The Evercade EXP-R handheld and VS-R home console are available to order again at Amazon. Both of these cartridge-based retro devices have been going in and out of stock at Amazon over the last few months. The Evercade EXP-R, in particular, has been hard to find in the US since its launch in late November. It was originally supposed to release alongside the VS-R in August, but a production issue led to a delay. Both devices come bundled with Tomb Raider Collection, which includes the original three PlayStation games on one cartridge ($25 value).
Tomb Raider Collection is just one of the 50-plus Evercade cartridges released since 2020. The Evercade library contains a nice mix of console and handheld classics, arcade hits, and modern retro-style indies. Both devices are budget-friendly revisions of previous (now discontinued) hardware.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Evercade family of systems, it’s a retro gaming platform for those who love physical media, collecting, and old console/arcade games. The original Evercade handheld released back in 2020, and Blaze Entertainment has iterated on the Evercade hardware multiple times since, including with the Evercade VS home console, Evercade EXP handheld, and last year’s spin-off $60 handhelds, the Taito and Capcom Super Pockets. Two more Super Pockets, Atari and Technos, released last month.
The family of systems expanded once again this on November 28 with the aforementioned Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade, an excellent miniature arcade cabinet with two themes to pick from–Street Fighter or Mega Man–each of which comes with six built-in Capcom arcade games.
Here’s a list of all of the Evercade devices available at Amazon:
$100 | Available Now
The Evercade EXP-R has a 4.3-inch high-resolution IPS display (800 x 480p) and the same form factor and button layout as the original EXP handheld. The D-pad on the EXP is superb, as are the six face buttons, two triggers, and pair of shoulder buttons. It charges via USB-C and runs for up to five hours on a full charge. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening and a fairly loud stereo speaker.
The EXP-R also supports TATE mode, which lets turn the handheld to the side to play vertical-oriented arcade games in the proper aspect ratio. Two of the six face buttons are located below the D-pad for TATE mode, while the other four are on the right side of the handheld in the conventional layout.
The EXP-R has a new textured grip not present on the original EXP, which retailed for $150. The price drop is nice to see, though it’s worth noting that the EXP offered some added value in the form of 18 preloaded Capcom games, which are not present on the EXP-R. The original EXP could be connected to a TV or monitor via Mini HDMI; that port has been removed from the EXP-R.
The original EXP was bundled with IREM Arcade, a compilation of six arcade games including R-Type, but for many people the pack-in cartridge here is more exciting. Tomb Raider Collection includes Lara Croft’s first three adventures. It sells for $25 separately.
Tomb Raider Collection isn’t the only compilation of original PlayStation games for Evercade. Legacy of Kain Collection launched for $25 shortly after Tomb Raider’s release. The collection includes Blood Omen and Soul Reaver, and both games play great on Evercade.
Evercade is releasing the TATE Grip alongside the handheld to offer better ergonomics while playing vertical-oriented games,. The grip comes in either white (matches the EXP) or black (matches the EXP-R). Current Evercade EXP owners may want to preorder one, as the D-pad and bonus A and B buttons for TATE mode are (understandably) a bit cramped. The grip looks like it will make a big difference in comfort. Unfortunately, the grip was delayed, and Amazon’s listing has a placeholder release date of March 31.
$100 | Available Now
The VS-R, meanwhile, is a home console that can connect to your TV and supports 1080p output. The VS-R includes one controller, and additional VS-R controllers can be purchased separately for $25 each. Like the VS, the VS-R has two cartridge slots, and there are exclusive secrets to be found by utilizing this feature on either home console. Outside of the refreshed look, the VS-R is the same console with the same feature set as the original VS.
Side note: It’s worth noting that a wide assortment of third-party wired controllers work with the VS. If you’d prefer a wireless connection, one extremely handy device to have is 8BitDo’s Wireless USB Adapter 2. This will allow you to connect many different Bluetooth-enabled controllers to the VS-R–and the recently released Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade–including every Bluetooth controller we’ve tried made by 8BitDo.
Our top picks for wireless controllers on Evercade home consoles would be 8BitDo’s SNES-inspired SN30 Pro and 8BitDo’s Pro 2, which has modern controller handles and remappable back buttons.
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