What is the Evercade VS?
The Evercade VS is Blaze Entertainment’s original home console for the Evercade cartridge ecosystem, released in late 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 750 games across 90 cartridges.
The VS has since been succeeded by the Evercade VS-R, which brings a redesigned case and updated UI. Blaze discontinued the original VS when the VS-R launched in 2024, with remaining stock sold through retailers while supplies lasted. It 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 | Late 2021 | August 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 2024) | 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 model and the one Blaze now sells. 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 special red USB 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 at a good price, either leftover new stock or second-hand. The full Evercade library works on it, the 1080p output matches the VS-R, and four-player local multiplayer is fully supported. The main trade-offs are the older case design and no new warranty on second-hand units. See the Where to Buy page for retailers and second-hand options.
Are any cartridges not compatible with the VS?
No. Namco Museum Collection 1 and 2 were originally handheld-only because of licensing, but a quiet VS update in April 2025 removed that restriction (reported by Time Extension), and Blaze has said “All cartridges are now compatible”. If a Namco cartridge will not run on your VS, make sure the console is up to date. The VS-R is different: Blaze’s 2024 announcement said Namco Museum Collection 1 & 2 are not supported on the VS-R at launch.
Where to Buy
The original Evercade VS was discontinued in 2024 and was only sold new while retailer stock lasted. Check the Where to Buy guide for any remaining stock; 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. For hidden games and codes, see VS Secrets & Easter Eggs, and for the handheld, see the Evercade EXP.