Black Friday (Friday 27 November 2026) is a popular time to pick up Evercade hardware and cartridges â whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift for a retro gaming fan. Deals vary by retailer and region, so this guide walks you through what to watch for and how to shop smart.
WHICH HARDWARE IS WORTH WATCHING?
The Evercade lineup covers a range of different play styles, so it’s worth knowing what you’re looking at before you buy. Here’s a quick rundown of the current hardware family:
The Super Pocket is a compact handheld that comes pre-loaded with games and plays all Evercade cartridges. It’s one of the most affordable entry points into the ecosystem, which makes it a popular Black Friday pick for newcomers.
The EXP-R is the full-sized handheld, featuring a 4.3-inch IPS screen, built-in WiFi, and TATE mode for vertical arcade games. The Tomb Raider Edition bundle includes Tomb Raider Collection 1, while other bundles and a no-game Solo are also sold, so check exactly what’s in the box when you’re comparing bundle prices against buying hardware and carts separately.
The VS-R is Blaze’s home console, designed to plug into your TV and support up to four players. If you’re shopping for a household of retro gaming fans, this is the one to watch, and the Evercade Wireless Controller (ÂŖ34.99) is a handy add-on.
The Alpha is a bartop arcade cabinet â a more premium purchase, but a spectacular one. Keep an eye on specialist and official retailers if you’re after one.
The Nexus launched on 30 October 2026 at ÂŖ169.99, featuring a 5.89-inch screen, dual analogue sticks, and WiFi 6. The Standard Edition includes the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack; the limited 64 Edition and DOOM Edition have sold out, so don’t expect them in any deals. Our Nexus launch guide has the full rundown.
COMPARING BUNDLES
Retailers sometimes offer hardware bundles that include cartridges, cases, or other accessories. When comparing bundle prices, always check which cartridges are included and what their individual retail value would be. A bundle that looks more expensive than a solo device might actually save you money once you account for the carts.
It’s also worth checking whether a deal applies to the hardware alone or includes a specific edition. The hardware comparison page is a handy reference if you’re trying to decide which device suits you â before you go deal-hunting. Buying for someone else? Our Christmas gift guide explains which device suits which person.
WHICH CARTRIDGES TO WATCH FOR
The Evercade cartridge library is large, so knowing what you want before Black Friday hits makes a big difference. A few standout collections to look out for:
Arcade fans should keep an eye on carts like Toaplan Arcade 1, Toaplan Arcade 2, TAITO Arcade 1, NEOGEO Arcade 1, and Data East Arcade Collection 1 â all excellent picks if you love classic arcade action. For more recommendations, check the best arcade cartridges guide.
For broader recommendations across the whole library, the best Evercade cartridges guide is a great starting point. And if you want to browse everything that’s available, the full cartridge library has the complete list.
One thing to note: some cartridges have entered Legacy status, meaning licences have expired and no new stock will be produced. These won’t appear in standard retail Black Friday deals â the only way to get them is second-hand, usually via eBay. See the Legacy Cartridges page for the full list.
WHY THE RETAILER LIST MATTERS
Evercade is stocked by a wide range of retailers across the UK, US, Europe, Canada, and Australia â and deals vary significantly between them. Funstock is the main official retailer in the UK and usually has the widest range of hardware and cartridges, with Funstock EU and Funstock USA covering Europe and the US. But Amazon, specialist retro retailers, and high-street chains can all have competitive offers at different times.
Shopping around genuinely pays off. A cart that’s full price on one platform might be discounted on another, and some retailers run their own exclusive bundles.
Rather than listing every retailer here, the most useful thing we can point you to is the Where to Buy page â it covers all the main options by region, including second-hand sources for legacy carts.
NEW TO EVERCADE?
If Black Friday 2026 is your entry point into the Evercade world, it’s worth taking five minutes to read the introduction to Evercade first. It explains how the cartridge system works, what makes Evercade different, and how the hardware family fits together â so you can shop with confidence.
Ready to start browsing? Head to the Where to Buy page to find the right retailer for your region.