General News

If fighting games are your thing, Evercade has some genuinely excellent options. From SNK’s legendary arcade brawlers to classic beat-’em-ups, there’s plenty here to keep your thumbs busy. Here’s a breakdown of the best cartridges to pick up — plus the hardware that makes the most of them.

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The Neogeo Arcade Collections — The Crown Jewels

If you’re serious about fighting games, the NEOGEO Arcade collections are essential. SNK’s arcade catalogue is one of the greatest in the genre, and Evercade has done a brilliant job bringing it to cartridge.

NEOGEO Arcade 1 is arguably the best starting point. It includes iconic titles from the King of Fighters and Fatal Fury series — games that defined 90s arcade fighting culture. The pixel art still looks stunning, and the gameplay holds up remarkably well.

NEOGEO Arcade 2, NEOGEO Arcade 3, and NEOGEO Arcade 4 continue the run, adding more SNK classics including entries from the Samurai Shodown series. If you love the feel of a proper weapons-based fighter, Samurai Shodown is essential — precise, punishing, and incredibly satisfying to master.

Between these four cartridges, you’re getting a deep slice of SNK’s golden era. These are the kinds of games that built careers for competitive players and fuelled countless arcade rivalries.

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Data East Arcade — Brawlers And Street Fighters

Data East Arcade Collection 1 and Data East Arcade 2 cover some brilliant brawler territory. Data East had a real knack for arcade action, and their fighting and beat-’em-up titles aged well. If you enjoy the side-scrolling brawler style alongside more traditional one-on-one fare, these carts deliver good variety.

It’s also worth checking out the Data East Collection 1 cart for more Data East goodness, even if the arcade releases are the stronger pick for fighting fans specifically.

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Technos — Double Dragon And Beyond

You can’t talk fighting games on Evercade without mentioning Technos. The Technos Arcade Collection 1 cartridge brings the legendary Double Dragon arcade experience to your hands — one of the most influential brawlers ever made. The Technōs Collection 1 cart rounds things out with more from the same house, including Kunio-kun titles that defined the genre for a generation.

If you want to trace the roots of modern beat-’em-ups, Technos is where you start.

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Windjammers, Karnov & Friends — A Hidden Gem

Don’t sleep on Windjammers, Karnov & Friends. While Windjammers itself is more of a competitive disc-sport game, the competitive spirit and arcade DNA make it a great fit for fighting game fans who enjoy tight, head-to-head gameplay. It’s a fun cart to pull out when you want something a bit different.

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Best Hardware For Fighting Games

Fighting games are best enjoyed with other people — and on a big screen. That makes the VS-R the top recommendation here. It plugs straight into your TV, supports up to four players, and is built exactly for this kind of couch multiplayer setup. Hook up your favourite controllers and you’ve got a proper fighting game night sorted.

If you want the full arcade experience — cabinet and all — the Alpha bartop arcade cabinet is something special. Playing NEOGEO fighters on a proper bartop setup is about as authentic as it gets outside of owning original hardware. It’s a serious bit of kit for serious arcade fans.

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

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Don’t Forget the Original Manuals

One of the underrated pleasures of the Evercade library is the original game manuals. Many of the games featured across these fighting and arcade carts have their original manuals preserved and available to browse. There are some great ones in the collection — including the Brawl Brothers manual — well worth a look for fans of the genre.

You can browse the full collection of scanned manuals at the Evercade Carts & Manuals page — it’s a fantastic archive for retro gaming history buffs.

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Browse The Full Cartridge Library

Ready to build your fighting game collection? Head over to the full Evercade cartridge library to see every available cart, or search every game in the Evercade Games Database. If your tastes lean more towards pure arcade action than fighting games specifically, the Best Carts for Arcade Fans guide is worth a read too.

Getting into Evercade doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re dipping your toe in for the first time or picking up a second device on a tight budget, there are some smart ways to keep costs down without missing out on the fun. Here’s how to do it. New to Evercade entirely? Start with how the cartridge system works.

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Start With The Super Pocket

The Super Pocket is the most affordable way into the Evercade ecosystem, starting at £49.99. That’s it. No extras required to have a great time straight out of the box.

Developed by HyperMegaTech! — the same company behind the wider Evercade range — the Super Pocket comes in publisher-themed editions, each pre-loaded with games from that publisher’s back catalogue. Depending on which edition you pick, you’re getting anywhere from 12 to 50 built-in games before you even think about buying a cartridge.

Every edition also includes a full Evercade cartridge slot, so you’re not locked into just the built-in library. The entire Evercade cart range — 80+ collections, 700+ games — works right out of the box.

For sheer built-in value, the Atari Edition is hard to beat with 50 pre-loaded games spanning arcade, Atari 2600, 5200, 7800, and Lynx titles. If you’d rather have a curated selection of bangers, the Capcom Edition packs in classics like Street Fighter II’: Hyper Fighting, Final Fight, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, and Mega Man — 12 games, but every one of them a genuine classic.

The newly released Rare Edition (launched June 2026) brings 14 games including Banjo-Kazooie, Battletoads, and Knight Lore — and marks the first time a 64-bit title has appeared in the Super Pocket range.

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What You Give Up At The Budget End

It’s worth being upfront about the trade-offs. The Super Pocket has a 2.8-inch screen — small by modern standards. The EXP-R steps up to a 4.3-inch IPS display, and the upcoming Nexus handheld goes even bigger at 5.89 inches.

There are no analogue sticks and no WiFi on the Super Pocket either. For classic arcade and retro gaming that’s rarely a problem, but it’s worth knowing before you buy. Battery life is around 4 hours, which is fine for commutes and short sessions.

If you want a bigger screen or those extra features, check out the hardware comparison page to figure out which device suits you best.

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Buy Second-Hand

The second-hand market is your friend. Evercade hardware and cartridges turn up regularly on eBay and Facebook Marketplace, often at a significant discount. Because the carts are physical and standardised, there’s no risk of a dodgy download or a missing licence — if the cart works, it works.

When buying second-hand hardware, check that the cartridge slot is in good condition and the screen has no dead pixels. Super Pockets in particular are small and light, so they travel well — used examples are often in great shape.

Head to the Where to Buy page for a full rundown of retailers and marketplace options.

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Legacy Cartridges: Budget Gems on eBay

Some Evercade cartridges have been discontinued and are no longer available at retail. These are known as legacy cartridges, and they’re second-hand only — but that also means you can often pick them up for less than their original price.

They work on every current Evercade device, including the Super Pocket. So if you spot a legacy cart at a good price, it’s absolutely worth grabbing.

Check the full list on the Legacy Cartridges page so you know what to look out for.

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Which Carts Offer The Most Games Per Pound?

If you’re buying new cartridges and want to maximise your game count, arcade and collection carts are generally the best value. Multi-game compilation carts pack in anywhere from 10 to 20+ titles on a single cart.

Some strong options to consider:

• Atari Collection 1 and Atari Collection 2 — deep rosters of Atari classics.
• Namco Museum Collection 1 and Namco Museum Collection 2 — NES versions of classic Namco games, great value for the game count.
• Data East Arcade 1 and Data East Arcade 2 — if you want to go beyond the Super Pocket’s built-in Data East library.
• Toaplan Arcade 1, Toaplan Arcade 2, Toaplan Arcade 3, and Toaplan Arcade 4 — a goldmine for shoot-’em-up fans.
• Activision Collection 1, Activision Collection 2, and Activision Collection 3 — classic Atari 2600 Activision titles, loads of them.

For a broader look at what’s worth buying, the Best Evercade Cartridges guide is a great starting point. Arcade fans should also check out the Best Arcade Cartridges page.

You can browse the full cartridge library — including game counts — on the Carts & Manuals page.

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The Budget Route In Summary

Step 1: Grab a Super Pocket — new or second-hand — for the lowest entry price in the ecosystem.
Step 2: Pick an edition with a built-in library that appeals to you. The Atari Edition gives you the most games; the Capcom Edition gives you the most iconic ones.
Step 3: Browse legacy cartridges on eBay for discounted second-hand picks.
Step 4: When buying new carts, go for multi-game arcade and collection carts to get the most titles for your money.

You can have a brilliant Evercade setup for well under £100 if you’re smart about it. And if you ever want to upgrade, the cartridges you’ve built up work on every device in the range.

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Ready to find the best prices on hardware and cartridges? Head to the Where to Buy page for all the current retailer options.

If you’re new to Evercade, one of the first things you’ll notice is that it’s built around physical cartridges — proper, hold-in-your-hand game carts with cases, artwork, and even original manuals. But with dozens of carts in the library, split across different types and colours, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Three Types Of Cartridge

The Evercade library is divided into three distinct categories, each with its own colour-coded case so you can tell them apart at a glance.

Console Games (Red Cases) — This is the biggest and most varied part of the library. Red-cased carts contain games originally released on home consoles and handheld systems. Think classic Atari, Namco, Interplay, Codemasters, Tomb Raider, Rare, and many more. This is where you’ll find collections from publishers like Sunsoft, Gremlin, Namco, and Activision, alongside indie originals and modern homebrew titles.

Arcade Games (Purple Cases) — Purple carts are dedicated to arcade conversions — games originally designed to eat your pocket money in a cabinet. Publishers like Toaplan, Taito, Neo Geo, Data East, Technos, and Irem all have arcade carts in the library. If you love authentic arcade action, these are essential.

Home Computer Games (Blue Cases) — Blue carts celebrate the golden age of home computing. The C64 Collections, Team17, Delphine Software, Llamasoft, Bitmap Brothers, and Thalamus all live here. If you grew up loading games from tape on a Commodore 64 or Amiga, this section will feel very familiar.

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How The Numbering Works

Every cartridge has a number printed on the spine of its case — this indicates its position in the overall collection order. The three categories each have their own numbered sequence, so you’ll see Console 1, Console 2, Console 3… and separately Arcade 1, Arcade 2… and Home Computer 1, Home Computer 2, and so on.

It’s a satisfying system for collectors — line them up on a shelf and the numbered spines make it immediately obvious if you’re missing something.

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Which Hardware Plays Which Carts?

All current Evercade hardware plays all Evercade cartridges — red, purple, and blue. Whether you’re playing on the compact Super Pocket handheld, the full-sized EXP-R handheld, the TV-connected VS-R home console, or the Alpha bartop arcade cabinet, you can slot in any cart from the library and get playing.

The upcoming Nexus handheld, launching October 2026, will also play the full cartridge library — so your collection is always future-proof.

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

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Built-In Games

Several Evercade devices also come with games built in, separate from the cartridge library. The various Super Pocket editions, the EXP-R, and the Alpha all include pre-loaded titles — so you can start playing straight out of the box before you’ve even bought a single cart.

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Legacy Cartridges

Not every cartridge is still in production. Some carts have had their licences expire, meaning no new stock will be manufactured. These are known as Legacy Cartridges — and the only way to get them now is second-hand.

If you’re hunting for something specific and can’t find it in stores, it’s worth checking the Legacy Cartridges page to see if it’s been discontinued — and to find eBay links for tracking one down.

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The Library Keeps Growing

New cartridges are announced and released on a regular basis, across all three categories. The library already spans hundreds of games — retro classics, beloved arcade titles, home computer gems, indie originals, and even some major modern licences like Tomb Raider, Rare, and Banjo-Kazooie.

You can browse every game in the library using the Evercade Games Database, which lets you search and filter by publisher, platform, and cartridge. And for a complete look at every cart released, head to the Carts & Manuals page.

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Original Game Manuals

One of the nicest touches on the Carts & Manuals page is the inclusion of original game manual scans. Each cartridge listing links through to the games on that cart, and where possible you’ll find scans of the original manuals — the real ones, as they shipped back in the day.

Some of the most popular include the Tomb Raider manual, the Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain manual, the Duke Nukem 3D manual, and the Worms Armageddon manual. There’s also the Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars manual, the Another World manual, and classics like the California Games manual and the R.C. Pro-Am manual.

It’s a brilliant resource — especially if you want to understand the lore, controls, or story behind a game before you play it. You can browse all available scans on the Evercade manual scans page.

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Ready to dive into the full library? Start with the Carts & Manuals page for a complete rundown of every cartridge ever released — or if you want a curated recommendation, check out our best Evercade cartridges guide.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Shopping for a young gamer? The Evercade is a brilliant choice — a curated library of retro titles, no internet required, and no surprise purchases. But with dozens of cartridges available, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Here’s a parent-friendly guide to the best Evercade games for kids.

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WHICH EVERCADE HARDWARE IS BEST FOR KIDS?

Two hardware options stand out for younger players. The Evercade EXP-R is a handheld console — perfect for kids who want to game on the go, in the car, or curled up on the sofa. It’s sturdy, has a bright screen, and plays all Evercade cartridges.

If your child prefers playing on the TV, the Evercade VS-R is the home console option. It supports multiplayer too, which is great for siblings or family game nights.

Either way, the real magic is the cartridge format — no downloads, no microtransactions, no age-inappropriate content sneaking in through an app store.

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WHAT MAKES AN EVERCADE GAME GOOD FOR KIDS?

We’ve focused on games that are accessible to younger players — simple controls, colourful visuals, and gameplay that rewards patience rather than punishes frustration. Platformers, puzzle games, and sports titles dominate this list for good reason: they’re instantly understandable and genuinely fun for all ages.

We’ve steered clear of anything with heavy violence, horror themes, or overly complex mechanics that younger players might find off-putting.

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RECOMMENDED CARTRIDGES FOR KIDS

Atari Collection 1
Classic platforming in bite-sized chunks. These games are simple enough for younger children to get started quickly, with enough variety to keep them coming back.

Bitmap Brothers Collection 1
Includes accessible action and strategy titles with iconic visuals. A great introduction to classic PC gaming without anything too intense.

Piko Interactive Collection 4
A broad mix of retro titles including platformers and sports games. There’s something here for most ages, and the variety means kids can find their own favourites.

Jaleco Collection 1
If your child is a bit older and enjoys action games, this is more suitable — but worth mentioning as a step up when they’re ready.

Codemasters Collection 1
Racing and sports games sit alongside platformers here. The racing titles are particularly accessible for younger players who love cars and speed without anything complicated.

Data East Collection 1
Features classic arcade-style games with simple, repeatable gameplay loops — ideal for kids who love chasing high scores.

Not sure if a specific game on a cart is right for your child’s age? Check the full Evercade Games Database — you can search by title and see exactly what’s on each cartridge before you buy.

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TIPS FOR BUYING EVERCADE GAMES FOR KIDS

Start with a collection cart, not a single-game cart. Multi-game cartridges give kids more to explore and better value for money — if they don’t click with one game, there are ten more to try.

Check if a cart is legacy before you search. Some older Evercade cartridges are no longer manufactured and can only be found second-hand. The games database flags these so you know what to expect.

Play together. Many Evercade carts support two players, and the VS-R makes it a proper family experience on the big screen. Retro gaming is brilliant shared — you might find you enjoy it just as much as the kids.

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FIND THE RIGHT CART FOR YOUR CHILD

Not sure where to start? The Evercade Cart Picker is designed for exactly this — answer a few questions and get a recommendation based on age, genre preference, and what device you have. Or if you want to browse the full library yourself, the Evercade Games Database lists every game across all cartridges.

Find the Right Cart →

Father’s Day is almost here — and if your dad grew up feeding coins into arcades, blowing on cartridges, or staying up late with a Game Boy under the covers, Evercade might be the best gift you can give him. It’s a retro gaming platform built around officially licensed physical cartridges, spanning everything from arcade classics to home console favourites — and it covers every budget.

Here’s a guide to the full range, from the stocking-filler end all the way up to the ultimate splurge.

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THE BUDGET PICK — EVERCADE SUPER POCKET

If you want something that’ll genuinely surprise without breaking the bank, the Evercade Super Pocket is the one. It’s a compact handheld that comes pre-loaded with games depending on the edition — there are versions themed around Atari, Capcom, Irem, Data East, and others — and it plays the full range of Evercade cartridges too.

It’s small, it’s well-made, and it punches well above its price point. A proper retro gaming gift that won’t feel cheap.

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THE HANDHELD — EVERCADE EXP-R

The Evercade EXP-R is the main handheld in the Evercade range — a proper full-sized device with a 4.3-inch IPS screen, built-in WiFi, TATE mode for vertical arcade games, and compatibility with every Evercade cartridge ever released. It comes bundled with the Tomb Raider Collection, which alone is a brilliant bit of nostalgia for any dad who remembers the 90s.

If your dad is the type who’d want to play on the sofa, on the train, or on holiday, this is the one to go for.

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THE HOME CONSOLE — EVERCADE VS-R

For dads who’d rather play on the big screen, the Evercade VS-R is the home console version. Plug it into the TV, grab a controller, and play the full Evercade cartridge library exactly as arcade and console games were meant to be enjoyed — on a proper screen with a proper controller in hand. It supports up to four players, which makes it a genuinely social bit of kit.

The VS-R is the one if your dad would rather be on the sofa than hunched over a handheld.

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THE ULTIMATE GIFT — EVERCADE ALPHA

If you really want to go all out, the Evercade Alpha is in a category of its own. It’s a bartop arcade cabinet — a real one, with a built-in screen, arcade-style stick and buttons, and a genuine cabinet aesthetic. It plays the full Evercade library and comes loaded with built-in games. Put it on the desk or the kitchen counter and watch it become the most-used thing in the house.

It’s a proper statement piece for a dad who takes his retro gaming seriously.

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SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO — EVERCADE NEXUS

If your dad is the type who appreciates anticipation as much as the gift itself, the Evercade Nexus is worth knowing about. It’s the brand-new flagship handheld launching in October 2026 — a 5.89-inch screen, dual analogue sticks, WiFi 6, and a bundled Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack cartridge with enhanced versions of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie. Pre-orders are open now.

Buy the pre-order now, print it out, and wrap it up. Sometimes the thing worth waiting for is the best gift of all.

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DON’T FORGET THE CARTRIDGES

Whichever device you go for, a cartridge alongside it makes the gift feel complete. The full cartridge library covers over 80 collections across arcade, console, and home computer games. If your dad loves arcade classics, our guide to the best Evercade arcade cartridges is a good place to start — and if you want a broader recommendation, the best Evercade cartridges guide covers the highlights of the whole library.

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NOT SURE WHICH TO PICK?

If you’re not sure which device suits your dad best, the Evercade hardware comparison puts every device side by side — specs, prices, and a quick guide to who each one is for. And if he’s completely new to Evercade, the Introduction to Evercade is a good read to bookmark for him.

Whatever you go for — have a great Father’s Day.

If your gaming heart belongs to the arcade, Evercade has built one of the best collections of classic coin-op games you can own on a single piece of hardware. The purple-cased arcade cartridges are a highlight of the whole library — and there are some absolute gems in there for fans of the golden age of arcades.

Here’s a rundown of the must-have arcade cartridges and why they deserve a spot in your collection. For the full list of all 22 arcade cartridges, see our Evercade Arcade Games page.

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TOAPLAN ARCADE COLLECTIONS 1–4

Toaplan is one of the most celebrated names in shoot-’em-up history, and Evercade has given them four dedicated cartridges — Toaplan Arcade 1, Toaplan Arcade 2, Toaplan Arcade 3, and Toaplan Arcade 4. That’s a serious commitment to one of the finest shmup developers who ever existed.

Toaplan’s games are known for their tight mechanics, punishing difficulty, and iconic status in arcade history. If you love blasting your way through waves of enemies with pure skill and pattern recognition, these carts are essential. With four collections to work through, there’s a huge amount of content here.

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DATA EAST ARCADE COLLECTIONS 1 & 2

Data East made some wonderfully weird and memorable arcade games, and Evercade has two arcade collections from them alongside a console collection. Data East Arcade Collection 1 and Data East Arcade 2 are packed with the kind of playful, inventive arcade experiences that made Data East a fan favourite.

If you grew up pumping coins into Data East cabinets, these carts will bring it all rushing back.

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JALECO ARCADE 1

Jaleco brought a strong lineup of arcade titles across a range of genres, and their Evercade arcade collection delivers a solid slice of that catalogue. It sits alongside Jaleco Collection 1 on the console side, making Jaleco one of the better-represented publishers across the Evercade library.

Great for arcade fans who like variety — Jaleco wasn’t a one-trick pony.

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GAELCO ARCADE COLLECTIONS 1 & 2

Gaelco is a Spanish developer with a devoted following, and their two Evercade arcade collections are a genuinely exciting inclusion. These are games that many players outside Europe will be discovering for the first time — and they’re a real treat.

Gaelco Arcade Collection 1 and Gaelco Arcade Collection 2 offer something a little different from the usual Japanese arcade fare, and that’s exactly what makes them worth picking up.

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NEOGEO ARCADE COLLECTIONS 1–4

The Neo Geo needs no introduction. SNK’s legendary hardware powered some of the finest arcade games ever made, and Evercade has four Neo Geo arcade cartridges in the library: NEOGEO Arcade 1, NEOGEO Arcade 2, NEOGEO Arcade 3, and NEOGEO Arcade 4.

Neo Geo collections are a huge draw for arcade fans. Fighting games, run-and-guns, sports titles — the Neo Geo library had incredible depth, and having it on Evercade hardware is a genuine treat.

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TAITO ARCADE COLLECTIONS 1, 2 & 3

Taito is one of the most iconic names in arcade history — the company behind Space Invaders and countless other classics. Evercade gives them three arcade cartridges — Taito Arcade 1, Taito Arcade 2, and Taito Arcade 3 — which means there’s a substantial chunk of Taito history to work through.

For anyone who loves classic Japanese arcade gaming, the Taito collections are an absolute must. This is the kind of software lineup that makes the Evercade platform genuinely special.

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WINDJAMMERS, KARNOV & FRIENDS

This cartridge bundles together some brilliant arcade oddities. Windjammers alone is worth the price of admission — it’s one of the most beloved Neo Geo titles and a game that has only grown in reputation over the years. Pair it with Karnov and friends and you’ve got a cart full of personality.

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IREM ARCADE 1 & VISCO ARCADE 1 & 2

Irem gave us R-Type. That alone earns them a place in the arcade hall of fame. Irem Arcade 1 is a must for shmup fans.

Visco is a lesser-known but well-regarded developer, and Visco Arcade 1 and Visco Arcade 2 — both confirmed by Blaze Entertainment and expected August 2026 — give fans a chance to explore a part of arcade history that doesn’t often get the spotlight it deserves.

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ATARI ARCADE COLLECTIONS 1 & 2

Atari’s arcade legacy stretches back to the very beginning of the industry. Atari Arcade 1 and Atari Arcade 2 cover the coin-op side of one of gaming’s founding companies. Essential for anyone who wants a complete picture of arcade history.

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TECHNOS ARCADE COLLECTION 1

Technos is the team behind Double Dragon and River City Ransom — two of the most influential beat-’em-ups ever made. Technos Arcade Collection 1 taps straight into that legacy, and for fans of the genre it’s a no-brainer addition to the shelf.

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THE BEST HARDWARE FOR ARCADE GAMING: EVERCADE VS-R & ALPHA

All of these cartridges work across the Evercade range, but for the full arcade experience two pieces of hardware stand out.

The Evercade VS-R is the home console option — plug it into your TV, grab a controller, and play your arcade carts exactly as they were meant to be enjoyed. Big screen, proper controls, couch co-op where supported. It’s the closest thing to having an arcade cabinet in your living room without actually buying one.

The Evercade Alpha takes things even further. It’s a bartop arcade cabinet with a built-in screen, arcade-style controls, and a real cabinet aesthetic. If you’re serious about your arcade gaming, the Alpha is the definitive way to play this library. It also comes with built-in games, making it a fantastic package straight out of the box.

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DON’T FORGET THE MANUALS

One of the great things about Evercade.info is the archive of original game manuals. If you want to dig into the history of a game before you play it — or just enjoy the nostalgia of a proper instruction booklet — the Evercade manual scans section is well worth a browse. There are scans available for a wide range of titles across the collection.

Among the most popular are the Tomb Raider Manual, the Duke Nukem 3D Manual, and the Worms Armageddon Manual — each page includes a game description, a link to the PDF, and details of which cartridge the game appears on.

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Ready to build your arcade collection? Head over to the Evercade Carts & Manuals page for the full list of cartridges, game listings, and manual links — everything you need to track down your next purchase.

The retro handheld market in 2026 is crowded, capable, and genuinely confusing. Miyoo, Anbernic, Retroid, Analogue, Evercade — they all play old games, but they do it in completely different ways. This is a straightforward breakdown of the best options and who each one is actually for.

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BEST BUDGET: MIYOO MINI PLUS

Price: ~£40–£50

The Miyoo Mini Plus remains the benchmark for budget retro handhelds. It’s small, pocketable, has a beautiful 3.5″ IPS screen, excellent battery life, and handles everything up to PS1 without breaking a sweat. The community support is enormous — custom firmware, themes, and game scrapers are all well-developed.

The catch: it runs emulators, which means you source your own ROMs. That’s a grey area most people navigate quietly, but it’s worth knowing before you buy.

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BEST MID-RANGE: ANBERNIC RG40XXV

Price: ~£60–£80

Anbernic makes a broad range of handhelds and the RG40XXV sits in the sweet spot. Vertical form factor, 4″ IPS screen, solid build quality, and enough power to handle PS1 and N64 comfortably. Anbernic’s devices run Linux-based firmware (typically ROCKNIX or ArkOS) and the setup experience is more polished than it used to be.

Again — emulator-based, ROM-dependent. Same grey area as Miyoo.

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BEST POWER: RETROID POCKET 5

Price: ~£150–£180

If raw emulation power is the priority, the Retroid Pocket 5 is the current leader. Android 13, a 5.5″ OLED screen, and enough processing muscle to tackle PS2, GameCube, and Dreamcast. It’s as close to a proper handheld gaming PC as you’ll find at this price point.

The trade-off is setup complexity — Android means configuring emulators, scraping metadata, and managing your own library. It’s a tinkerer’s device, and a rewarding one if that’s your thing.

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BEST PREMIUM: ANALOGUE POCKET

Price: ~£200–£220

The Analogue Pocket is a different beast entirely. It uses FPGA — field-programmable gate array — rather than emulation, meaning it recreates the original hardware at a silicon level rather than simulating it in software. The result is accuracy that emulators struggle to match, particularly for games that rely on precise timing.

It plays original Game Boy, GBC, GBA, and Game Gear cartridges natively. Additional cores cover other systems. The 3.5″ screen is one of the best ever put in a handheld. It’s expensive and perpetually hard to get hold of — but for purists, there’s nothing quite like it.

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BEST FOR PHYSICAL, LICENSED GAMES: EVERCADE NEXUS

Price: £169.99 | $199.99 | €199.99

The Evercade Nexus is the only handheld on this list that plays exclusively licensed, physical cartridges — and that’s its entire point. Every game in the Evercade library has been officially licensed from the original rights holder. Each cartridge comes in a proper box with full-colour artwork, a spine label, and a printed manual — a physical product you can display on a shelf and actually own. There are no ROMs to source, no grey areas, no configuration.

The hardware is genuinely strong: 5.89″ IPS screen at 840×512, dual analogue sticks, WiFi 6, EverSync wireless local multiplayer, and a 5,000mAh battery. The new 32 and 64-bit Nexus-era cartridges — including the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack — are designed specifically for it.

The library itself is curated rather than exhaustive — Blaze works directly with publishers like Atari, Namco, Data East and Rare to produce themed collections, so every cart feels considered rather than thrown together. There’s also a genuine community around the platform — active Discord servers, Facebook groups, and dedicated fan sites like this one.

If you care about owning a proper physical collection, supporting the publishers behind the games, and playing without setup hassle, the Nexus is in a category of its own. It doesn’t try to compete with Retroid on emulation breadth — it does something none of the others do at all.

More affordable entry points into the Evercade ecosystem: the EXP-R handheld (~£80–£100) and the HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket (from £49.99) both use the same cartridge format. For TV play, the Evercade VS-R brings the full library to your living room with up to four-player local multiplayer. Not sure which Evercade device is right for you? See the Nexus vs EXP-R comparison.

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QUICK COMPARISON

Device	Price	Approach	Best for
Miyoo Mini Plus	~£45	Emulation	Budget, portability
Anbernic RG40XXV	~£70	Emulation	Mid-range, build quality
Retroid Pocket 5	~£165	Android emulation	Maximum power, PS2/GC
Analogue Pocket	~£210	FPGA	Purists, original carts
Evercade Nexus	£169.99	Licensed cartridges	Physical collection, no faff

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THE HONEST VERDICT

There’s no single “best” retro handheld — it depends entirely on what you value.

If budget is everything: Miyoo Mini Plus.
If you want power without breaking the bank: Anbernic RG40XXV.
If you want the most powerful emulation device: Retroid Pocket 5.
If accuracy matters more than anything: Analogue Pocket.
If you want physical, licensed games with zero setup: Evercade Nexus.

The Evercade sits apart from the others because it’s the only legitimate, licensed option. Every other device on this list exists to play ROMs. Evercade exists to sell you a proper physical product — and in 2026, with the Nexus launching and the cartridge library growing past 80 collections, it’s never been a stronger proposition.

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New to Evercade? Read the beginner’s guide or see how Evercade compares to Anbernic, Retroid and Miyoo in more detail. Ready to buy? See where to get Evercade.