Blaze discontinued the original Evercade VS and original Evercade EXP in 2024. Both were sold while stocks lasted and are now second-hand only. If you missed out — or you’re coming to Evercade fresh — here’s exactly what to buy instead.
THE ORIGINAL VS AND EXP: WHAT HAPPENED?
The original Evercade VS was Blaze’s first TV-connected home console, and the original Evercade EXP was the full-sized handheld that followed it. Both were discontinued in 2024 and replaced by updated hardware. You might still find them on eBay or through second-hand sellers, but they’re no longer available new.
The good news? Their replacements are better in essentially every way — and the full Evercade cartridge library works across all of them.
BEST TV REPLACEMENT: EVERCADE VS-R
If you were looking at the original VS for your living room, the Evercade VS-R is the direct successor and the only current Evercade device that connects to your TV. It outputs at 1080p over HDMI, has dual cartridge slots, built-in WiFi, and four USB controller ports for up to four players.
For controller options, check the VS controller compatibility database. Bear in mind Blaze said at launch that Namco Museum Collection 1 and 2 are not supported on the VS-R, so check before buying those two.
BEST HANDHELD REPLACEMENT: EVERCADE EXP-R
The Evercade EXP-R is the natural successor to the original EXP. It’s a full-sized handheld with a 4.3-inch IPS screen, TATE mode for vertical arcade games, and access to the full Evercade cartridge library. It’s available bundled with Tomb Raider Collection 1, and in the UK also as an EXP-R Solo with no game.
Note that the original EXP came with Capcom built-in games — the EXP-R does not include built-in games. However, if Capcom games are what drew you to the original, the Super Pocket Capcom Edition has 12 Capcom games built in. You can see the original 18 on our EXP Capcom built-in games page, and every other device’s are on the built-in games page.
PREMIUM HANDHELD: EVERCADE NEXUS
If you want to go a step further, the Evercade Nexus is the flagship handheld, launching on 30 October 2026. It has a 5.89-inch screen, dual analogue sticks, WiFi 6, and EverSync for local wireless multiplayer — with only one player needing the cartridge. It launches bundled with the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack.
If you want the best handheld Evercade has ever made, the Nexus is the one to look at.
BUDGET OPTION: SUPER POCKET
On a tighter budget? The Super Pocket starts from £59.99 and is the most affordable way into the Evercade ecosystem. Each edition comes pre-loaded 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 — plus a full Evercade cartridge slot.
It’s compact, it genuinely fits in a shirt pocket, and it plays every Evercade cartridge. A brilliant starting point.
QUICK SUMMARY
Was buying the original VS? → Get the VS-R
Was buying the original EXP? → Get the EXP-R, or wait for the Nexus
Want the cheapest entry point? → Get the Super Pocket
Not sure yet? → Read the full Evercade hardware comparison
The current lineup is stronger than ever, and every device plays the same growing cartridge library. Whichever you pick, you’re in good hands.
Ready to decide? The Evercade hardware comparison page puts every current device side by side with full specs to help you make the call, and our where to buy guide lists retailers worldwide.