Evercade EXP review: a retro games console for a modern age

Evercade EXP is a retro arcade in the palm of your hand.

Evercade EXP review; a white handheld games console on a wooden table
(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

Evercade has been a favourite of mine for years and the Evercade EXP takes the handheld retro games approach and brings it bang up to date. The new IPS screen is bright and delivers a sharp 800 x 480 resolution, ideal for playing retro games on the go. The new TATE mode is an excellent option, though it can feel cramped, and the list of built-in games is superb – 18 Capcom classics come pre-installed and this new WiFi-enabled Evercade handheld hints at more games to come. The cartridge system ensures you have a collection of over 380 games to choose from, including classics from the heyday of the Amiga, C64, Atari and more. The Evercade EXP is a modern way to play old games, and I love it.

For

  • Fantastic screen
  • Excellent built-in games library
  • TATE mode is a good option

Against

  • TATE mode feels cramped
  • Cartridge slot is tight

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The Evercade EXP is the 'next-gen' upgrade to Blaze's handheld retro games console that enables you to play perfectly emulated games of yesteryear on new hardware. If you're after a retro arcade in the palm of your hand, the Evercade EXP is the closest you can get – it's designed for playing older games so performs far better than playing retro games on a smartphone, for example.

There's been a demand for better ways to play retro games for years, and you can find a rundown of the best retro game consoles for more ways to play. Generally these mini-consoles are designed to be hooked up to a TV, read my Sega Mega Drive Mini 2 review and A500 Mini review for more details on some of the best of this kind of retro games console.

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The Verdict
9

out of 10

Evercade EXP

Evercade has been a favourite of mine for years and the Evercade EXP takes the handheld retro games approach and brings it bang up to date. The new IPS screen is bright and delivers a sharp 800 x 480 resolution, ideal for playing retro games on the go. The new TATE mode is an excellent option, though it can feel cramped, and the list of built-in games is superb – 18 Capcom classics come pre-installed and this new WiFi-enabled Evercade handheld hints at more games to come. The cartridge system ensures you have a collection of over 380 games to choose from, including classics from the heyday of the Amiga, C64, Atari and more. The Evercade EXP is a modern way to play old games, and I love it.

Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.