Evercade EXP is the new console dedicated to retro-gaming that comes with an IPS screen and many other new features. Let’s find out in our review.
In recent years, the return of the retro-gaming flame has found concreteness in the proliferation of a series of consoles, more or less portable, dedicated to classic titles or in any case with a retro flavor. From Analog Pocket to Playdate via Nintendo’s Game & Watchplayers were able to rediscover (or depending on age, approach for the first time) the gaming legends on which the industry has built its fortunes.
Among the absolute protagonists of this “archaeological” mission there is certainly Blaze Entertainment, a company that after proposing Evercade in 2020 (here is our review of Evercade Vs) is preparing to launch a new version of the console which aims to bring together several generations of games in one portable device: Evercade EXP comes with a redefined design, reduced dimensions, an IPS display with improved resolutionlonger battery life, 18 Capcom licensed games incorporated and above all with support for over 380 titles from the most disparate 8, 16 and 32-bit systems, spanning four decades of videogame history. After putting it to the test for several days, dusting off memories buried for years, we are ready to tell you about Evercade EXP.
Minimal, compact and with an ace up its sleeve
As mentioned at the beginning, Evercade EXP features a revised and more ergonomic design compared to the previous version: the red finishes disappear in favor of an all-white color that accompanies more compact lines, for a rectangular shape that is softened by rounded corners and a general scaling with measures of 192.7 x 78.5 x 20.7mm.
The front shows off the 4.3-inch IPS display on which sides the controls are arranged: the right side houses the classic XYAB keyboard and a key to access the operating system, under which the Start and Select buttons are located; on the left instead the D-Pad – which takes inspiration from the historic SEGA Mega Drive – and two further AB control keys are positioned.
So let’s move on to one of the most significant design innovations of the console, namely the TATE mode: by pressing a button located in the lower part it is in fact possible to use it vertically, like a real Game Boy, thus taking advantage of the greater extension of the screen, a factor that is very useful especially with the most famous Shoot’Em Up .
Also at the bottom are the two speakers on the sides, the 3.5 mm jack, the USB-C charging socket, the volume keys and a signal LED that indicates the console’s charge status. The upper part is occupied by a double pair of backbones, by the door Mini HDMI for connecting to TV and the power button. The rear face is instead entirely dedicated to the air vents and the port for the cartridges which, once inserted, give the console a uniform appearance. In general, the construction of Evercade EXP is good, the materials chosen seem resistant and once taken in the hands it gives an immediate sensation of solidity. Something more could have been done for the front keys, in particular for the D-Pad – rather unstable – which could generate some small uncertainty on the input front.
Small note also on the TATE mode and on the balance: although the weight of the console is rather contained and the vertical use of the machine is very useful with certain games, the consequent shift of the center of gravity downwards, caused by the positioning of the dedicated keys, can lead to progressive hand fatigue, especially after long gaming sessions.
New specifications and many features
Evercade EXP has certainly benefited from the experience gained by Blaze Entertainment and is on the market with improved technical characteristics and a series of new features. The first and most important concerns the aforementioned display: the new 4.3-inch IPS panel sports a resolution of 800×480 pixels bright colors, a good level of brightness, a very wide viewing angle and a solid tempered glass to protect everything.
The 1.5GHz processor vouches for overall fluidity and shows no stuttering even with the latest 32-bit games. Finally, the 4 GB internal memory and the Wi-Fi 2.4 chipset they offer everything you need for future software updates.
On the “utility” front, we point out the 3.5 mm headphone input and the Mini HDMI output for connection to the TV, with a supported resolution up to 720p. There 3000mA battery it then feeds the console: with a 100% charge we were able to play intensely for more than three hours and by alternating the session with short stand-by phases we exceeded four hours.
For a complete recharge via the USB-C port, the console takes just over three hours: in any case, a convenient signal LED indicates the battery status by lighting up in green, purple and red based on the state of charge. Small (big) penalty: the power supply is not included in the package which must therefore be purchased separately.
The update of the technical specifications makes Evercade EXP a rather complete console, which does not show uncertainties from the hardware point of view and brings with it significant additions especially in terms of vision quality and connectivity. We can also tell you that even after several hours of use, the new arrival in the Blaze house does not show any type of overheating, maintaining the temperatures contained and constant even when connected to the TV.
Software and games
Among the most important news of Evercade EXP there is certainly the presence of 18 pre-installed games officially licensed by Capcom, some of which have literally marked the history of the entire gaming industry. 1942, 1943 And 1944 exploit the full potential of the TATE mode and accompany legends such as Bionic Commando, Captain Commando, Commandothe famous Final Fight, Forgotten Worlds, Ghouls n Ghosts, Legendary wings, MERCS, Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting, striders, Vulgus And Breath of Fireending with the historians Mega Man, mega man 2 And Mega Man X.
With the purchase of the console, a cartridge is included that collects some of the Irem branded productions for a total of six other titles: inside each cartridge there are the paper manual and some additional contents that bring back memories of the beloved old school boxes. In short, from the very first bars Evercade EXP offers hours and hours of guaranteed fun, thanks to real masterpieces of the past ready to be rediscovered or played for the first time.
If all that weren’t enough, Blaze Entertainment makes it available another 38 collections that contain over 380 games which span forty years of history and which have accompanied generations of enthusiasts between arcades, consoles and the PC. Finally, Evercade EXP guarantees full support for the cartridges of the previous version, further expanding the catalog of available titles.
Once the console is turned on, the operating system, simple and effective, places players in front of a home that allows access to the collection of CAPCOM titles: each of them is complete with a brief description showing the year of publication and the system of origin. There are also two other sections that refer to the “Secret Titles”, which can be unlocked by entering a few codes, and a “News” area which at the time of writing is not yet active.
To the left of the screen there are then a series of panels that refer to the contents of any cartridge inserted and to the options menu: the latter is connected to another screen that provides access to all the available settings.
In fact, the console offers the possibility to customize the aspect ratio of the display, setting the original specifications of the various products or, alternatively, taking advantage of all its breadth. In this second case, however, the use of the TATE mode involves a rather pronounced distortion of the image, so we are talking about a feature to be used with full knowledge of the facts. From the same menu it is possible to select many other parameters, from shadows to overscan, passing through the different side backgrounds, up to the complete themes for the interface. All settings and customizations are then accessible in-game by pressing the button reserved for the menus. The console also allows you to save the game at any time, and then resume from that exact point in the event of a game over or in the next session. In general, the user experience is pleasant, the software is responsive and the interface is simple and intuitive. The settings and in-game save features are also very convenient especially if you frequently switch to titles that look their best in portrait mode.
Evercade EXP Retro gaming Analyzed Version Evercade EXP
is a console dedicated to retro-gaming enthusiasts and in general to all those who want to rediscover the titles that have indelibly marked the history of the game industry. The experience gained with the previous version has allowed Blaze Entertainment to improve the design of the machine, making it more ergonomic. Also noteworthy are the improvements in terms of specifications, with particular attention to the quality of the display and Wi-Fi connectivity. No less important is the presence of 18 officially licensed Capcom games, the Irem cartridge included in the package, as well as support for 8, 16 and 32-bit systems. In short, for an expense of 149.99 Euros, Evercade EXP can become a valid tool for all nostalgics of times gone by, as well as for those who want to discover video game icons for the first time.
