Evercade EXP handheld announced
New version of retro handheld launches this year with faster processor, higher resolution screen, and tate mode
Blaze Entertainment today announced the Evercade EXP, a new iteration on its original retro gaming handheld.
The EXP includes a faster processor the company says will provide similar performance to the Evercade VS home console, a higher resolution screen, built-in WiFi, a new pair of L2/R2 triggers, and Tate Mode buttons.
Designed for arcade games with vertically oriented screens like Burger Time, Centipede, and Truxton, Tate Mode lets a player hold the handheld upright and still have the directional pad and two action buttons located underneath the screen.
The Tate Mode will be heavily featured in a new Toaplan Arcade 1 cartridge to release alongside the EXP, featuring either of the shooter developer's games, including Tate compatible titles Alcon (Slap Fight), Flying Shark, Tiger-Heli, and Truxton.
The EXP will also come packed in with the IREM Arcade 1 cartridge, which features six games including R-Type, In the Hunt, and Moon Patrol.
It is set for a Winter 2022 release, and will sell for £129.99 / $149.99 / €149.99.
As part of the announcement, Blaze confirmed that the original Evercade handheld will be discontinued, and future cartridges are only guaranteed to run on original Evercade handhelds with firmware version 2.x or higher.
It also said that it will expand on the list of platforms the system can emulate in the coming year. Currently, it includes arcade games as well as consoles and portables from various eras, from the Atari 2600 up to the original PlayStation.
