The Nexus introduces a range of long-requested features, including dual analogue controls, a larger widescreen display, and enhanced performance aimed squarely at more demanding retro platforms such as the original PlayStation and Nintendo 64. This announcement positions the Nexus not as a simple upgrade, but as a generational leap that expands the scope of what Evercade hardware is capable of delivering.

Changes for a ‘Modern’ Retro Experience

As Blaze has expanded the range of Evercade cartridges to cover not just the 8-bit and 16-bit systems but pushing into the 32-bit generation. We have seen this with titles such as the Tomb Raider Collection and Legacy of Kain Collection. It was clear that soon the humble Evercade would need an upgrade to handle these more demanding titles.

Firstly there’s the changes you can’t see, the ones lying just under the hood. The Evercade Nexus delivers a noticeable boost in power with a more powerful quad-core processor. There is also new wireless connectivity options, including the ability for two Evercade Nexus devices to play local multiplayer titles with only a single cartridge using EverSync. A feature reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance’s Single-Pak linking, but without the cables!

Moving onto the more noticeable changes, the one to most likely catch your eye is the new 5.89″ widescreen display. A significant step up from the 4.3″ screen found on the current Evercade EXP. This change reflects a broader shift in focus. While previous devices were tailored primarily for 8-bit and 16-bit titles, the Nexus is clearly designed with later generations in mind. PlayStation-era games and widescreen titles all stand to benefit from the increased screen real estate.

Controls that Matter

Then we move on to what could be the most significant addition to the Nexus – the inclusion of dual analogue sticks. A first for any Evercade device. Their absence on the EXP was one of the most common criticisms, particularly as the Evercade library began to expand beyond strictly 2D titles into the PlayStation generation.

The Nexus addresses that limitation directly. With dual sticks in place, the system is now better equipped to handle 3D games from the late 1990s and early 2000s, offering more intuitive control schemes and improved compatibility across a wider range of titles – which brings us onto another announcement almost as exciting as the new hardware…

Full Compatibility with Existing Cartridges

Despite its many upgrades, the Evercade Nexus remains fully compatible with the existing Evercade cartridge library. This includes hundreds of officially licensed games spanning arcade classics, home console releases, and modern retro-inspired titles. But to get your new retro cartridge collection off to a great start the Evercade Nexus comes with the N64 classics Banzo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie on a dual game cartridge.

For existing users, this full backwards compatibility ensures you can continue to enjoy the titles you already own. For newcomers, it provides immediate access to a substantial and growing catalogue.

Nexus vs EXP vs VS: A Clear Evolution

The Evercade EXP, released in 2022, refined the original handheld formula but remained focused on 2D gaming and traditional controls. The Evercade VS, launched in 2021, expanded the ecosystem into the living room with a home console built for multiplayer.

The Nexus, by comparison, brings those ideas together while pushing the platform forward. With its enhanced controls, improved hardware, and broader design ambitions, it represents a clear evolution rather than a simple iteration.

Blaze has positioned the Evercade Nexus as a premium handheld, with a launch price of £169.99 in the UK. While this places it above the Evercade EXP, the additional features and improvements reflect its expanded role within the lineup. There will also be a special ’64 Edition’ with an exclusive N64 inspired colour way. This version also includes a protective hard shell case and A3 poster for £189.99. Although like past versions of Evercade’s limited edition consoles this is limited to only 2,000 units and is likely to sell out extremely quickly.

We’ll continue to cover the Evercade Nexus as we approach its October release date. If you wish to pre-order you can do from Amazon using the link below. This is an affiliate link and using it may result in a commission being paid to us. This helps keep Retro Ages independent and doesn’t cost you a penny.

Amazon UK | Evercade Nexus and Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack

The post Blaze Unveils Their Most Ambitious Retro Console Yet appeared first on Retro Ages.

In episode 57 we take a look a the first wave of original PlayStation titles heading to Sony’s PlayStation Plus service.  Did they learn their lesson from the PlayStation Classic mini console?  We’ll take a look.  We also talk about upcoming retro hardware including the new Evercade EXP handheld and Sega’s next mini console.

MENTIONED IN EPISODE 57

The post Episode 57: Simon the Sorcerer Returns, Evercade Levels Up and Sega Announces New Hardware appeared first on Retro Ages.

In episode 64 Barry and Anthony discuss Sony’s recent announcement that they will be increasing the price of the PlayStation 5 in most territories. The final Xbox 360 Games with Gold title has been announced. Wonder Boy is getting yet another physical release. Finally, to celebrate our 64th episode we take a look back with out (limited) memories of the Nintendo 64.

Mentioned in Episode 64

The post Episode 64: PlayStation 5 Price Hike and We Talk Nintendo 64 appeared first on Retro Ages.

In episode 65 we have a hardware heavy show.  Barry and Anthony talk about the potential of Gamecube titles heading to the Switch, the Mega Drive Mini 2 has been unveiled for PAL territories and Microsoft run afoul of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority. 

Mentioned in Episode 65

• Sonic Frontiers
• Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Core Edition
• Microsoft Activision Blizzard Acquisition
• Mega Drive Mini 2 comes to Europe
• Evercade EXP
• Logitech G Cloud Streaming Handheld

The post Episode 65: Is The Gamecube Coming to the Switch? Plus Mega Drive Mini 2 Comes to Europe appeared first on Retro Ages.

Welcome to episode 75, our picks for the prefect festive gift for the retro gamer in your life.  In this episode we pick a selection of games, accessories and hardware just in time for the big day.

Please be aware that links to products may include affiliate links (denoted with a *) and purchasing from these links will not cost you anymore but may earn commission for the podcast.  Any commission earned will only be used to pay for podcast related expenses.

Games:

• Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration (UK | US)*
• Pokémon Scarlet (UK | US)*
• Pokémon Violet (UK | US)*
• Sonic Frontiers (UK | US)*

Peripherals:

• Xbox Wireless Controllers (UK | US)*
• PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller (UK | US)*
• 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 2 (UK | US)*
• 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Xbox Cloud Controller (UK | US)*
• Retro-Bit Mega Drive/Genesis Controllers (UK | US)*

Hardware:

• Retroid Pocket 3+ (Worldwide)
• Valve Steam Deck (Worldwide)
• The A500 Mini (UK | US)*
• Evercade EXP (UK | US)*
• Xbox Series S (UK | US)*

Mentioned in Episode 75

The post Episode 75: Festive Retro Gaming Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Retro Ages.

The new Evercade EXP (pronounced as EE-EX-PEE). Is a new retro gaming handheld that uses physical cartridges, and will be replacing the outgoing Evercade as the companies handheld offering. The EXP will include a dedicated TATE mode for vertically orientated arcade titles, complete with rotated A and B face buttons. As well as many other improvements over the outgoing Evercade handheld.

As well as the new TATE mode, the EXP also has a new modern design, built in WiFi, improved video out and a high resolution 4.3″ IPS display. It will also be compatible with all existing Evercade cartridges giving you access to 30 cartridges containing over 300 titles at launch.

Those who are interested in picking one up will need to wait a little longer. The console is expected to go on sale later this year, with pre-orders available in September. The handheld will retail for £129.99 ($149.99/€149.99) and will come bundled with the upcoming IREM Arcade 1 cartridge. This cartridge will contain 6 classic IREM titles including the classics R-Type and Moon Patrol.

For those looking for something a little bit more exclusive, Evercade has partnered with UK retailer Funstock to sell a limited edition version of the EXP. This exclusive black edition is limited to only 5,000 units and will come with a host of extras including an additional Toaplan Arcade 1 cartridge, posters, keyring and hard case. This edition will be retail for £179.99 and is already almost sold out at the time of writing.

Blaze will unveil bonus content for the handheld this September. Although no further information as to what this content could include be was offered during the show.

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