Tomb Raider Evercade Bundles: Back in Action!

Good news for retro gaming enthusiasts! After months of limited availability at retailers across the United States, Evercade gaming devices are once again available for purchase on Amazon. You can now find both the Evercade EXP-R portable console and the VS-R home gaming system in stock. These units are being offered in special bundles that include the Tomb Raider I-III Collection, all available directly through Amazon for a price of $130 per bundle. Sporting a sleek charcoal gray color scheme with eye-catching turquoise highlights, these systems are a stylish addition to any gaming setup. When first released last holiday season, securing the Tomb Raider bundles proved to be a challenge. Complications related to US tariffs further constricted the supply, resulting in a $30 increase in price. While the highly sought-after Street Fighter and Mega Man Evercade Bartop Arcades remain elusive for now, you have the option to pre-order the Evercade Alpha Taito Bartop Arcade for $260, with its official launch scheduled for November 12.

Evercade is a line of retro-focused gaming systems that use physical cartridges, developed by Blaze Entertainment. Since 2020, the platform has expanded to include a library of more than 75 Evercade cartridges. This includes approximately 50 collections of console games, 20 curated sets of arcade titles, and 10 collections spotlighting games from classic home computers. While certain collections are no longer in production, we’ve compiled an easy-to-navigate Amazon resource where you can find each available cartridge collection at prices close to their original MSRP. While the selection is filled with memorable titles from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, some collections have even included standout N64 and PS1 titles, such as the initial Tomb Raider trilogy and the Legacy of Kain series. The platform also has updated versions of retro classics, such as Duke Nukem 1 + 2 Remastered. Other cartridge sets offer a selection of retro-inspired indie games, including the praised GBA-style platformer Goodboy Galaxy and Roguecraft, the new tower defense title created for the Amiga computer.

$129 | Available Now

The Evercade EXP-R features a vibrant 4.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 800×480. It excels with its responsive 8-way D-pad, comfortable face buttons, and well-placed triggers and shoulder buttons. The device offers excellent ergonomics and solid construction, though its dimensions (7.76 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches) may not make it ideal for smaller pockets. For sound, it comes equipped with a powerful stereo speaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. A USB-C cable is included, and the device can operate for 4-5 hours on a single charge. Software updates can be performed wirelessly over Wi-Fi.

Specifically designed for TATE mode (a vertical screen orientation often used in arcade games), the EXP-R has two face buttons positioned below the D-pad. While a dedicated grip for TATE mode is available separately, its stock status on Amazon tends to be inconsistent.

Besides its primary function as a cartridge-based system, the Evercade EXP-R also features a selection of over 10 digital games. These bonus titles can be activated via a secret menu in the system settings, or by inputting specific button combinations on the home screen. For a comprehensive list of these hidden games and instructions on how to unlock them, check out Evercade Info Central.

$130 | Available Now

In terms of core functionality, the Evercade VS-R mirrors the EXP-R but is designed as a home console with support for multiplayer gaming. It utilizes an HDMI connection to interface with your TV or monitor, displaying games in 1080p resolution. The VS-R features two cartridge slots and four USB ports for connecting controllers.

The bundle includes one wired controller, and additional VS-R controllers can be purchased separately for expanding your multiplayer options. However, it’s likely you already own a wired controller that is compatible. For those interested in adding wireless controller support, the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 is highly recommended, and currently on sale for $17 (down from $20). This adapter provides wireless connectivity for 8BitDo’s Bluetooth controllers as well as gamepads from Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, and numerous other manufacturers.

Mirroring the design of the original NES, the VS-R includes a front-facing door that lifts to reveal the cartridge slots. Notably, the VS-R has even more hidden games than the EXP-R; these extra 13 (and counting) hidden titles are unlocked by loading two specific Evercade cartridges at the same time.

The bundle provides everything you need to get started: the console, a controller, the Tomb Raider Collection, a USB power cable, and an HDMI cable.

Within Evercade’s extensive library, each classic game and retro-inspired title supports save states and extensive button remapping functionality. Input controls can be adjusted globally within the system settings, or customized on a per-game basis for a tailored experience. You can also select from three display modes: Original, Full Screen, and Pixel Perfect. Visual preferences can be further customized with scanlines that replicate the appearance of older CRT televisions. Several bezel options are available for games that do not completely fill the screen.

Explore All Evercade Game Cartridge Collections

For a highly portable alternative, consider Blaze Entertainment’s other brand, Hyper Mega Tech, and their line of Super Pocket handhelds. These compact devices are reminiscent of the Game Boy Pocket in their design. Each Super Pocket includes a 2.8-inch IPS display with a resolution of 320 x 240. Each edition is pre-loaded with games from a specific publisher and retains compatibility with the Evercade cartridge library. The most recent additions, Neo Geo and Data East editions, were released in June with a price of $70 each. You can also find the original Super Pockets featuring Capcom and Taito titles on Amazon for $60 each.

The Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade includes an 8-inch screen, two cartridge slots, a quality arcade stick, and six responsive buttons. Similar to the VS-R, it supports wired and wireless controllers (compatible with the 8BitDo USB Adapter 2). However, it supports a maximum of two players instead of four. If you are looking for a home arcade experience without taking up too much space, the Evercade Alpha is an excellent choice. Its premium build quality and the expansive game library make it a personal favorite. The forthcoming Taito Bartop Arcade version is themed around the classic Bubble Bobble and comes pre-loaded with 10 exciting games.

$260 | Coming November 12

Includes these 10 pre-installed games:

• Bubble Bobble
• Puzzle Bobble
• Space Invaders
• Cadash
• Rastan
• Elevator Action
• The FairyLand Story
• Growl
• The Legend of Kage
• The New Zealand Story