Evercade, the retro gaming platform built around physical cartridges, is updating the EXP and VS systems it originally released in 2021 with new models: the EXP-R Solo and the VS-R Solo.
These refreshed versions of the EXP handheld and the VS console aim to simplify the product line while giving players more options where and how they choose to play the company’s many cartridge releases.
Evercade Forevercade
The most notable change with the Solo editions is that they no longer come bundled with a specific game cartridge. Previously, the EXP-R and VS-R systems included a cartridge, but as the name suggests, these consoles are being sold solo.
Evercade EXP-R Solo
This shift also helps reduce the cost of entry. By removing the bundled cartridge, Evercade can offer the hardware at a lower price point. This makes the systems more appealing to people who may have hesitated to jump in before or who want to give the Evercade experience a try without immediately dedicating themselves to the company’s releases and cartridges.
Same Same, but Different
Beyond the biggest visual change, a new NES-inspired colorway, the hardware itself remains mostly the same. The EXP-R Solo still features its 4.3-inch IPS screen, USB-C charging, and overall form design. The VS-R Solo will continue to support four-player multiplayer and 1080p output over HDMI. Both systems retain their compatibility with Evercade’s growing library of cartridges.
Evercade EXP-R Solo in TATE mode
While the Solo versions might seem like a small update on the surface, they are a helpful change for those tooling to simply dip their toe in the Evercade water. They adopt a new market strategy for the company, allowing gamers the ability to jump into the field of their consoles quickly with little other commitment to needing to buy new games or forcing them to purchase a new game alongside their new hardware.
By having more low-cost options and easy ways to jump into the retro handheld space, the community can grow to become more capable and diverse. the same diversity leads to more products, more access points, and more varied ways to play the games we all choose to love.
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