Evercade: The Retro Console That Brings Back the Physical Game Age

If you love classic gaming but still prefer that tactile experience of holding a cartridge in your hands—maybe even reading the wrapper—you’ll want to know about Evercade, the uniquely collectible retro gaming system created by Blaze Entertainment.

What Is Evercade?

The Evercade is a handheld game console launched in May 2020 by UK developer Blaze Entertainment The Guardian+15Wikipedia+15WIRED+15evercade.co.uk+1The Guardian+1. Engineered with nostalgia in mind, it stands out by using physical ROM cartridges, each typically containing 5–20 officially licensed classic games—think Atari, SNES, Genesis, Amiga, and PlayStation titles Wikipedia.

Key Features:

At launch, Evercade shipped with 10 game cartridges totaling 122 games, with plans to eventually expand to over 50 cartridges. Collaborations with publishers like Atari, Namco, Arc System Works, and Piko Interactive ensured a diverse library Reddit+2ultimatepopculture.fandom.com+2WIRED+2evercade.co.uk+5Wikipedia+5ultimatepopculture.fandom.com+5.

Why Choose Evercade Over Emulator Devices?

Evercade offers a physical cartridge-based experience, unlike many download-only emulation systems. Reddit users emphasize two notable advantages: simplicity and nostalgia.

“I think the value is in two things. The first is the lack of friction. I recently bought a Super Pocket…and it’s super simple.”

“The second is the nostalgia value: those chunky carts in their boxes… very tactile…” Wikipedia+15Reddit+15vsrecommendedgames.miraheze.org+15

Players also love how cartridges store save data directly, making it easy to move from handheld to home console without losing progress—far more convenient than cloud saves .

Evercade Variants: VS, VS‑R, Alpha & EXP

Evercade VS (Home Console)

Released in December 2021, the Evercade VS converts handheld cartridges into a TV-compatible console with 1080p output and support for up to four players Wikipedia+6Wikipedia+6Wikipedia+6. A more budget-friendly model, the VS‑R, launched in mid‑2024 with the same hardware and new game collections Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3WIRED+3.

Evercade EXP (Improved Handheld)

Launched in late 2022, the Evercade EXP replaced the original handheld with upgraded performance, screen, and improved UI—addressing earlier limitations while retaining cartridge-based gaming video-games.fandom.com.

Evercade Alpha (Mini Arcade Cabinet)

Debuted in 2024, the Evercade Alpha is a tabletop arcade-style console featuring a high-res 8" IPS screen, stereo speakers, customizable marquee art, and pre-loaded arcade game sets. It delivers authentic retro vibes for nostalgic players WIRED.

Game Library & Collectability

Evercade’s cartridge ecosystem is richly curated. Each cartridge includes licensed games along with physical packaging and an art booklet—a nod to retro collectors evercade.co.uk+15Wikipedia+15GamesRadar++15. You’ll find:

Collectors like the physical presentation, numbering system, and fact that save states are stored on cartridges themselves WIRED.

Reception & Community Feedback

A review from Wired praised Evercade’s retro polish, low emulation issues, and the emotional joy of revisiting old classics with family. The device was described as reliable, affordable, and nostalgically engaging—even preferred over newer consoles by younger players .

Reviewer highlights:

  • Almost glitch-free gameplay, unlike many PC emulators

  • A satisfying cartridge-swapping experience

  • Bright, vivid screen and solid ergonomic design

Is Evercade for You?

Evercade is ideal if you:

  • Prefer physical media and collecting

  • Want a no-friction setup for retro gaming

  • Appreciate a curated, licensed library over chaotic ROM packs

  • Want both handheld and TV experiences, especially with VS/Alpha

TL;DR Summary

Whether you’re a longtime fan of retro games or just want something simple and charming with real collectible value—Evercade delivers a distinctive, nostalgia-rich gaming experience that stands apart from downloaded emulator systems.