The Evercade VS-R is the home console at the heart of the Evercade ecosystem — built to bring the cartridge library to your TV with proper multiplayer support. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s the right device for you, this guide covers everything you need to know.
WHAT IS THE EVERCADE VS-R?
The VS-R is a home console — it plugs into your TV or monitor via HDMI and outputs at 1080p. It’s not a handheld. Think of it as the living room centrepiece of the Evercade family, designed for couch gaming rather than on-the-go play.
It runs the full Evercade cartridge library — 750+ games across 80+ cartridges — and comes with built-in WiFi and a refreshed user interface. It’s the most fully-featured way to play Evercade at home.
HOW IT DIFFERS FROM THE HANDHELDS
The other Evercade handhelds — the Super Pocket, the EXP-R, and the upcoming Nexus — are all portable devices with built-in screens. The VS-R has none of that. What it has instead is TV output, four controller ports, and dual cartridge slots — features the handhelds simply can’t match.
If your priority is playing Evercade on a big screen with friends, the VS-R is built exactly for that.
DUAL CARTRIDGE SLOTS
One of the VS-R’s standout features is its two simultaneous cartridge slots. You can load two different cartridges at once and switch between them without pulling either out. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference during game nights — no more swapping carts mid-session.
The retro-inspired cartridge slot lid design also gives the console a satisfying, tactile feel that fits right in with the Evercade aesthetic.
MULTIPLAYER SUPPORT
The VS-R supports up to four players simultaneously via four USB controller ports. There’s no wireless pairing to fiddle with — you plug controllers straight in and you’re ready to go.
The included controller comes with a generous 3-metre cable, so you’re not stuck right next to the console. Additional controllers can be added for multiplayer without any extra setup.
Want to know which third-party controllers work with the VS-R? Check out the Controller Compatibility Database for a full rundown.
SPECS AT A GLANCE
Here’s what’s under the hood:
- Video output: HDMI 1080p (cable not included)
- Processor: 1.5GHz
- Storage: 4GB internal
- Cartridge slots: 2 (dual simultaneous)
- Controller ports: 4× USB
- Wireless: Built-in WiFi
- Power: MicroUSB 5V/2A (cable included; power adapter not included)
- Dimensions: 197mm (W) × 126mm (D) × 48mm (H)
Worth noting: an HDMI cable is not included and needs to be purchased separately. A power adapter is also not included, though the MicroUSB cable is in the box.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
The VS-R comes in two colour variants — NEON RETRO and CLASSIC RETRO — each with a matching controller. Here’s what’s included:
- Evercade VS-R console
- One controller with 3-metre cable
- MicroUSB power cable
- NEON RETRO bundle: includes the Tomb Raider Collection 1 cartridge (Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II, and Tomb Raider III with full-colour manual)
The CLASSIC RETRO version is available at participating retailers. Both styles share the same specs and dual cartridge slot design.
WHO IS THE VS-R FOR?
The VS-R is the right choice if you want to:
- Play Evercade on your TV or monitor
- Game with friends and family — up to four players at once
- Keep two cartridges loaded and switch between them freely
- Build a home retro gaming setup with a proper console feel
If portability is your priority, one of the handhelds might suit you better — take a look at our Evercade hardware comparison to see every device side by side.
Ready to pick up the VS-R? Head over to our Where to Buy page to find the best place to grab one — and if you’re still building your cartridge collection, the Best Evercade Cartridges guide is a great place to start.