What Is the Alternative to Evercade? Best Options for Retro Cartridge and Game Lovers

The Evercade has carved out a special place in the hearts of retro gaming fans with its unique approach: a cartridge-based system that supports multi-game collections, official licensing, and nostalgic design. But while Evercade is great, it’s not the only player in the retro gaming world.

🤔 So, what are the best alternatives to Evercade? Whether you're looking for more flexibility, more power, or just something different, we’ve got you covered.

🎯 Why Look for an Evercade Alternative?

Before we explore the options, let’s quickly recap what makes Evercade unique—and why someone might want something else.

✅ Pros of Evercade:

  • Legal, licensed multi-game cartridges

  • Handheld and home console options

  • Affordable and family-friendly

  • Growing game library (300+ titles)

❌ Why You Might Want an Alternative:

  • Evercade only supports its own cartridges

  • Limited hardware flexibility

  • Can’t load your own ROMs or indie titles outside of licensed collections

  • Limited to retro-era games

🕹️ Top 5 Alternatives to Evercade (with Pros & Cons)

Here are the best options for gamers who want a similar retro experience with more customization, broader game support, or different features:

1. 🔺 Retro Freak Console

Type: Hybrid console (plays original cartridges)
Best For: Collectors with physical cartridges

✅ Pros:

  • Supports 11+ classic systems (Famicom, SNES, GBA, Genesis, etc.)

  • Lets you back up cartridges to a microSD

  • HDMI output + save states + cheat support

❌ Cons:

  • No disc support (PlayStation, Saturn, etc.)

  • Pricey and hard to find outside Japan

📦 Available at: GAMELOOPX or import stores like Play-Asia

2. 🧠 Anbernic RG35XX / RG353P / RG405M

Type: Emulation-based handheld
Best For: Players who want access to thousands of games

✅ Pros:

  • Supports NES, SNES, N64, PS1, GBA, even PSP

  • Affordable and compact

  • Custom firmware (GarlicOS, JELOS) unlocks more features

  • Often comes preloaded with thousands of games

❌ Cons:

  • Legality of preloaded ROMs is questionable

  • Emulation may vary in quality

  • No physical cartridges

📦 Shop here: Youwei Trade Retro Handhelds

3. 💻 Retroid Pocket 3+ / 4

Type: Android-powered handheld console
Best For: Advanced users who want both retro and modern game access

✅ Pros:

  • Runs Android games and emulators

  • Access to Google Play Store

  • HD screen, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

❌ Cons:

  • Requires setup (downloading ROMs/emulators)

  • Not cartridge-based

📦 Explore here: Retroid Pocket Collection

4. 🕹️ Polymega Console

Type: Modular retro console
Best For: Disc collectors (PlayStation, Saturn, TurboGrafx-CD)

✅ Pros:

  • Plays CD-based games + cartridge modules

  • Supports original controllers

  • Modern UI, save states, 1080p output

❌ Cons:

  • Expensive

  • Modules sold separately

📦 Available at: Polymega.com or specialty retailers

5. 🔌 Raspberry Pi Retro Game Box

Type: DIY or prebuilt emulator system
Best For: Tinkerers and home arcade builders

✅ Pros:

  • Fully customizable

  • Can emulate dozens of consoles

  • Great for arcade cabinets or TV setups

❌ Cons:

  • Requires tech skills

  • ROMs not legally included

📦 You can buy pre-configured Raspberry Pi kits or DIY your own

🏆 Evercade vs. Alternatives: Quick Comparison

Feature Evercade Retro Freak Anbernic Retroid Polymega
Cartridge Support ✅ (own format) ✅ (classic carts) ❌ ❌ ✅
Emulation 🔺 Limited ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Modern Games ❌ ❌ ⚠️ Some Android ✅ ⚠️ Disc-based
Price Range $100–$150 $150–$250 $50–$150 $130–$200 $300+
Portability ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌
Legal Game Access ✅ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ✅

🛒 Where to Buy Alternatives?

You can explore curated alternatives to Evercade on our shop:
👉 youweitrade.com/collections/handheld-game-console

We offer:

  • Preloaded handhelds

  • Original game cartridges

  • Retro controller adapters

  • Custom retro game accessories

💡 Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick tip:

  • Choose Evercade if you want a plug-and-play system with legal cartridges and a curated experience.

  • Choose Anbernic or Retroid Pocket if you want versatility and lots of games at your fingertips.

  • Choose Retro Freak or Polymega if you have original cartridges or discs and want a modern way to play them.

🎮 In the end, it’s not about one system being “better”—it’s about which one gives you the most fun, memories, and freedom.