Anyone interested in playing classic retro games should check this out: Evercade has two new pieces of hardware up for preorder. The Evercade EXP-R is a new handheld device that plays officially licensed cartridges, while the Evercade VS-R is a console you hook up to your TV to play the same games. Both devices cost $99.99, come out in July, and come with Tomb Raider Collection 1 on a cartridge. They’re up for preorder now at Amazon.
Evercade EXP-R Handheld
Out July 31
Blaze Evercade EXP-R
0
The EXP-R is a portable handheld device that looks great with its charcoal and turquoise color scheme. The screen resolution is 800×480, and it has built-in Wi-Fi for updates, plus a textured grip on the back of the device for added comfort. It has USB-C charging and the battery lasts 4-5 hours. It even has a complete set of controls if you play it in TATE mode for vertical games (see the TATE grip accessory below for this use case). Unlike a Switch or Steam Deck, however, there’s no way to connect it to a TV. To do that, you’ll want to look at the VS-R.
Evercade VS-R Console
Out July 31
Blaze Evercade VS-R
0
The VS-R is a console you connect to a TV. It comes with one wired controller, but it has four controller ports (see below if you want to pick up more controllers). It supports 1080p output via HDMI and has built-in Wi-Fi. It shares the charcoal and turquoise color scheme of the EXP-R, and looks pretty great.
Both devices are compatible with the full line of Evercade cartridges, with one exception: the VS-R is not compatible with Namco Museum Collection 1 & 2. As mentioned above, they come with Tomb Raider Collection 1, which has Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II, and Tomb Raider III. You can buy more Evercade cartridges that offer officially licensed collections of console, home computer, and arcade games.
Evercade Accessories
Out July 31
Blaze Evercade VS-R Wired Controller
0
Out July 31
Blaze Evercade TATE Grip for the EXP and EXP-R
0
If you’re interested in playing TATE vertically oriented games on the handheld EXP-R, you’ll probably want to pick up the official TATE Grip accessory. It makes holding the device and playing the games in that orientation more comfortable.
Anyone preordering the Evercade VS-R console and looking to play local multiplayer with friends and family can add an extra controller or three. And if you want more games to play, you can check what’s available on Amazon, or see the full list on the Evercade website.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN’s board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Threads.
