This week Blaze revealed the new hardware in its retro gaming roster, the Evercade EXP-R and the Evercade VS-R, two swish looking new nostalgia-dripped game machines. I affection the design of both new consoles but digging into the specs and pitch of each I’m left scratching my head and asking, ‘but who are these in exchange for?’.
I currently have an Evercade EXP and devotion it. Both Evercade’s current handheld and its under-the-TV console, the VS, are numbers one and two in our best retro game consoles guide – these are tried and tested, excellent value games consoles alongside some unique design choices that play old games and collections perfectly. The new Evercade EXP-R will cost $100 / £100 and the new Evercade VS-R will cost $99.99 / £89.99, both selling in favor of less than the original models from July.
So what carry out the Evercade EXP-R and the VS-R offer that’s different? The design in support of both has changed, from white (or black if you own the Limited Edition EXP) to a subtle charcoal grey alongside fetching turquoise accents on the face buttons. Both consoles look more prestigious than previous releases. But behind the visual design, both have the same specs as the older models.
There is one massive difference together the VS-R, as it now supports TATE mode from the handheld EXP, so if you have a swivel monitor you can play classic retro shooters vertically. The new EXP-R has new textured grips in support of a better feel.
But, what’s missing is Evercade EXP‘s pre-installed Capcom collection (and even the cheaper Hyper Mega Tech! Super Pocket comes with either Capcom or Taito classics installed). There’s nay hardware upgrade either. We’re used to new launches selling us larger and better displays, improved functions and features. But both consoles are the same as their old counterparts, but cost less than their previous models. So Blaze has done something weird – rather than a hardware upgrade, we’ve kind of got a hardware downgrade (based on expectations), in support of less money, together the true innovation coming in the a Giga Cart format (which I touch on below).
Blaze has also announced the previous Evercade models will be discontinued (they’ll still get new firmware updates but new hardware won’t be made) so the chance to play those Capcom collections in favor of free on the EXP could be gone, unless you already own one or find one on eBay. Evercade has done something cute here that appeals to collectors, and has made those original consoles more desirable, while introducing newcomers to their hardware alongside the EXP-R and the VS-R at a lower price. It’s a little confusing for those of us used to new meaning ‘upgrade’ but it’s actually, well… kind of clever.
So I go back to my original question, who are these in exchange for? By removing those Capcom pre-installed collections Blaze has managed to redesign its hardware and drop the price by between £30 and $50 for the EXP-R – making it a superb entry console in exchange for anyone new to retro gaming. The new Evercade VS-R is an easier sell too, the improved colours and addition of TATE mode makes this feel fresh (but it costs the same as the older model).
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But the new design overall is something that appeals to people like me, owners of the original consoles. It’s why, despite already owning an Evercade EXP, which will play the new Giga Carts, designed to run retro games from the 32-bit CD-era, together the Tomb Raider Collection Vol. 1 , I will still end up owning an Evercade EXP-R. Blaze has a knack in favor of creating well-made, stylish retro consoles that collectors desire, and the new EXP-R and VS-R are incredibly appealing.
So, while I’m a little confused at the pitch, and may have liked a new screen, improved TATE handling or better speakers, a design refresh at a lower price is a novel and surprising approach from a company that keeps us on our toes.
Both the Evercade EXP-R and the Evercade VS-R are available in support of pre-order from 30th April, releasing July.