How much is the Evercade console? Evercade Console Review: Pricing, Value, and Is It Worth Buying?

The retro gaming market is booming, and the Evercade console has carved out a unique niche by blending nostalgia with modern convenience—all while respecting game licensing. But with multiple models and game cartridges available, how much does it really cost? In this guide, we’ll break down the Evercade’s pricing, analyze its pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right retro console for you.

Evercade Console Models and Pricing

The Evercade lineup includes handhelds and a home console, each with distinct features and price points:

1. Evercade Handheld Consoles

• Evercade VS (Home Console):

  • Price: $99.99 (base unit)

  • What’s Included: Console, HDMI cable, power adapter, and controller.

  • Focus: TV-based multiplayer gaming with up to 4 players.

• Evercade EXP (Premium Handheld):

  • Price: $149.99

  • What’s Included: Handheld console, built-in Capcom Collection 1 (18 games), and charger.

  • Focus: Portable play with a sharper 4.3-inch screen and ergonomic design.

• Evercade Handheld (Original Model):

  • Price: Discontinued, but available refurbished/secondhand for ~$50\text{–}$80.

2. Game Cartridges

• Cost: $19.99 per cartridge (each contains 3–20+ games).

• Examples:

  • Atari Collection 1: 20 games.

  • Namco Museum Archives 1: 11 games.

  • Indie Heroes Collection: 10 indie retro-style titles.

Total Cost of Ownership

To build a library, factor in cartridges:

• Starter Bundle: $150 (Evercade EXP + 1 cartridge).

• Enthusiast Setup: $250+ (console + 5–10 cartridges).

Evercade vs. Competitors: Price and Value

Why Evercade Stands Out

1. Legal and Ethical:
   Evercade partners with studios like Atari, Namco, and Interplay to license games. No piracy required.

2. Collector Appeal:
   Physical cartridges and box art cater to retro collectors.

3. Multiplayer Focus:
   The Evercade VS supports 4-player local co-op—a rarity in retro consoles.

Pros and Cons of the Evercade

Pros

• No Legal Gray Areas: Fully licensed games.

• High-Quality Build: Durable hardware with crisp displays (EXP model).

• Expandable Library: New cartridges released regularly.

• Family-Friendly: Great for multiplayer and younger gamers.

Cons

• Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive than emulation handhelds.

• Cartridge Dependency: Requires buying physical games (no digital downloads).

• Limited to Licensed Titles: No ability to add ROMs or fan translations.

Who Should Buy the Evercade?

• Retro Collectors: Love physical media and curated libraries.

• Ethical Gamers: Prioritize supporting developers and publishers.

• Families: Want a plug-and-play system for couch co-op.

Is the Evercade Worth the Price?

Yes if:

• You value legal, licensed games and want to support creators.

• You enjoy collecting physical cartridges with retro charm.

• You prefer a polished, hassle-free experience over tinkering with emulators.

No if:

• You’re on a tight budget (cheaper emulation devices cost ~$50).

• You want to play obscure titles or fan translations (Evercade’s library is curated).

Alternatives to Consider

1. Anbernic RG35XX ($60):

   • Cheaper, plays ROMs, but lacks licensing.

2. Miyoo Mini+ ($55):

   • Ultra-portable, supports custom firmware.

3. Nintendo Switch Online ($20/year):

   • Access to NES/SNES games, but limited library.

Final Verdict

The Evercade isn’t the cheapest retro console, but it’s one of the few that balances nostalgia, legality, and quality. At $150fortheEXPhandheld(or$100 for the VS home console), it’s a fair price for gamers who want a curated, ethical retro experience. For collectors and families, it’s a standout choice—just be prepared to invest in cartridges over time.

For emulation enthusiasts or budget buyers, devices like the Anbernic RG35XX offer more flexibility at a lower cost. But if you’re tired of ROM hunting and want simplicity, the Evercade delivers.