For enthusiasts of gaming`s golden age, the hunt for authentic retro experiences often leads down many rabbit holes. But few journeys have been as fraught with anticipation, and indeed, scarcity, as the quest for Evercade hardware. Good news for collectors and casual players alike: Blaze Entertainment`s unique, cartridge-based gaming systems, including the much-coveted Tomb Raider bundles for both the EXP-R handheld and VS-R home console, are finally back in stock on Amazon after a prolonged absence.
This isn`t just another restock; it`s a significant moment for a platform that has carved out a distinct niche in the modern gaming landscape. The Evercade ecosystem stands as a refreshing counterpoint to the digital-only trend, offering a tactile, curated, and officially licensed journey through gaming history.
Evercade: A Physical Gateway to Gaming`s Past
In an era dominated by sprawling digital libraries and subscription services, Evercade champions the humble game cartridge. Blaze Entertainment has committed to an impressive library of over 75 unique collections, spanning everything from 8-bit and 16-bit console classics to arcade legends and home computer gems. It`s a delightful blend where the iconic three-dimensional adventures of Tomb Raider I-III sit comfortably alongside enhanced editions of forgotten favorites like Duke Nukem 1 + 2 Remastered, and even modern retro-inspired indies such as the GBA-style platformer Goodboy Galaxy.
The appeal is undeniable: official licenses mean no questionable ROMs, and physical cartridges evoke a nostalgia that digital downloads simply can`t replicate. It’s a carefully curated museum, where you collect the exhibits one cartridge at a time.
The Return of the Tomb Raider Titans: EXP-R & VS-R Bundles
The headline news, of course, is the triumphant return of the Evercade EXP-R handheld and VS-R home console Tomb Raider bundles. These systems, adorned in a sleek charcoal gray with turquoise accents, vanished from US retailers for most of the year. The reasons were a perfect storm of high demand and, perhaps less romantically, an increase in US tariffs that even saw a $30 price hike. Now, they`re available directly from Amazon for a competitive $130 each, ready to transport players back to the mid-90s with Lara Croft.
The Evercade EXP-R Handheld: Your Portable Retro Companion
For those who prefer their classic gaming on the go, the EXP-R is a robust companion. Featuring a crisp 4.3-inch high-resolution IPS display (800 x 480), it brings classic pixel art to life with vibrant clarity. The ergonomics are commendable, providing comfortable play for its 7.76 x 3.1 x 0.8-inch frame – though perhaps not “pocketable” unless you`re sporting cargo pants from 1998. Unique to the EXP is its “TATE mode,” allowing for vertical gameplay perfectly suited for classic arcade shmups, complete with dedicated buttons below the D-pad. Add 4-5 hours of battery life and Wi-Fi updates, and you have a thoroughly modern retro handheld.
The Evercade VS-R Home Console: Couch Co-op for Classic Kicks
If your retro leanings are more communal, the VS-R home console is your go-to. Hooking up to your TV via HDMI for glorious 1080p output, the VS-R boasts two cartridge slots and four USB controller ports, making it ideal for multiplayer sessions. While it includes one wired controller, the beauty lies in its versatility: existing USB controllers are often compatible, and an 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 can open up a world of wireless possibilities, including popular controllers from Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony. Like its handheld counterpart, the VS-R also harbors its own secrets, with an even greater number of hidden games unlockable by loading specific cartridge combinations – a delightful Easter egg for the truly dedicated.
Beyond the Bundles: Expanding the Evercade Universe
The Evercade narrative doesn`t stop with the EXP-R and VS-R. Blaze Entertainment continues to innovate with its spin-off brands and new hardware releases:
- Super Pocket Handhelds: For ultimate portability, Hyper Mega Tech’s Super Pockets offer a Game Boy Pocket-inspired form factor with a 2.8-inch IPS display. Each model comes preloaded with games from specific publishers (Capcom, Taito, Neo Geo, Data East, Technos, Atari) and, critically, supports the entire Evercade cartridge library. They`re an affordable entry point, starting around $60-$70, making pocketable retro gaming more accessible than ever.
- Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcades: For those who yearn for the arcade experience at home without sacrificing too much space, the Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcades are a premium solution. With an 8-inch display, two cartridge slots, and an excellent arcade stick, these machines offer a robust, authentic feel. The upcoming Evercade Alpha Taito Bartop Arcade, launching November 12 for $260, is themed around Bubble Bobble and comes preloaded with 10 classic Taito titles, promising a slice of arcade heaven in your living room.
The Evercade Advantage: Modern Features for Classic Games
What truly sets Evercade apart is its commitment to enhancing the retro gaming experience without compromising authenticity. Across its hardware lineup, players benefit from a suite of modern quality-of-life features:
- Save States: Pause and pick up your game exactly where you left off, a blessing for notoriously difficult retro titles.
- Full Button Mapping: Customize controls to your exact preference, either universally or on a per-game basis.
- Aspect Ratio Options: Choose between Original, Full Screen, and Pixel Perfect displays, ensuring your games look just right.
- Visual Enhancements: Add scanlines for that authentic CRT TV feel, or select from various bezel options for games that don`t fill the screen.
These thoughtful additions transform potentially frustrating vintage play into an enjoyable, accessible journey, proving that retro doesn`t have to mean inconvenient.
The return of Evercade`s highly coveted hardware, especially the Tomb Raider bundles, is more than just a retail event. It`s a reaffirmation of the enduring appeal of physical media and officially licensed retro gaming. In a world awash with digital fleetingness, Evercade offers something tangible, a collection to hold and cherish. So, whether you`re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, the doors to this unique retro universe are once again wide open. Your next adventure, with Lara Croft or another pixelated hero, awaits.
Callum Darby