What is the Evercade EXP?
The Evercade EXP is Blaze Entertainment’s premium handheld released in late 2022, replacing the original Evercade Handheld. It features a 4.3″ IPS screen, TATE mode for vertical arcade games, 18 built-in Capcom games, and a Mini HDMI output for playing on a TV. It plays the full Evercade cartridge library — over 600 games across 60+ cartridges.
The EXP has since been succeeded by the Evercade EXP-R. Notably, the EXP-R removed the Mini HDMI output and the built-in Capcom games — making the original EXP a more capable device in some respects. It is no longer sold new but is widely available second-hand.
Technical Specs
| Display | 4.3″ IPS, 800×480 resolution |
| Processor | 1.5GHz |
| Memory | 4GB built-in |
| Battery | 3,000mAH — 4–5 hours gameplay |
| Charging | USB-C (cable included) |
| TV Output | 720p Mini HDMI (cable not included) |
| Wireless | Built-in WiFi (firmware updates) |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| TATE Mode | Yes — rotate 90° for vertical arcade games |
| Built-in Games | 18 Capcom arcade and console classics |
| Cartridge Slot | 1 (full Evercade library compatible) |
EXP vs EXP-R — What Changed?
The EXP-R brought a redesigned case and textured grip, but also quietly removed two features the original EXP had — the Mini HDMI output and the 18 built-in Capcom games. All cartridges are cross-compatible between both models.
| Evercade EXP | Evercade EXP-R | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | Late 2022 | 2024 |
| Screen | 4.3″ IPS 800×480 | 4.3″ IPS 800×480 |
| TV Output | ✓ 720p Mini HDMI | ✗ Removed |
| Built-in Games | ✓ 18 Capcom games | ✗ None (cart in box) |
| TATE Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 3,000mAH / 4–5 hrs | 3,000mAH / 4–5 hrs |
| Grip | Standard | Textured rear grip |
| Cart Compatibility | Full library | Full library |
| Available New | No (discontinued) | Yes |
18 Built-in Capcom Games
The EXP shipped with 18 Capcom games built in — no cartridge required. This includes 14 arcade titles and 4 home console classics, all with full TATE mode support where applicable:
Arcade: Street Fighter II’: Hyper Fighting, Final Fight, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Strider, 1942, 1943: The Battle of Midway, Commando, Legendary Wings, Section Z, Exed Exes, Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Trojan, Bionic Commando, Vulgus
Home Console: Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Mega Man X, DuckTales
FAQ
Are EXP and EXP-R cartridges cross-compatible?
Yes — all Evercade cartridges work on both the EXP and EXP-R. There are no EXP-R exclusive cartridges.
Does the EXP have TV output?
Yes — the original EXP has a Mini HDMI port that outputs at 720p. This was removed in the EXP-R, making the EXP the only current Evercade handheld with TV output capability.
What is TATE mode?
TATE mode lets you rotate the EXP 90 degrees anticlockwise so vertical arcade games are displayed full-screen as originally intended. The button layout remaps automatically. It works with vertical shooters and arcade titles from the Toaplan, Data East, Atari, Jaleco and Technos arcade collections.
Is the original Evercade Handheld compatible with EXP cartridges?
Yes, with one exception: the Namco Museum Collection 1 and 2 are handheld-compatible in Europe only, and the original Handheld is end-of-life with no further firmware updates planned.
Is the EXP still worth buying second-hand?
Yes, particularly if you want HDMI output or the 18 built-in Capcom games — both features were removed in the EXP-R. Second-hand units are regularly available at lower prices than a new EXP-R. The full Evercade cartridge library works on it.
What systems does the EXP emulate?
Arcade, Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Atari Lynx, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Intellivision, NES, SNES, Mega Drive/Genesis, Master System, and PlayStation. All cartridge games are officially licensed.
Where to Buy
The Evercade EXP is no longer sold new. Second-hand units are regularly available on eBay:
Search for Evercade EXP on eBay UK →
Looking for the current model? See the Evercade EXP-R page or the Where to Buy guide for new stock retailers.
Browse the full Evercade cartridge library, use the games database, or see the full hardware comparison to find the right Evercade device for you.