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.

The post Evercade Introduces the Evercade EXP With Support For Vertical TATE Mode appeared first on Retro Ages.

From 2028 onwards, all newly released PlayStation titles will be available exclusively through digital distribution. This brings an end to nearly 35 years of games being sold on discs. Existing physical releases will remain supported, but no new first-party or third-party PlayStation games will receive a physical release after the change takes effect.

The move reflects the industry’s continued shift towards digital gaming. With the majority of PlayStation software now purchased through the PlayStation Store. By removing physical production, Sony will no longer need to manufacture Blu-ray discs, game cases or retail packaging for new releases.

The decision is expected to have a significant impact on retailers and collectors. Physical games have long been popular with players who enjoy building collections, trading games or buying second-hand titles. With future releases becoming digital-only, those options will no longer be available for new PlayStation games.

Sony says the transition will allow it to focus on expanding its digital ecosystem while streamlining game distribution.

The announcement follows years of growing digital adoption across the games industry. The digital-only PlayStation 5 launched alongside the standard console in 2020. However, their competitor Microsoft’s Xbox has also increasingly embraced digital distribution. Nintendo remains one of the few major platform holders to continue strongly supporting physical releases. Although even Nintendo, who are traditionally slow to adapt to changing markets, are starting to follow.

For many gamers, the announcement marks the end of a tradition that stretches back to the original PlayStation in 1994. While digital gaming is the preferred choice for many players, physical PlayStation games will soon become part of gaming history.

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