK TROOPERS is a top-down military shooter with a surprisingly deep game loop. You choose your path through the stages and pick from a roster of characters — it’s got more replay value than it might initially appear.

SENGOKU takes things into beat-’em-up territory with a feudal Japan setting, supernatural enemies, and the ability to transform into different warrior forms. It’s an underrated gem that deserves more attention.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2000 represents SNK’s legendary fighting game series at a strong point in its run. Team-based fighting, a huge roster of characters, and tight mechanics — this is the cart’s fighting game centrepiece.

MAGICIAN LORD was a launch title for the original Neo Geo hardware, and it shows off just how ambitious SNK’s vision was from day one. An action-platformer with transformation mechanics and a striking fantasy aesthetic.

IRONCLAD rounds out the collection as a horizontal shoot-’em-up. It’s one of the rarer and more sought-after Neo Geo titles, so having it included here is a genuine bonus for shmup fans.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

If you’re a fan of SNK, arcade history, or run-and-gun games, this cart is an easy recommendation. Metal Slug alone is worth the price of entry for many players, but the supporting lineup is genuinely strong rather than just filler.

Fighting game fans will gravitate toward The King of Fighters 2000, while shoot-’em-up players will appreciate having Ironclad accessible without tracking down original hardware. It’s a well-rounded package that covers a lot of ground.

It plays beautifully on the EXP-R handheld, and the VS-R‘s multiplayer support makes The King of Fighters 2000 especially fun with friends on the big screen.

FIND OUT MORE

You can browse the full cartridge details — including box art and the official cartridge page — on our NEOGEO Arcade 1 page, or search every game across every cart in the Evercade Games Database. NEOGEO Arcade 1 isn’t the only Neo Geo cart in the library either — check out NEOGEO Arcade 2, NEOGEO Arcade 3, and NEOGEO Arcade 4 for more SNK classics. And if you’re looking for more great arcade picks generally, check out our Best Arcade Cartridges guide for the full rundown of what the Evercade library has to offer arcade fans.

Interplay Collection 1 — Earthworm Jim and Friends Come to Evercade

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Interplay was one of the defining publishers of the 16-bit era — responsible for some genuinely weird, wonderful, and wildly ambitious games. Interplay Collection 1 brings a handpicked selection of that legacy to Evercade, and it’s a cart that rewards both nostalgia and discovery.

This is cartridge 4 in the Evercade library, and it spans three platforms — NES, SNES, and Megadrive/Genesis — giving you a real cross-section of what Interplay was about.

THE HEADLINER: EARTHWORM JIM

Let’s be honest — Earthworm Jim is the reason most people pick this cart up. The Megadrive/Genesis version of Doug TenNapel’s grotesque, hilarious platformer is still a joy to play. The animation is expressive, the levels are inventive, and the humour holds up surprisingly well. It’s a genuine 90s classic.

If you want to check out the original game documentation, the Earthworm Jim original manual is available to browse online — great for a bit of era-authentic flavour.

THE REST OF THE LINEUP

Clayfighter (SNES) is a fighting game built around claymation-style visuals — gimmicky in the best possible way. It’s no Street Fighter killer, but it’s charming and has personality to spare. The original Clayfighter manual is online if you want to read up before jumping in.

Boogerman (SNES) is exactly what it sounds like — a platform game starring a superhero whose powers are, let’s say, bodily in nature. It’s juvenile, it’s gleefully gross, and it was a minor cult hit in its day. The Boogerman original manual is available to check out too.

Incantation (SNES) is a lesser-known SNES platformer that’s genuinely worth your time. It’s a solid action platformer that flew under the radar on original release — exactly the kind of hidden gem the Evercade format is brilliant at surfacing. The original Incantation manual is available to browse too.

BattleChess (NES) is chess — but with animated combat sequences whenever a piece is captured. It’s a clever presentation twist on a timeless game, and there’s something satisfying about watching a knight dispatch a pawn in dramatic fashion. The BattleChess original manual is available if you need a refresher on the rules (or just want a read).

Titan (NES) rounds out the collection — you guide a ball with a magnetic paddle across eighty levels, dodging hazards along the way. A different pace to the rest of the lineup, and a good palate cleanser.

WHY INTERPLAY MATTERS

Interplay had a knack for doing things differently. Whether it was chess with combat animations, a fighting game made of clay, or a platformer where the hero uses flatulence as a weapon — they weren’t afraid to be weird. That spirit comes through clearly in this collection.

The mix of NES and SNES titles also makes this one of the more platform-diverse carts in the Evercade library. You get a real sense of how the studio evolved across different hardware generations.

WHERE TO FIND IT

Interplay Collection 1 plays on all current Evercade hardware — including the Super Pocket handheld, the EXP-R handheld, the VS-R home console, and the Alpha bartop cabinet.

For the full rundown of what’s in the Evercade cartridge library — including manuals and cart details — head over to the Carts & Manuals page. And if you’re trying to decide which hardware to pair it with, the hardware comparison guide is a great place to start. You can search every game across every cart in the Evercade Games Database, and if you want more Interplay weirdness, check out Interplay Collection 2 too.

Sunsoft Collection 1 — Hidden Gems from the NES Golden Age

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Sunsoft might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of classic NES publishers, but among retro gaming enthusiasts it’s spoken with real reverence. Bold soundtracks, tight gameplay, and a knack for pushing hardware beyond expectations — Sunsoft Collection 1 brings together some of the finest examples of that legacy in a single Evercade cartridge.

This is cartridge 31 in the Evercade library, and it spans three platforms: NES, SNES, and Game Boy. That variety alone makes it stand out.

THE GAMES

Blaster Master (NES) is the headline act, and rightly so. A brilliant blend of overhead exploration and side-scrolling action, it’s one of those games that genuinely surprised people when it launched. The mix of gameplay styles felt fresh then and still holds up today. You can even download a scan of the original Blaster Master NES manual — a lovely touch for collectors and curious players alike.

Journey to Silius (NES) is one of the most underrated action-platformers on the system. It was originally developed as a Terminator tie-in, and while it lost the licence, it kept everything that made it great — punishing but fair gameplay, and a legendary soundtrack that regularly tops lists of the best NES music ever composed. The original Journey to Silius manual is also available to browse.

Mr. Gimmick (NES) is the real hidden gem here. Originally released in limited regions, it’s a late-era NES title that pushed the console’s audio and visual capabilities to extraordinary lengths. It’s notoriously difficult to find physically, which makes its inclusion on Evercade genuinely exciting.

Arabian (NES) is the collection’s wildcard — a port of the 1983 arcade game that’s full of charm and presents an interesting window into early NES-era game design.

Aero the Acro-Bat (SNES) rounds out the 16-bit side of things. A colourful, energetic platformer that gave Sunsoft a mascot for the early 1990s — think of it as Sunsoft’s answer to the mascot platformer boom of that era. The original Aero the Acro-Bat manual is available to browse too.

Blaster Master Boy (Game Boy) completes the set with a handheld spin-off of the NES classic. It repackages the Blaster Master concept for Nintendo’s portable hardware and is a solid addition for fans of the original. The original Blaster Master Boy manual is available too.

WHY SUNSOFT DESERVES MORE CREDIT

Sunsoft sat in the shadow of giants like Capcom and Konami during the NES era, but the quality of their output was remarkable. They had a particular talent for audio — the Sunsoft bass line became something of a signature sound — and their games consistently showed technical ambition.

What makes Sunsoft Collection 1 special is that it doesn’t just collect the obvious titles. Mr. Gimmick and Journey to Silius in particular are games that many NES fans have heard are brilliant but have never had an easy, affordable way to play. This cart fixes that.

PLAYS GREAT ON ANY EVERCADE HARDWARE

Whether you’re playing on the EXP-R handheld, the VS-R home console, or the compact Super Pocket, Sunsoft Collection 1 slots right in. The cross-platform nature of the collection — NES, SNES, and Game Boy all in one cart — means there’s genuine variety to dig into regardless of your session length.

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

For the full cartridge listing, head over to the Sunsoft Collection 1 page, or browse the Evercade Carts & Manuals page — it’s the best place to explore everything in the Evercade library. You can search every game across every cart in the Evercade Games Database, and if you want more Sunsoft, check out Sunsoft Collection 2 too.