Retro gaming has never been more popular — but getting started can feel surprisingly complicated. Which platform? Which games? Original hardware or emulation? And is any of it even legal?
If you just want to play classic games without the headaches, there’s one answer that keeps coming up: Evercade. Here’s why — and how to get started.
THE THREE WAYS TO PLAY RETRO GAMES
Before getting to Evercade, it’s worth understanding the landscape. There are broadly three ways to play classic games in 2026:
Original hardware — tracking down an original SNES, Mega Drive, or Neo Geo and the games to go with it. Authentic, satisfying, and increasingly expensive. A complete original cartridge for a popular SNES game can cost more than a modern console. The hardware can be unreliable after 30+ years, and you’ll need the right cables, controllers, and a TV that still accepts the right inputs.
Emulation — software that simulates old hardware on a modern device. Free and comprehensive, but legally murky — downloading ROMs for games you don’t own is copyright infringement, and Nintendo in particular has aggressively shut down ROM sites and emulation projects. Setup can also be fiddly, especially for someone new to it.
Licensed devices — modern hardware built specifically for retro gaming, using officially licensed games. This is where Evercade sits — and it’s by far the easiest path in.
WHY EVERCADE IS THE EASIEST WAY IN
Evercade is a retro gaming platform built around physical cartridges containing officially licensed games. Every cartridge is a curated collection from a specific publisher or developer — Atari, Taito, Data East, Toaplan, Mega Cat Studios, Piko Interactive, and many others. There are over 80 cartridges covering 700+ games across arcade, console, and home computer classics.
What makes it the easiest entry point:
- Plug and play — no setup, no configuration, no drivers. Insert cartridge, turn on, play.
- Completely legal — every game is officially licensed. No grey areas.
- Physical cartridges — you own the games. They come with numbered full-colour manuals. They sit on a shelf.
- Works on multiple devices — the same cartridge works across every Evercade device, so your collection grows with you.
- Active and growing library — new cartridges release every 2–3 months.
WHICH DEVICE TO START WITH
Evercade comes in several forms depending on how and where you want to play. The full hardware comparison covers everything side by side, but here’s the short version:
If you want something small and affordable — the Super Pocket is the entry point. A compact handheld that comes pre-loaded with games and plays all Evercade cartridges. Great for someone who wants to dip a toe in without a big commitment.
If you want a proper handheld — the EXP-R is the main event. 4.3-inch IPS screen, built-in WiFi, TATE mode for vertical arcade games, and it comes bundled with the Tomb Raider Collection. This is the one most people should start with.
If you want to play on your TV — the VS-R is the home console. Plug it in, grab a controller, four-player support. The arcade and console experience as it was meant to be — on a big screen.
If you want to go all in — the Alpha is a full bartop arcade cabinet. Built-in screen, arcade stick and buttons, real cabinet aesthetic. For the retro gaming enthusiast who wants a proper setup.
WHICH GAMES TO START WITH
With 80+ cartridges available, it can be hard to know where to start. A few pointers:
- Most Evercade devices come bundled with a cartridge — that’s your starting point sorted.
- The best Evercade cartridges guide covers the highlights of the whole library.
- If you’re an arcade fan specifically, the best arcade cartridges guide is worth reading.
- The full Evercade games database lists every game across every cartridge — searchable by name, genre, or cart number.
WHAT ABOUT THE EVERCADE NEXUS?
If you’re reading this and thinking about getting into Evercade for the first time, it’s worth knowing about the Evercade Nexus — the brand-new flagship handheld launching in October 2026. It has a 5.89-inch screen, dual analogue sticks, WiFi 6, and comes bundled with enhanced versions of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie. Pre-orders are open now.
If you can wait until October, the Nexus is the most capable Evercade handheld ever made. If you want something now, the EXP-R is still an excellent device.
WHERE TO BUY
Evercade devices are available through Amazon, Game, Funstock, and many other retailers. See our Where to Buy page for a full list of UK, US, and international stockists.
The best starting point for most people is the EXP-R — grab it, play the bundled cartridge, and go from there. The library will do the rest.