Blaze
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If the idea of an $1,800 Xbox that doesn't even run physical games horrifies you, I'd pick up an Evercade…
The Evercade Nexus offers a compelling alternative to prohibitively expensive next-gen consoles, providing a portable and affordable way to play physical retro games. While lacking some modern features, its commitment to cartridges and a growing ecosystem makes it a strong choice for players valuing ownership and approachable gaming.
The Evercade Nexus is Blaze's best retro handheld yet, but I wouldn't compare the physical cartridge champion to similarly priced rivals
The Evercade Nexus is Blaze's most advanced retro handheld, featuring a larger screen and dual thumbsticks for 3D games like Banjo-Kazooie. While it improves upon previous models and supports the full Evercade cartridge library, it retains some operating system quirks and lacks features like sleep mode and HDMI output, making it a strong contender within its ecosystem but not directly comparable to similarly priced rivals.
The upcoming C64 and ZX Spectrum handheld just got hit with a six-month delay due to quality issues
The upcoming clamshell C64 and ZX Spectrum handhelds have been delayed by six months, now slated for an April 22, 2027 release. The Retro Games Ltd and Blaze collaboration faced production issues that did not meet high quality standards. This delay does not affect the Evercade Nexus.
The Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller readies the cartridge-based retro console for early 3D gaming, even if it's not my outright favorite retro gamepad
The Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller offers a serviceable option for the cartridge-based retro console, featuring full-size analogue sticks suitable for early 3D games. While it lacks Hall-effect sensors and has a blocky design, its Bluetooth and wired connectivity, along with a fitting aesthetic, make it a solid choice for existing Evercade users.
The Activision Super Pocket is the cutest Evercade portable yet, but I wouldn't pick it over Banjo
The Evercade Super Pocket Activision Edition is praised for its attractive retro-inspired design, making it the best-looking portable in the Super Pocket line. While it features 34 built-in Activision classics like Pitfall! and Dragonfire, the reviewer suggests that models including games like Banjo-Kazooie might be more appealing to some players. However, its compatibility with Evercade cartridges makes it a viable option for those building a collection.
The legacy Evercade cart making a comeback is the Piko Interactive Collection 1, and it includes a "fan favorite…
Blaze has announced the re-release of the Piko Interactive Collection 1 for the Evercade retro console. This updated collection features 19 games, including the Sega Mega Drive RPG Brave Battle Saga, and boasts refreshed artwork. The re-release aims to make previously discontinued cartridges accessible to new and existing Evercade owners.
Blaze is bringing back a mystery Evercade cartridge that you may have missed the first time around
Blaze is re-releasing a legacy Evercade cartridge that was previously discontinued due to licensing agreements. The company announced that a collection of physical games will return on Friday, August 28th, with more details to follow. This move offers players another chance to acquire physical titles for retro handhelds like the Super Pocket and Evercade Nexus.
"Looks more like a Long Boi" - I accidentally created a Razer Game Boy using the 8Bitdo FlipPad, and its absurd length is actually great for TATE shmups
The 8Bitdo FlipPad controller, when paired with the Razer Edge handheld, creates an unusually long gaming device that excels at TATE mode shmups. While not compatible with all phones like the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, this "Razer Game Boy" offers a larger play window than the Analogue Pocket for vertical shooters.
The Evercade will soon run DOOM, and it's even getting its own limited edition Nexus handheld
Blaze is releasing a new DOOM collection for the Evercade on October 30, featuring the original DOOM, its sequel, and mission packs. A limited edition Evercade Nexus handheld with a DOOM-themed design will also be available for pre-order, limited to 3,000 units. The collection will also be playable on the Super Pocket handheld.
The Spectrum White Edition interview: ‘it smells the same as Christmas Day 1984'
Retro Games CTO Chris Smith discusses the company's mission to recreate classic 8-bit computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 with modern hardware. The Spectrum White Edition aims to capture the original experience, including programming capabilities, while offering modern conveniences like HDMI output and save states. Smith highlights the challenges of hardware replication and the importance of preserving gaming history for both nostalgic adults and curious younger generations.
The Game Boy Pocket is now 30 years young, and I'd thank it for today's retro handhelds
The Game Boy Pocket, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is credited with refining the handheld gaming experience and influencing modern retro handhelds. Despite lacking a backlight, its improvements over the original Game Boy, such as a better screen and slimmer design, set a precedent for quality-of-life enhancements that continue to inspire devices like the Steam Deck and Anbernic's emulators.
Blaze's affordable Super Pocket handheld has been hit with a price hike due to AI component demand, despite absorbing "rising costs across manufacturing, components, and freight for as long as possible"
Blaze has announced a price increase for its Super Pocket handheld and Evercade cartridges in the UK and Europe, citing rising costs for manufacturing, components, and freight, particularly due to demand for AI components. The Super Pocket will now cost between £59.99 / €69.99, and Evercade cartridges will be £24.99 / €29.99. Prices remain unchanged in the US due to recent tariff reductions.
Blaze announces the Super Pocket Activision, and there are some great retro classics on board
Blaze has announced the Super Pocket Activision Edition, a new handheld device featuring 34 classic Activision titles including Pitfall! and River Raid. The device, costing $69.99, also supports Evercade cartridges. Pre-orders are open for a September 28th, 2026 release.
The next Super Pocket is hoarding classic capers that are missing from the Atari version
Blaze announced the Super Pocket Activision Edition handheld, featuring 34 licensed '80s classics from Activision and rival Imagic, including Pitfall!, River Raid, Demon Attack, and Moonsweeper. This edition, priced at $69.99, sports a Pitfall!-inspired design and is compatible with Blaze's Evercade collection. The handheld is set to release on September 28.
Evercade creators Blaze dunk on PlayStation for ending physical using their own PS4-era mockery
Blaze, the creator of the Evercade retro console, has satirized Sony's decision to end physical PlayStation 5 discs in 2028. Using a mock tutorial similar to a 2014 PlayStation 4 video, Blaze highlights the importance of physical media for game sharing and preservation. The article argues that ditching discs limits game ownership and accessibility, contrasting it with Blaze's own cartridge-based ecosystem.
Yes, I know you want the Banjo-Kazooie handheld, but there's a Super Pocket flavor that could save you a few…
While the new Banjo-Kazooie edition of the Super Pocket retro handheld is appealing, alternative versions like the TECHNOS edition can be purchased for less and later combined with a physical Banjo-Kazooie collection. This approach offers a cost-saving opportunity for those not prioritizing the specific Rare branding or its included back-catalog.
The Super Pocket Rare edition reeled me in with Banjo-Kazooie goodness, but the retro handheld also boasts one of my…
The Super Pocket Rare Edition offers a compelling retro handheld experience, particularly for fans of Banjo-Kazooie and Solar Jetman. Despite its budget price and compact size, it successfully emulates N64 titles with impressive frame rates and includes a collection of 14 other classic Rare games. While some control customization options are limited, the ability to play Banjo-Kazooie on the go makes it a worthwhile purchase.
The C64 and ZX Spectrum are back as 3DS-style handhelds
Blaze and Retro Games Ltd are releasing new handheld consoles, THE64 Handheld and THE SPECTRUM Handheld, which resemble the Nintendo 3DS and are based on the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum microcomputers. These devices feature 4.3-inch screens, 25 built-in games, and micro SD card slots, with collector's editions also available. Both are set to launch in October.
I assumed the Atari Pocket Player Pro would be a modern version of my first ever crusty clone console, but it's…
The Atari Pocket Player Pro is a budget-friendly retro handheld that offers 100 licensed Atari classics, along with some 8 and 16-bit titles. Despite initial skepticism due to its resemblance to older clone consoles, the device features respectable buttons, a decent screen, and flexible power options via AA batteries or USB-C. While not a definitive way to experience Atari's back catalog, it serves as a fun and collectible casual option for under $40.
Evercade Nexus pre-orders are live, but I'm sad to say the fancy N64 edition is long gone
Pre-orders for the Evercade Nexus retro handheld are now open, with the limited edition Nintendo 64-inspired version selling out instantly. The standard black version, bundled with the Banjo-Kazooie Collection, is still available for $199.99. The Evercade Nexus features dual thumbsticks and a larger screen, making it suitable for fifth-generation games beyond 2D platformers.
