Rediscovering Retro: The Rise of Evercade and Its Game Library

In an era where high-definition graphics and expansive open-world games dominate the gaming landscape, there’s a growing desire for simpler, nostalgic experiences that harken back to the golden age of gaming. Enter Evercade—a modern take on classic gaming that’s been capturing the hearts of retro enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.

What is Evercade?

Evercade is a family of handheld and home gaming consoles developed by Blaze Entertainment. Unlike digital-only retro collections or mini consoles loaded with a fixed library, Evercade distinguishes itself by offering cartridge-based gaming in the 2020s—a rare and refreshing approach in today’s digital-first environment.

The original Evercade Handheld launched in 2020, followed by the Evercade VS home console in 2021. In December 2022, Blaze introduced the Evercade EXP, an enhanced handheld console that refines the original experience with improved features. These devices are all compatible with the same library of multi-game cartridges, many of which feature titles from legendary publishers.

The Evercade Game Library

At the heart of Evercade’s appeal is its expanding collection of officially licensed cartridges. Each cartridge typically includes between 2 and 20+ games and comes in a sleek clamshell case, complete with a full-color manual—an old-school touch that collectors appreciate.

The Evercade library spans several genres, eras, and platforms, including:

  • Arcade Classics: Games from Namco, Data East, Atari, and Technōs. Think Pac-Man, BurgerTime, Double Dragon, and Galaga—all officially licensed and emulated with care.
  • Home Console Gems: Collections from 8-bit and 16-bit systems, including NES, SNES, Genesis/Mega Drive, and more obscure platforms like the Atari Lynx and Intellivision.
  • Indie and Homebrew Titles: The “Indie Heroes” and “Home Computer” collections showcase modern developers creating retro-style games, along with ports of forgotten gems from platforms like the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amiga.
  • Hidden Treasures: Evercade has also brought attention to lesser-known classics and region-locked games that never received a proper Western release, giving them new life on modern hardware.

Why Gamers Love Evercade

  1. Physical Media: For gamers tired of digital storefronts and disappearing licenses, Evercade’s physical cartridges provide a sense of permanence and ownership.
  2. Preservation: By licensing games properly, Blaze Entertainment is helping preserve gaming history in a respectful and playable way.
  3. Curation and Quality: The collections are carefully selected and tested, with attention to emulation accuracy, user interface polish, and collector appeal.
  4. Affordable Entry Point: The consoles and cartridges are priced accessibly, making it a great way to dive into retro gaming without breaking the bank.

What’s Next?

Blaze continues to expand the Evercade universe with regular cartridge releases, new hardware updates, and growing partnerships with publishers. The recently announced Evercade Alpha—a home arcade-style cabinet—signals even more retro experiences to come.

For collectors, retro fans, or younger players curious about gaming’s roots, Evercade is more than a nostalgic novelty—it’s a bridge between eras, proving that good games truly are timeless.