Evercade's New Cartridge-Based Handheld And Console Restocked At Amazon For $100 Each

The Evercade EXP-R has a 4.3-inch high-resolution IPS display (800 x 480p) and the same form factor and button layout as the original EXP handheld. The D-pad on the EXP is superb, as are the six face buttons, two triggers, and pair of shoulder buttons. It charges via USB-C and runs for up to five hours on a full charge. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening and a fairly loud stereo speaker.

The EXP-R also supports TATE mode, which lets turn the handheld to the side to play vertical-oriented arcade games in the proper aspect ratio. Two of the six face buttons are located below the D-pad for TATE mode, while the other four are on the right side of the handheld in the conventional layout.

The EXP-R has a new textured grip not present on the original EXP, which retailed for $150. The price drop is nice to see, though it's worth noting that the EXP offered some added value in the form of 18 preloaded Capcom games, which are not present on the EXP-R. The original EXP could be connected to a TV or monitor via Mini HDMI; that port has been removed from the EXP-R.

The original EXP was bundled with IREM Arcade, a compilation of six arcade games including R-Type, but for many people the pack-in cartridge here is more exciting. Tomb Raider Collection includes Lara Croft's first three adventures. It sells for $25 separately.

Tomb Raider Collection isn't the only compilation of original PlayStation games for Evercade. Legacy of Kain Collection launched for $25 shortly after Tomb Raider's release. The collection includes Blood Omen and Soul Reaver, and both games play great on Evercade.

Evercade is releasing the TATE Grip alongside the handheld to offer better ergonomics while playing vertical-oriented games,. The grip comes in either white (matches the EXP) or black (matches the EXP-R). Current Evercade EXP owners may want to preorder one, as the D-pad and bonus A and B buttons for TATE mode are (understandably) a bit cramped. The grip looks like it will make a big difference in comfort. Unfortunately, the grip was delayed, and Amazon's listing has a placeholder release date of March 31.

The VS-R, meanwhile, is a home console that can connect to your TV and supports 1080p output. The VS-R includes one controller, and additional VS-R controllers can be purchased separately for $25 each. Like the VS, the VS-R has two cartridge slots, and there are exclusive secrets to be found by utilizing this feature on either home console. Outside of the refreshed look, the VS-R is the same console with the same feature set as the original VS.

It's worth noting that a wide assortment of third-party wired controllers work with the VS. If you'd prefer a wireless connection, one extremely handy device to have is 8BitDo's Wireless USB Adapter 2. This will allow you to connect many different Bluetooth-enabled controllers to the VS-R--and the recently released Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade--including every Bluetooth controller we've tried made by 8BitDo.

Our top picks for wireless controllers on Evercade home consoles would be 8BitDo's SNES-inspired SN30 Pro and 8BitDo's Pro 2, which has modern controller handles and remappable back buttons.