Blaze Entertainment has published an update on the Evercade Nexus screen problems some owners have reported since launch. In a post dated 11 November 2026, Blaze CEO Andrew Byatt says the company has identified a manufacturing fault in the protective glass fitting, that corrective action has been taken at the factory, and that replacement consoles are available now.

What Blaze says it found

Byatt wrote from Shenzhen, where he was visiting manufacturing partners with members of the Blaze team following the launch of the Evercade Nexus. The investigation focused on the Nexus screen glass and how it fits within the console. Blaze says:

• it found a manufacturing fault in the protective glass fitting, and corrective action has been taken at the factory;
• the number of potentially affected units is “significantly lower” than online discussions have assumed;
• it is reviewing manufacturing and quality control procedures with its partners to help prevent a repeat.

Byatt apologised to anyone who received a console with a problem, and said the smaller number of affected units means the majority of Nexus owners should not be worried.

Blaze has not published a unit count, serial number range or description of the symptoms, so there is no way yet to tell from the outside whether a particular console is affected.

What to do if your Nexus has a problem

• Email Blaze support at [email protected]. Include photos or a short video of the issue if you can. The team will review it and advise next steps.
• Replacements: Blaze says replacement stock of the standard Nexus is available now for customers with hardware issues, and that it has secured like-for-like replacements for the limited edition consoles.
• Your retailer rights are unchanged. Blaze says the process does not affect your statutory rights with the retailer where you bought the console.

For official support links for each device, see our Evercade Help & Support page.

Support delays

Blaze acknowledges there is a backlog. If you have already contacted support, it asks you not to open another ticket about the same issue, because your original stays in the queue and duplicates can lengthen response times. The normal reply time is within 48 hours of an email, though some replies may take longer.

Is the work finished?

Not according to Blaze. It says its focus is helping affected customers, improving its processes and making sure the Nexus delivers the experience it was designed for.

Read the full statement from Blaze: Evercade Nexus: An Update from Shenzhen. For specs, games and pricing, see our Evercade Nexus page and the Nexus launch post.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is wrong with the Evercade Nexus screen?

Blaze says it found a manufacturing fault in the protective glass fitting. It has not described the symptoms in detail.

Is every Nexus affected?

No. Blaze says the number of potentially affected units is significantly lower than online discussions assumed, but has not said how many.

How do I get a replacement?

Email Blaze support with photos or a short video. Blaze says replacement stock of the standard Nexus is available now, with like-for-like replacements secured for the limited edition consoles.

Does this affect my rights with the retailer?

Blaze says it does not affect your statutory rights with the retailer where you bought the console.

Black Friday (Friday 27 November 2026) is a popular time to pick up Evercade hardware and cartridges — whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift for a retro gaming fan. Deals vary by retailer and region, so this guide walks you through what to watch for and how to shop smart.

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WHICH HARDWARE IS WORTH WATCHING?

The Evercade lineup covers a range of different play styles, so it’s worth knowing what you’re looking at before you buy. Here’s a quick rundown of the current hardware family:

The Super Pocket is a compact handheld that comes pre-loaded with games and plays all Evercade cartridges. It’s one of the most affordable entry points into the ecosystem, which makes it a popular Black Friday pick for newcomers.

The EXP-R is the full-sized handheld, featuring a 4.3-inch IPS screen, built-in WiFi, and TATE mode for vertical arcade games. The Tomb Raider Edition bundle includes Tomb Raider Collection 1, while other bundles and a no-game Solo are also sold, so check exactly what’s in the box when you’re comparing bundle prices against buying hardware and carts separately.

The VS-R is Blaze’s home console, designed to plug into your TV and support up to four players. If you’re shopping for a household of retro gaming fans, this is the one to watch, and the Evercade Wireless Controller (£34.99) is a handy add-on.

  

The Alpha is a bartop arcade cabinet — a more premium purchase, but a spectacular one. Keep an eye on specialist and official retailers if you’re after one.

The Nexus launched on 30 October 2026 at £169.99, featuring a 5.89-inch screen, dual analogue sticks, and WiFi 6. The Standard Edition includes the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack; the limited 64 Edition and DOOM Edition have sold out, so don’t expect them in any deals. Our Nexus launch guide has the full rundown.

  

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COMPARING BUNDLES

Retailers sometimes offer hardware bundles that include cartridges, cases, or other accessories. When comparing bundle prices, always check which cartridges are included and what their individual retail value would be. A bundle that looks more expensive than a solo device might actually save you money once you account for the carts.

It’s also worth checking whether a deal applies to the hardware alone or includes a specific edition. The hardware comparison page is a handy reference if you’re trying to decide which device suits you — before you go deal-hunting. Buying for someone else? Our Christmas gift guide explains which device suits which person.

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WHICH CARTRIDGES TO WATCH FOR

The Evercade cartridge library is large, so knowing what you want before Black Friday hits makes a big difference. A few standout collections to look out for:

Arcade fans should keep an eye on carts like Toaplan Arcade 1, Toaplan Arcade 2, TAITO Arcade 1, NEOGEO Arcade 1, and Data East Arcade Collection 1 — all excellent picks if you love classic arcade action. For more recommendations, check the best arcade cartridges guide.

For broader recommendations across the whole library, the best Evercade cartridges guide is a great starting point. And if you want to browse everything that’s available, the full cartridge library has the complete list.

One thing to note: some cartridges have entered Legacy status, meaning licences have expired and no new stock will be produced. These won’t appear in standard retail Black Friday deals — the only way to get them is second-hand, usually via eBay. See the Legacy Cartridges page for the full list.

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WHY THE RETAILER LIST MATTERS

Evercade is stocked by a wide range of retailers across the UK, US, Europe, Canada, and Australia — and deals vary significantly between them. Funstock is the main official retailer in the UK and usually has the widest range of hardware and cartridges, with Funstock EU and Funstock USA covering Europe and the US. But Amazon, specialist retro retailers, and high-street chains can all have competitive offers at different times.

Shopping around genuinely pays off. A cart that’s full price on one platform might be discounted on another, and some retailers run their own exclusive bundles.

Rather than listing every retailer here, the most useful thing we can point you to is the Where to Buy page — it covers all the main options by region, including second-hand sources for legacy carts.

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NEW TO EVERCADE?

If Black Friday 2026 is your entry point into the Evercade world, it’s worth taking five minutes to read the introduction to Evercade first. It explains how the cartridge system works, what makes Evercade different, and how the hardware family fits together — so you can shop with confidence.

Ready to start browsing? Head to the Where to Buy page to find the right retailer for your region.

Christmas 2026 is shaping up to be a brilliant time to buy into the Evercade ecosystem. With a wider range of hardware than ever, there’s something for every budget and every type of retro gamer — whether you’re buying for yourself or wrapping something up for someone else. Here’s how to pick the right one.

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THE QUICK ANSWER

Not sure where to start? Here’s the shortcut version:

• Tightest budget: Super Pocket
• Best all-rounder handheld: EXP-R
• Premium handheld: Nexus
• Family / TV play: VS-R
• Statement piece: Alpha

Need more detail? Read on.

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SUPER POCKET — THE LOW-COST GIFT

The Super Pocket is the entry point to the Evercade world and the most affordable device in the range, from £59.99. It’s compact, pocketable, and each edition comes 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.

It takes the full range of Evercade cartridges, so there’s plenty of room to expand. If you want to introduce someone to Evercade without a big financial commitment, the Super Pocket is the ideal starting point.

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EXP-R — THE MAINSTREAM HANDHELD

The Evercade EXP-R is the sweet spot for most handheld Evercade players. It features a 4.3-inch IPS screen — a meaningful step up from the Super Pocket — plus TATE mode for vertical arcade games and access to the full Evercade cartridge library. The Tomb Raider Edition bundle comes with Tomb Raider Collection 1; other bundles and a no-game Solo are also sold, so check what’s in the box before you buy.

It’s built for cartridge gaming, and it does that job very well. No analogue sticks, but it includes built-in WiFi — making it a solid, well-rounded handheld for 8-bit and 16-bit retro gaming on the go.

It’s available now, making it a safe choice for anyone shopping ahead of the holidays.

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NEXUS — THE PREMIUM PICK (OUT NOW)

The Evercade Nexus is the flagship handheld, and it launched on 30 October 2026, in time for Christmas. At £169.99, it’s the most expensive handheld in the range, but it earns it.

  

You get the largest screen in the handheld lineup at 5.89 inches, dual analogue sticks for 3D titles, WiFi 6, and EverSync — a local wireless multiplayer mode that lets two Nexus owners play together with only one person needing the cartridge.

The Standard Edition includes the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack (Banjo-Kazooie + Banjo-Tooie), which is a seriously exciting inclusion. If you’re buying for someone who wants the best Evercade experience — or treating yourself — this is the one to go for. The limited 64 Edition and Nexus DOOM Edition have both sold out, so the Standard Edition is the one to look for. Our Nexus launch guide has the full rundown.

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VS-R — BEST FOR TV AND FAMILY PLAY

The Evercade VS-R is a home console, not a handheld. It plugs into your TV via HDMI at 1080p, supports up to four players, has dual cartridge slots, and includes built-in WiFi.

If you want to play Evercade on the big screen, or you’re buying for a household where multiplayer matters, the VS-R is your only option in the current lineup. It’s available now and ready to go under the tree. Prices vary by bundle and retailer, so see the Where to Buy guide.

Planning to pick up a second (or third, or fourth) controller? Check out the controller compatibility database to see what works with it. The official Evercade Wireless Controller (£34.99) also works with the VS-R and the Alpha.

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ALPHA — THE STATEMENT PIECE

The Evercade Alpha is something different entirely. It’s a pre-assembled bartop arcade cabinet with an 8-inch IPS screen, competition-grade arcade controls, dual cartridge slots, and USB ports on the front for plugging in a second controller.

Available in Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Taito editions, each comes with 6–10 built-in games. It sits on a desk or counter and is as much a display piece as a gaming device — starting from £229.99, it’s the most distinctive gift in the range.

If you know someone who’s been dreaming of a proper arcade setup at home, the Alpha is going to make their year.

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WHAT ABOUT THEC64 AND SPECTRUM HANDHELDS?

Worth a mention — both the THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld have been delayed to April 2027, so neither will be available for Christmas 2026. Keep them on your radar for next year, but don’t factor them into your holiday shopping plans.

Note that both of these use MicroSD for game expansion rather than Evercade cartridges, so they sit slightly outside the main Evercade ecosystem.

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STILL NOT SURE?

The full hardware comparison page has a detailed spec table covering every device side by side — screen size, battery life, analogue sticks, WiFi, and more. It’s the best place to make a final call if you’re still weighing things up.

Once you’ve decided, head to the Where to Buy guide for UK, US, EU, and worldwide retailers.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

The Evercade Nexus launched on 30 October 2026, and it’s the most capable Evercade handheld ever made. If you’re wondering whether it’s right for you — or whether the EXP-R or VS-R is a better fit — here’s everything you need to know.

  

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THE HEADLINE SPECS

The Nexus is built around 32 and 64-bit retro gaming, and the hardware reflects that ambition. Here’s the quick-glance summary:

• Price: £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99
• Screen: 5.89″ IPS, 840×512 resolution, 500+ nits
• Controls: Dual analogue sticks, D-pad, face buttons, rear bumpers and triggers
• Processor: Quad-core 1.5GHz
• Memory: 512MB DDR RAM
• Battery: 5,000mAh — 5+ hours gameplay
• Wireless: WiFi 6 (2.4GHz/5GHz) with EverSync local multiplayer
• Audio: Dual front-facing stereo speakers, 3.5mm jack, wireless headphone support
• Weight: 410g | Dimensions: 215mm × 111mm × 34mm
• Colour: Black

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THE SCREEN

The Nexus has the largest display ever fitted to an Evercade handheld. That 5.89″ IPS panel running at 840×512 with over 500 nits of brightness is a genuine step up.

To put it in context: the EXP-R runs a 4.3″ screen at 800×480. The Super Pocket runs a 2.8″ display at 320×240. The extra screen real estate makes a real difference for 3D titles and arcade games.

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DUAL ANALOGUE STICKS — A FIRST FOR EVERCADE

This is the big one. The Nexus is the first Evercade handheld to feature dual analogue sticks, alongside the traditional D-pad, face buttons, and rear bumpers and triggers.

This matters because 32 and 64-bit titles — the games the Nexus is designed around — simply couldn’t be played properly on earlier Evercade hardware. The Nexus fixes that. The body also features a textured grip for comfort during longer sessions.

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EVERSYNC — LOCAL WIRELESS MULTIPLAYER

EverSync is an exclusive Nexus feature (how EverSync works) and a genuine first for the Evercade ecosystem. It enables local wireless multiplayer between two Nexus units — no internet connection, no router required.

The clever part: only one player needs to own the cartridge. EverSync shares the game wirelessly to the second device, opening up co-op and versus play on the go. This is something no other Evercade device can do.

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TATE MODE & AUDIO

TATE mode returns on the Nexus, rotating the screen to a vertical orientation for arcade titles originally designed for vertical cabinets. Button mapping rotates to match, so vertical shooters play exactly as intended.

On the audio side, the Nexus upgrades to dual front-facing stereo speakers — an improvement over the single speaker on previous Evercade handhelds. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack and support for wireless headphones.

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BATTERY & CHARGING

The 5,000mAh battery delivers 5+ hours of gameplay. Charging is via USB-C at 5V/2A — a USB-C to USB-A cable is included, though a mains adapter is not. Worth picking one up separately if you don’t have a spare.

There’s also an RGB logo on the front of the device, with colour and behaviour customisable from within the system menu.

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WHAT’S IN THE BOX

• Evercade Nexus handheld
• Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack cartridge (Banjo-Kazooie + Banjo-Tooie, with full-colour manual)
• USB-C to USB-A charging cable
• Quick start guide

The Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack bundles two classic 64-bit Rare titles on a single physical cartridge. The cartridge is compatible with all Evercade devices, but the Nexus — with its dual analogue sticks and large screen — is clearly the ideal way to play them. The pack is also sold separately and was released on 30 October 2026, the same day as the Nexus.

  

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LIMITED EDITIONS

Two limited editions were announced alongside the standard Nexus: the 64 Edition and the Nexus DOOM Edition. Both are now sold out. The 64 Edition was restricted to 2,000 units worldwide and came with an exclusive PVA hard case, glass screen protector, poster, and a numbered certificate of authenticity. If you missed them, the Standard Edition is still available.

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WHO IS THE NEXUS FOR?

The Nexus is the right choice if you want the best handheld Evercade experience, particularly for 32 and 64-bit games that need analogue sticks. The larger screen, EverSync multiplayer, WiFi 6, and dual stereo speakers make it the most fully-featured option in the lineup.

It’s also worth noting: the Nexus does not have HDMI output or TV streaming. If playing on a television is your priority, the VS-R home console is the one to look at — it supports up to four players on the big screen.

If you want a more compact handheld at a lower price point, the EXP-R remains an excellent option with its 4.3″ screen, TATE mode, and built-in WiFi. And if you want something pocket-sized and pre-loaded, the Super Pocket is worth a look. Compare all models side by side on our Evercade hardware comparison page.

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WHERE TO BUY & PRICING

The Standard Edition is priced at £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99. It is available now, since the 30 October 2026 launch, through retailers including Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, Funstock, Game.es, and 30+ international stockists across the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Head to the Evercade Nexus page for direct links to retailers.

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THE GAME LIBRARY

The Nexus plays the full Evercade cartridge library — over 80 officially licensed collections containing nearly 800 games (see the Games Database). Cartridges are colour-coded by category (red for console, blue for home computer, purple for arcade) and every one includes a numbered full-colour manual. New releases arrive every 2–3 months.

Cartridges start from £24.99 / $29.99 / €29.99. Browse the full library on our Carts & Manuals page.

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Want to see what reviewers are saying? Check out our round-up of every Evercade Nexus review in one place. And if you’re still weighing up which device to buy, our hardware comparison guide breaks it all down for you.

Blaze Entertainment and HyperMegaTech! have delayed THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld by six months. Both devices were due on 15 October 2026 — they now launch 22 April 2027.

What’s changed

Both handhelds — and both the Standard and Collector’s Editions of each — move from 15 October 2026 to 22 April 2027. Retailers, including Funstock, have started emailing existing pre-order customers to confirm the new date. No pricing changes have been announced alongside the delay.

Why the delay?

Blaze cited production quality as the reason: areas of the build weren’t meeting their standards, and they’ve opted to take the extra time rather than ship a compromised product. It’s a six-month slip rather than a cancellation — the hardware itself, specs, and included game libraries (25 built-in titles on each device) aren’t affected.

What it means for existing pre-orders

If you’ve already pre-ordered either handheld, your order updates automatically to the new release date — no action needed. If your order includes other items alongside a handheld, expect the full order to ship together on the new date rather than being split. Contact your retailer’s support team directly if you want to amend or cancel. For international retailers and other stockists, see our Where to Buy page.

PRE-ORDER

THEC64 Handheld

The Spectrum Handheld

The rest of the Evercade lineup isn’t affected

This delay is specific to the two clamshell handhelds built by HyperMegaTech! — it’s separate from the core Evercade cartridge-based hardware. Blaze explicitly confirmed the Evercade Nexus is unaffected and remains on track for its 30 October 2026 release. It also lands just a day after two other launches went ahead on schedule: the Evercade Wireless Controller and the Super Pocket Activision Edition both released as planned on 28 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld release now?

22 April 2027 — both devices, both Standard and Collector’s Editions. They were originally due 15 October 2026.

Has the price changed?

No price changes have been announced. See the THEC64 Handheld and Spectrum Handheld pages for current pricing.

Do I need to do anything with my existing pre-order?

No — orders are automatically updated to the new release date. Contact your retailer if you want to change or cancel.

Is this a cancellation?

No. Blaze and HyperMegaTech! have confirmed both handhelds are still coming — just six months later than planned, to address production quality issues.

Is the Evercade Nexus affected by this delay?

No — Blaze has explicitly confirmed the Evercade Nexus is unaffected and remains on track for its 30 October 2026 release.

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For full specs and pricing, see our THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld pages, or our head-to-head comparison if you’re deciding between the two. See the full range on our hardware comparison guide.