Christmas 2026 is shaping up to be a brilliant time to buy into the Evercade ecosystem. With a wider range of hardware than ever, there’s something for every budget and every type of retro gamer — whether you’re buying for yourself or wrapping something up for someone else. Here’s how to pick the right one.
THE QUICK ANSWER
Not sure where to start? Here’s the shortcut version:
- Tightest budget: Super Pocket
- Best all-rounder handheld: EXP-R
- Premium handheld: Nexus
- Family / TV play: VS-R
- Statement piece: Alpha
Need more detail? Read on.
SUPER POCKET — THE LOW-COST GIFT
The Super Pocket is the entry point to the Evercade world and the most affordable device in the range, from £59.99. It’s compact, pocketable, and each edition comes with 12–50 built-in games from a specific publisher — Taito, Capcom, Atari, Technōs, Neo Geo, Data East, Rare, and Activision editions are all available.
It takes the full range of Evercade cartridges, so there’s plenty of room to expand. If you want to introduce someone to Evercade without a big financial commitment, the Super Pocket is the ideal starting point.
EXP-R — THE MAINSTREAM HANDHELD
The Evercade EXP-R is the sweet spot for most handheld Evercade players. It features a 4.3-inch IPS screen — a meaningful step up from the Super Pocket — plus TATE mode for vertical arcade games and access to the full Evercade cartridge library. The Tomb Raider Edition bundle comes with Tomb Raider Collection 1; other bundles and a no-game Solo are also sold, so check what’s in the box before you buy.
It’s built for cartridge gaming, and it does that job very well. No analogue sticks, but it includes built-in WiFi — making it a solid, well-rounded handheld for 8-bit and 16-bit retro gaming on the go.
It’s available now, making it a safe choice for anyone shopping ahead of the holidays.
NEXUS — THE PREMIUM PICK (OUT NOW)
The Evercade Nexus is the flagship handheld, and it launched on 30 October 2026, in time for Christmas. At £169.99, it’s the most expensive handheld in the range, but it earns it.
You get the largest screen in the handheld lineup at 5.89 inches, dual analogue sticks for 3D titles, WiFi 6, and EverSync — a local wireless multiplayer mode that lets two Nexus owners play together with only one person needing the cartridge.
The Standard Edition includes the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack (Banjo-Kazooie + Banjo-Tooie), which is a seriously exciting inclusion. If you’re buying for someone who wants the best Evercade experience — or treating yourself — this is the one to go for. The limited 64 Edition and Nexus DOOM Edition have both sold out, so the Standard Edition is the one to look for. Our Nexus launch guide has the full rundown.
VS-R — BEST FOR TV AND FAMILY PLAY
The Evercade VS-R is a home console, not a handheld. It plugs into your TV via HDMI at 1080p, supports up to four players, has dual cartridge slots, and includes built-in WiFi.
If you want to play Evercade on the big screen, or you’re buying for a household where multiplayer matters, the VS-R is your only option in the current lineup. It’s available now and ready to go under the tree. Prices vary by bundle and retailer, so see the Where to Buy guide.
Planning to pick up a second (or third, or fourth) controller? Check out the controller compatibility database to see what works with it. The official Evercade Wireless Controller (£34.99) also works with the VS-R and the Alpha.
ALPHA — THE STATEMENT PIECE
The Evercade Alpha is something different entirely. It’s a pre-assembled bartop arcade cabinet with an 8-inch IPS screen, competition-grade arcade controls, dual cartridge slots, and USB ports on the front for plugging in a second controller.
Available in Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Taito editions, each comes with 6–10 built-in games. It sits on a desk or counter and is as much a display piece as a gaming device — starting from £229.99, it’s the most distinctive gift in the range.
If you know someone who’s been dreaming of a proper arcade setup at home, the Alpha is going to make their year.
WHAT ABOUT THEC64 AND SPECTRUM HANDHELDS?
Worth a mention — both the THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld have been delayed to April 2027, so neither will be available for Christmas 2026. Keep them on your radar for next year, but don’t factor them into your holiday shopping plans.
Note that both of these use MicroSD for game expansion rather than Evercade cartridges, so they sit slightly outside the main Evercade ecosystem.
STILL NOT SURE?
The full hardware comparison page has a detailed spec table covering every device side by side — screen size, battery life, analogue sticks, WiFi, and more. It’s the best place to make a final call if you’re still weighing things up.
Once you’ve decided, head to the Where to Buy guide for UK, US, EU, and worldwide retailers.