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

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Welcome to episode 18 of the Retro Gaming Dads Podcast. This week we will be talking about the latest addition to the Evercade family – the Evercade Vs! A new selection of titles heads to Xbox Game Pass, and we discuss our experiences with the Piepacker beta.

Click here to learn more about the Piepacker Kickstarter. This link is not an affiliate link but is tracked to let the guys over at Piepacker know that we sent you! You can also follow them on social media:

• Kickstarter
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Discord

Mentioned In Episode 18

• Evercade Vs
• Piepacker (Kickstarter Link)

The post Episode 18: Evercade Vs and an Early Look at the Piepacker Beta appeared first on Retro Ages.

Welcome to episode 72.  This week we will be taking a look at not one, but two, new Sonic trailers with the second trailer for Netflix’s Sonic Prime series and a prologue animation for Sonic Frontiers.

We also give our thoughts on a new mobile controller for Android phones with the Turtle Beach Atom.

 Evercade and Amiga partner up to bring classic Amiga titles to the Evercade range of consoles.  Plus Front Mission is set to launch in the West for the fist time with Front Mission 1st: Remake on the Nintendo Switch.

Finally we give our thoughts on Microsoft’s confirmation that they will adjust prices around the Xbox after the holiday season.

Mentioned In Episode 72

The post Episode 72: Amiga Partners With Evercade and Xbox Prices Set to Increase? appeared first on Retro Ages.

During the 8-Bit and 16-Bit eras especially, Sunsoft built a reputation for colourful graphics, fantastic music and games that often felt a little different from everything else on the shelf. Now, Evercade is giving players a chance to revisit part of that history with its first Sunsoft Collection. A cartridge bringing together six titles from across the company’s catalogue.

The collection spans multiple systems and genres, offering a nice snapshot of how varied Sunsoft’s output could be during the late 80s and early 90s. From action platformers to maze-based adventures, the cartridge feels less like a “greatest hits” release, and more like a celebration of the developer. The varied line up includes the following titles:

Arabian

One of the oldest titles included is Arabian, an arcade-style platform game that shows Sunsoft in its early years. It has that unmistakable classic arcade feel, with players climbing ladders, collecting items and avoiding enemies across colourful stages. While it’s definitely a product of an earlier era of gaming, there’s still charm in seeing where the company’s roots began before moving into more ambitious projects.

Blaster Master

The best-known game on the cartridge is almost certainly Blaster Master. Originally released on the NES, the game became famous for combining side-scrolling action with top-down exploration sections. Players pilot the powerful SOPHIA tank through dangerous environments while also leaving the vehicle to explore interior areas on foot. Even decades later, the game still stands out thanks to its memorable soundtrack and surprisingly ambitious design for an 8-bit title.

Blaster Master Boy

Arguably, its handheld counterpart Blaster Master Boy, is my favourite of the two 8-Bit release in the series. Despite its terrible name.

Released for the Game Boy, it focuses more heavily on maze-like stages and puzzle-solving while still keeping the vehicle-based gameplay intact. It’s a very different experience from the original but works well as a portable companion piece and remains one of the more overlooked games in the Blaster Master series.

Journey to Silius

Journey to Silius is another major highlight. Originally planned as a Terminator game before licensing issues changed the project, the final release became one of the NES’s most impressive action titles. Fast-paced gameplay, detailed visuals and an especially well-regarded soundtrack helped the game build a cult following over the years. With many retro fans still consider it one of Sunsoft’s finest releases.

Mr. Gimmick

Then there’s Mr. Gimmick!, a welcome re-release. This game has almost become almost legendary among collectors due to the high price of original cartridges. Beneath its cute presentation is a surprisingly technical platformer built around physics-based gameplay and extremely precise controls. It’s also one of the most visually advanced games released on the NES, showing just how much developers were able to push the hardware late in its lifespan.

Aero the Acro-Bat

Rounding out the collection is Aero the Acro-Bat, Sunsoft’s attempt at creating a mascot platform hero during the early 90s mascot boom. Released for the Mega Drive and SNES, the game mixes fast platforming with circus-themed levels and exaggerated cartoon personality. While it never reached the same level of fame as Sonic or Mario, it still represents a memorable part of that era when nearly every publisher wanted its own anthropomorphic mascot character.

What makes Sunsoft Collection 1 particularly interesting is how varied the lineup feels. Rather than focusing purely on the company’s biggest names, Evercade has included a mixture of well-known classics and more obscure titles that help tell the story of Sunsoft as a developer. For retro fans, it’s a chance to revisit some genuinely influential games, while newer players can experience a side of gaming history that’s sometimes overshadowed by bigger publishers.

As Evercade continues building its library of retro collections, releases like this help highlight just how many important developers existed outside the mainstream spotlight. Sunsoft may not always get the same attention as some of its contemporaries, but collections like this are a reminder of just how much personality and creativity the company brought to the 8-bit and 16-bit eras. What’s more, by not putting only the most popular Sunsoft titles on this collection they’re simultaneously showcasing some hidden gems as well as leaving scope for a volume two down the road.

The Sunsoft Collection 1 will release September 2023 and is available for pre-order from 21st July 2023. For more information about the cartridge and included titles, check the official Evercade page: Evercade Sunsoft Collection 1.

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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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• Mr. Gimmick
• Blaster Master
• Blaster Master Boy
• Aero the Acro-Bat
• Journey to Silius
• Arabian

The post Sunsoft Collection 1 appeared first on Retro Ages.