If you're new to the Evercade console ecosystem or looking to expand your collection, you may be wondering:
“Why do Evercade cartridges cost more than typical retro game emulators or downloads?”
Let’s break down the real value behind Evercade’s pricing—and whether it’s worth it.
🎮 1. Officially Licensed Games = Higher Cost
Each Evercade cartridge contains officially licensed classic games. That means Blaze Entertainment pays rights holders (e.g., Namco, Atari, Codemasters, Data East) to legally include these games. Unlike cheap emulators or ROM downloads, Evercade games are 100% legal—and that licensing isn’t free.
➡️ You're paying for authenticity, not piracy.
📦 2. Physical Packaging Adds Real Value
Evercade cartridges come in a hard clamshell case, usually with:
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A full-color manual or art booklet
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High-quality printed cover
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Collectible cartridge (numbered)
This is more than just data—it’s a physical collector’s item. That adds to production and shipping costs, especially compared to all-digital systems.
➡️ Think of it like a vinyl record or steelbook edition—it’s for collectors, not just players.
🔄 3. Multi-Game Cartridges
Most Evercade carts contain 6 to 20 games, depending on the collection. When you break it down:
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A $20–$25 cartridge with 10 games = ~$2.50 per licensed title.
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Some bundles include rare or previously unreleased titles, adding exclusive value.
➡️ In many cases, you’re paying less per game than digital retro titles on other platforms.
🔧 4. Cartridges Include Save Data and Firmware Support
Unlike ROM packs or SD cards, Evercade cartridges:
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Store save files directly on the cart
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Work seamlessly across all Evercade devices
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Are updateable and future-proofed with firmware support
That adds engineering complexity that cheap flash carts don’t offer.
🌍 5. Smaller Market = Higher Production Costs
Evercade is a niche platform, meaning it doesn’t produce millions of cartridges like Nintendo or Xbox. Lower production volume = higher cost per unit, especially when manufactured with quality materials and strict QA.
✅ Is It Worth the Price?
If you’re just looking to play old games for free, you might find cheaper alternatives with Raspberry Pi, Retropie, or ROM sites (though with legal risks).
But if you value:
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Legality
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Physical collecting
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Game preservation
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Plug-and-play convenience
Then Evercade offers a unique, premium retro experience at a fair price.
💡 Pro Tip: Watch for Bundles or Sales
Some Evercade collections are bundled with hardware, or go on sale during retro gaming events. It’s a great way to save while expanding your library.
🎁 Where to Buy?
Check out the latest cartridges and bundles on official retailers or curated shops like:
👉 https://evercade.co.uk
👉 GameLoopX Retro Game Collection (coming soon)
Final Verdict:
Evercade cartridges aren’t overpriced—they’re premium, collectible, legal retro game compilations with long-term value. For retro gamers who want quality over quantity, they’re absolutely worth it.