By 
If you are passionate about classic games and tangible media, you should explore Amazon’s Black Friday offers on Blaze Entertainment’s Evercade devices and game assortments. Temporarily, the Evercade EXP-R handheld and VS-R home console are each reduced to $105 (previously $130). Both systems come bundled with Tomb Raider I-III Collection in cartridge format.
This marks the first Evercade hardware offers in the US this entire year. Both systems had been out of stock for a significant portion of the year until Amazon restocked in September. As Amazon is the sole US retail collaborator for Evercade, we do not anticipate these Black Friday offers to last for an extended period. Blaze Entertainment has recently introduced $120 versions of the Evercade EXP-R and VS-R that are not accompanied by Tomb Raider, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the bundles are permanently unavailable after this sale.
Additionally, Amazon offers discounts on HyperMegaTech Super Pockets. A spin-off handheld line under Blaze Entertainment, Super Pockets are inspired by specific retro publishers and feature a collection of preinstalled games while also accommodating the Evercade cartridge library. Four of these Game Boy-like devices are available for $55 (previously $70) each, including the well-liked Capcom Super Pocket with 12 preinstalled games and the Neo Geo Super Pocket featuring 14 games.
Super Pocket Black Friday Offers at Amazon
- Capcom Super Pocket (12 Games) — $55 (
$70) - Neo Geo Super Pocket (14 Games) — $55 (
$70) - Taito Super Pocket (17 Games) — $55 (
$70) - Technos Super Pocket (15 Games) — $55 (
$70)
New users and existing Evercade/Super Pocket enthusiasts will equally wish to explore the inventory of discounted Evercade collections. We discovered 20 Evercade cartridges available for $24 (previously $30), but be advised that the availability of games is even more scarce. The selection of cartridge discounts showcases several of Evercade’s most significant launches, such as Legacy of Kain Collection (Blood Omen, Soul Reaver), Tomb Raider Collection 2 (The Last Revelation, Chronicles), Duke Nukem Collection 1 and 2, and Roguecraft DX, an upgraded iteration of the remarkable turn-based roguelike launched on Amiga earlier this year. Duke Nukem Collection 1 encompasses exclusive remastered editions of the first two games and Duke Nukem 3D: Total Meltdown. Duke Nukem Collection 2 includes Time to Kill, Land of the Babes, and Duke Nukem Advance. Take a look at the discounted Evercade cartridge collections listed below:
Since 2020, over 75 Evercade cartridges have been launched, encompassing around 50 console game collections, 20 arcade game compilations, and 10 home computer cartridges. The table above showcases a delightful selection of 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit games from the three Evercade series.
You can have an in-depth view of the Evercade EXP-R handheld, VS-R home console, and the cost-effective Super Pockets below.
Evercade EXP-R Handheld – Tomb Raider Bundle
$105 (originally $130)
The Evercade EXP-R features a 4.3-inch sharp IPS screen with an 800 x 480 resolution. The 8-way D-pad on the EXP is excellent, along with the face buttons, triggers, and shoulder buttons. The ergonomics and construction quality are impressive, but it’s worth mentioning that it might not be easily pocketable—unless your pockets are spacious. The EXP-R dimensions are 7.76 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches. For sound, it includes a relatively loud stereo speaker and a 3.5mm aux port for wired headphones. A USB-C cable is included, and it lasts 4-5 hours on a single charge. Firmware updates can be accessed via Wi-Fi.
Among the six face buttons, two are situated beneath the D-pad for TATE mode, an alternative gameplay style for arcade titles with vertically aligned aspect ratios. You can purchase a dedicated grip for TATE mode separately, though it is seldom available on Amazon.
Although it primarily functions as a cartridge-based handheld, the Evercade EXP-R has a collection of over 10 digital titles that can be unlocked via the Secret menu in settings or by pressing specific button combinations on the home screen. A listing of hidden games and the method to unlock them can be found at Evercade Info Central.
Evercade VS-R Home Console – Tomb Raider Bundle
Generally, the Evercade VS-R mirrors the original system, but as a home console with multiplayer capabilities. It connects to your television or display using HDMI and showcases in 1080p resolution. The VS-R is equipped with two cartridge slots and four USB controller ports.
The package includes one wired controller, while extra VS-R controllers for additional players can be purchased separately. That being said, you likely already possess a compatible wired controller. If you prefer wireless controller functionality, we highly recommend the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2, which enables wireless compatibility for 8BitDo’s Bluetooth controllers as well as those made by Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, and various other brands.
Like the NES, the VS-R has an opening at the front that flips up to expose the cartridge slots. The VS-R contains even more concealed games than the EXP-R, with these additional titles—13 and counting—which can be accessed by loading two specific Evercade cartridges simultaneously.
Alongside the console, controller, and Tomb Raider Collection, the kit features a USB power cable and an HDMI cable.
Every title in Evercade’s extensive collection of classics and retro-inspired games supports save states and full button remapping. You can configure inputs on a hardware level in the home menu settings or for each game individually. You can toggle between three aspect ratios: Original, Full Screen, and Pixel Perfect. Additionally, you can add scanlines to replicate the appearance of a CRT TV, and there are a few bezel configurations for games that don’t occupy the entirety of the screen.
Evercade Game Cartridge Collections:
- View Evercade Console Series
- Browse Evercade Modern Indie Cartridges
- Explore Evercade Arcade Series
- Check Evercade Home Computer Series
For a portable variant of the Evercade, Blaze Entertainment’s offshoot hardware brand HyperMegaTech has released six different Super Pocket handheld devices to date. released a collection of handhelds dubbed Super Pocket. These devices have a vertical design reminiscent of the Game Boy Pocket. The Super Pocket features a 2.8-inch IPS display with a 320 x 240 aspect ratio. Every model comes preloaded with games from a particular publisher and is compatible with the Evercade cartridge library. The most recent additions to the collection, Neo Geo and Data East, debuted in July. The Neo Geo Super Pocket includes 14 games, featuring classics like Fatal Fury
Distinctive and Metal Slug X. Not surprisingly, the Capcom Edition has garnered the highest popularity in the US. It comes preloaded with games including Mega Man, Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting, Strider, Final Fight, and 1942. The Taito Edition is also worthwhile if you enjoy Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble, Puzzle Bobble, Space Invaders ’91, and other excellent pick-up-and-play arcade games.
Blaze Entertainment is set to unveil its third miniature arcade cabinet in the US on November 28. The first two cabinets–Street Fighter and Mega Man–have been nearly unavailable for purchase in the US since their launch last year. If you’re keen on a cartridge-based arcade device, it would be prudent to preorder.
The Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade features an 8-inch screen, two cartridge slots, a superb arcade joystick, and six buttons. Similar to the VS-R, it supports both wired and wireless controllers–the 8BitDo USB Adapter 2 is compatible–but is restricted to two players rather than four. If you seek a compact home arcade cabinet, I highly endorse the Evercade Alpha. It’s my favored home arcade device I possess due to its high-quality construction and the versatility provided by the cartridge library. The forthcoming Taito Bartop Arcade is themed around Bubble Bobble and comprises 10 preloaded games.
For additional gaming and technology discounts, explore GameSpot’s Black Friday hub.
Discover more about Evercade
- Peruse our Evercade Alpha review
- Peruse our Evercade EXP review
- Peruse our Evercade VS review
- Peruse our Super Pocket review
Subscribe to GameSpot’s Weekly Deals Newsletter:
Have a news tip or wish to connect with us directly? Email news@gamespot.com