Buying a gift for a retro gaming fan? Evercade is one of the best things in that space right now — physical cartridges, a growing library of classic games, and hardware to suit every budget. Here’s everything you need to know to get it right.
WHAT IS EVERCADE?
Evercade is a retro gaming ecosystem built around physical cartridges, each packed with multiple classic games. There are handhelds, a home console, and even a bartop arcade cabinet — all playing from the same cartridge library. If you’re new to it, our introduction to Evercade is a great place to start.
The good news for gift buyers: you don’t need to know everything. Pick a device, grab a cartridge or two, and you’ve got a genuinely great present.
THE HARDWARE — WHAT TO BUY AND WHY
Budget pick: Super Pocket — from £59.99
The Super Pocket is the smallest and most affordable Evercade device. It fits in a shirt pocket, takes all Evercade cartridges, and comes pre-loaded with 12–50 built-in games depending on the edition. Editions include Taito, Capcom, Atari, Technōs, Neo Geo, Data East, Rare, and Activision — so you can match it to whatever the recipient loves.
If you’re not sure whether the person you’re buying for will take to Evercade, this is the lowest-risk entry point. Great value, genuinely pocketable, and a full gateway into the cartridge library.
Mid-range pick: Evercade EXP-R
The EXP-R is the most well-rounded Evercade handheld. It has a 4.3-inch IPS screen, TATE mode for vertical arcade games, and plays every Evercade cartridge. It comes bundled with Tomb Raider Collection 1, so there’s something to play straight out of the box.
No built-in game library like the Super Pocket, but a bigger, brighter screen and a more premium feel. This is the sweet spot for most retro gaming fans who want the full cartridge experience on the go.
Premium pick: Evercade Nexus — £169.99 (launching October 2026)
The Nexus is the flagship handheld — a 5.89-inch screen, dual analogue sticks, WiFi 6, and EverSync for local wireless multiplayer between two Nexus units. It launches in October 2026 and comes bundled with the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack.
If budget isn’t a concern and you want to give the best possible Evercade experience, this is it. Perfect for someone who wants to play 32 and 64-bit titles as well as the classic 8-bit and 16-bit library.
Home console pick: Evercade VS-R
The VS-R is Evercade’s home console — it plugs into the TV via HDMI at 1080p, has dual cartridge slots, and supports up to four players via USB controllers. If the person you’re buying for prefers gaming on a big screen or plays with family and friends, this is the one to go for.
Statement piece: Evercade Alpha — from £229.99
The Alpha is a pre-assembled bartop arcade cabinet with an 8-inch IPS screen, competition-grade arcade controls, and dual cartridge slots. It comes in Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Taito editions, each with 6–10 built-in games.
This isn’t an everyday gaming device — it’s a desk or counter centrepiece for someone who loves arcade culture. A serious gift for a serious retro fan.
THE BEST STARTER CARTRIDGES
Evercade cartridges are where the library really shines. Here are some strong picks for someone new to the platform — all tried, tested, and well-loved by the community.
For arcade fans: Capcom Collection is packed with instant classics — Street Fighter II, Mega Man, and Final Fight among them. TAITO Arcade 1 and TAITO Arcade 2 are equally essential, and Data East Arcade 1 is also a superb choice. Check our full best arcade cartridges guide for more.
For all-round retro gaming: The Activision Collection 1 is a brilliant starting point with a huge breadth of classic titles — Pitfall! and River Raid among them. Interplay Collection 1 and Team17 Collection 1 (Worms, anyone?) are crowd-pleasers. The Turrican Collection is unmissable for action platformer fans.
For indie and modern retro: Xenocrisis / Tanglewood, Alwa’s Awakening / Cathedral, and the Indie Heroes collections are all great picks if the recipient enjoys contemporary games made in the classic style.
Browse the full library on our Carts & Manuals page, or check out our best Evercade cartridges guide for curated recommendations.
BUNDLE SUGGESTIONS BY BUDGET
Under £80 — Super Pocket starter bundle: Pick the Super Pocket edition that matches their taste (Capcom for fighting games, Taito for arcade, Atari for classics) and add one cartridge. That’s a complete, ready-to-play gift.
Around £100–£120 — EXP-R ready to play: The EXP-R comes with Tomb Raider Collection 1 included, so it’s gift-ready on its own. Add a second cartridge — Capcom Collection or Activision Collection 1 work brilliantly — and you’ve got a fantastic bundle.
£150+ — VS-R with a cartridge or two: The VS-R is a great living room gift. Pair it with a couple of cartridges (Data East Arcade 1 and Team17 Collection 1 are solid choices) and anyone who plays it will be immediately hooked.
£200+ — Nexus pre-order bundle (October 2026): The Nexus at £169.99 comes with the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack. Add an extra cartridge and you’ve got one of the most exciting retro gaming gifts of 2026. Bear in mind the October 2026 launch date if timing matters.
NOT SURE WHICH TO CHOOSE?
If you’re still weighing up the options, our hardware comparison page breaks down every device side by side with full specs. It’s the quickest way to land on the right decision.
When you’re ready to buy, head to our Where to Buy guide for UK, US, EU and worldwide retailers — including Amazon, Funstock, and second-hand options for anyone on a tighter budget.
Whatever you pick, you’re giving someone a gateway into one of the best retro gaming ecosystems around. They’ll thank you for it.