What is the Evercade VS?
The Evercade VS is Blaze Entertainment’s original home console for the Evercade cartridge ecosystem, released in November 2021. It outputs at 1080p via HDMI, supports up to four players through its four USB controller ports, and features dual cartridge slots so you can keep two cartridges loaded at once. It plays the full Evercade cartridge library — over 600 games across 60+ cartridges.
The VS has since been succeeded by the Evercade VS-R, which brings a redesigned case and updated UI. The original VS is no longer sold new but is widely available second-hand and remains fully compatible with all current Evercade cartridges.
Technical Specs
| Processor | 1.5GHz quad-core |
| RAM | 512MB DRAM |
| Storage | 4GB internal |
| Video Output | HDMI 1080p (cable not included) |
| Controller Ports | 4× USB (supports 3rd-party USB and wireless controllers) |
| Cartridge Slots | 2 (dual simultaneous) |
| Wireless | Built-in WiFi |
| Power | 5V MicroUSB (cable included; adapter not included) |
| Display Modes | 4:3, Pixel Perfect, Full Screen with optional scanline filter |
Evercade VS vs VS-R — What Changed?
The VS-R is an iterative revision rather than a generational leap. The core hardware and game library are identical — any cartridge that works on the VS works on the VS-R and vice versa.
| Evercade VS | Evercade VS-R | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | November 2021 | 2024 |
| Design | Original VS styling | Retro-inspired redesign with cartridge lid |
| Processor | 1.5GHz quad-core | 1.5GHz quad-core |
| Cartridge Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Controller Ports | 4× USB | 4× USB |
| Video Output | 1080p HDMI | 1080p HDMI |
| Cart Compatibility | Full library | Full library |
| Available New | No (discontinued) | Yes |
If you already own an original VS, there is no compelling reason to upgrade — the game library and experience are identical. If you are buying new, the VS-R is the current supported model and the better choice. See our full hardware comparison guide for more detail.
FAQ
Are VS and VS-R cartridges cross-compatible?
Yes — all Evercade cartridges work on both the VS and the VS-R. There are no VS-R exclusive cartridges, and no old cartridges that stopped working on the VS-R.
What controllers work with the Evercade VS?
Any USB controller works, including Xbox controllers, 8BitDo wireless controllers (via USB receiver), and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. See the full VS/VS-R Controller Compatibility Database for tested combinations.
Can the Evercade handheld be used as a controller?
Yes, the original Evercade EXP handheld can be connected to the VS via a link cable (sold separately) and used as a fifth controller for local multiplayer.
Does the VS need an internet connection?
No. WiFi is used only for firmware updates. All games are on physical cartridges and play entirely offline.
Does the VS include an HDMI cable or power adapter?
No. The VS ships with a MicroUSB power cable and one controller, but no HDMI cable and no power adapter. You will need a standard 5V/2A USB power adapter and a spare HDMI cable.
Is the Evercade VS still worth buying?
Yes, if you can find one second-hand at a good price. The full Evercade library works on it, the 1080p output is identical to the VS-R, and four-player local multiplayer is fully supported. The only trade-off is the older case design and no new warranty. See the Where to Buy page for second-hand options.
Which cartridges are NOT compatible with the VS?
The Namco Museum Collection 1 and 2 cartridges are handheld-only by licence agreement (and Europe-only). All other cartridges in the Evercade library are compatible with the VS.
Where to Buy
The original Evercade VS is no longer sold new. Second-hand units are regularly available on eBay:
Search for Evercade VS on eBay UK →
Looking for the current model? See the Evercade VS-R page or the Where to Buy guide for new stock retailers.
Browse the full Evercade cartridge library or use the games database to find what’s available on Evercade.