In a blossoming market of emulators and mini-consoles, the Evercade VS-R makes the radical choice of physical support. This console does not hide its ambitions, it wants to offer an authentic retro experience with real cartridges to insert, like in the good old days.
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The concept immediately appeals. Rather than offering yet another device full of ROMs of dubious legality, the British company Blaze Entertainment relies on official licenses. The cartridges bring together forgotten gems, independent productions and catalogs from long-gone studios like Data East or Technos. This approach fills a gaping void in the world of legal retrogaming.
The strength of the system lies in its accessible economic model. Between 20 and 30 euros per cartridge generally containing six to eight gamesthe quality-price ratio becomes really interesting. With the pleasure of keeping these games on a cartridge, coming in a box also containing instructions, the Evercade VS-R therefore responds to a real market demand.
Not as simple as back then
The experience unfortunately begins on a frustrating note. The box does not contain a power adapter or HDMI cable. Surprising for a home console in 2025. You therefore have to take out your wallet before even turning on the machine. This penny-pinching economy leaves a bitter taste and does not necessarily bode well for the future.
The choice of micro-USB port for power also surprises. At a time when USB-C is everywhere, this technical decision seems outdated. Sure, everyone has micro-USB cables lying around, but standardization would have made things simpler. A detail which perhaps reflects the manufacturer’s budgetary constraints.
At first startup, the console requests a WiFi connection to install firmware updates. Gone are the days of slipping in a cartridge to play instantly. This obligatory modernity breaks the desired retro charm a little.
Another disappointing surprise: no demo game is present in internal memory. The console remains silent without a cartridge inserted, not even a showcase title to discover the system. Blaze nevertheless offers a free game each month for download, a nice initiative reminiscent of PS Plus. Subscribing to the newsletter also gives access to an unlock code for a bonus title.
Cartridges that awaken nostalgia
Evercade cartridges arrive in old-fashioned cases, accompanied by real paper instructions. This care taken in the physical presentation will delight collectors. The manuals detail the controls and give some information about each included game. We find this pleasant feeling of unboxing a new game, one that digital has definitely killed.
The catalog offers unexpected gems. The four volumes of Toaplan compilations bring together around thirty arcade shoot’em ups, many of which have never left theaters. The Technos Arcade collection brings back rarities like Mania Challenge, not found elsewhere on modern consoles. These cutting-edge selections give meaning to the Evercade project.
The releases follow one another regularly, adding to an already substantial library. This dynamic reassures about the sustainability of the system. Blaze does not seem to want to abandon its console overnight, unlike other manufacturers who deserted the retro market after a timid launch.
Thinking for flexibility
The Evercade VS-R features two cartridge slotsa smart choice that changes the game. All games from both inserted cartridges appear simultaneously in the interface. No more constant going back and forth to change media. This hot-swap function even allows the exchange of cartridges with the console on, the interface refreshing in real time.
This double insertion hides some fun secrets. Certain specific combinations of cartridges unlock hidden games, rewarding collectors who expand their game library. A nice nod that encourages the purchase of new compilations. Easter egg hunters will appreciate it.
The four front USB ports demonstrate intelligent planning. Local multiplayer becomes immediate, in the spirit of gaming sessions of yesteryear. This generosity in connectivity deserves to be praised on an entry-level console.
Compatibility with the entire Evercade ecosystem is a major asset. The cartridges also work on the brand’s portable consoles and recently launched arcade machines, allowing you to invest in physical games with peace of mind.
A controller that does the job
The included pad adopts classic ergonomics which fulfills its role correctly. The grip is reassuring, the buttons respond frankly and the triggers offer good tactile feedback. The D-pad allows precise diagonals, crucial for action games and beat’em ups. Visually, the controller sports a successful design which assumes its retro inspiration.
The mapping of the A and B buttons follows Xbox convention rather than Nintendo, a choice that is unsettling at first. The old reflexes conditioned by decades of Japanese games come back to haunt the first sessions. Fortunately, the console allows you to fully remap the commands in the settings.
The ability to use other USB controllers adds flexibility. Demanding players can plug in their favorite pad without hassle. This opening avoids getting stuck with an accessory that would not fit. Appreciable freedom on a console aimed at enthusiasts.
In terms of emulation, what does that mean?
The Evercade VS-R relies on a modern emulator that does its job honestly. Display latency remains imperceptible to ordinary people. The games respond instantly to commands, a sine qua non condition for properly enjoying nervous titles.
The display options cover the essentials: original ratio, compact pixel perfect mode and full screen stretching. The latter hideously distorts the image, but exists for those who absolutely want to fill their TV. Adjustable scanlines help imitate the cathode look, although the effect is more convincing on a small screen. At 1080p on a large TV, these lines become rather distracting.
The system handles quick and normal saves without flinching. You can stop a game at any time and continue exactly where you left off. The pause menu gives access to all vital functions: restart, configuration change, loading. The interface equals modern emulators in terms of practicality.
Emulation covers generations up to the PlayStation 1, with a Tomb Raider edition console being available. The machine’s exact capabilities remain unclear beyond that, but the current catalog intelligently focuses on arcade and consoles that don’t require inordinate amounts of power.
A clear, but perfectible interface
The main menu is intuitive to navigate. Each game has a descriptive sheet that can be consulted before launch, giving the context and basic controls. This attention enriches the experience, especially for the obscure titles that we discover. Game statistics display time spent, number of sessions and loads. A pleasant follow-up for completionists.
Firmware updates are transmitted directly via WiFi, avoiding tedious manipulation of files on SD cards.
The shader options nevertheless lack finesse. We only get a binary choice between disabled and two fixed presets. A slider to adjust the effect would have made it possible to refine the rendering according to preferences. This limitation is disappointing when some emulators offer total granularity on these parameters.
And how much does this story cost?
At 110 euros with a controller and a game included, the Evercade VS-R is well positioned. This entry level makes legal retrogaming accessible without breaking the budget. Mini consoles from major manufacturers sometimes cost more with a fixed catalog. Here, the library grows as you wish.
Cartridges range between 20 and 30 euros depending on their contents. Compilations of six to eight games offer the best value, although a few premium cartridges contain only one or two titles, driving up the unit price.
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Building a complete game library obviously represents a significant investment. Around fifty cartridges already exist, with regular new releases. Fortunately, players can select only the compilations that interest them. This modularity avoids the forced purchase of games that you will never touch.
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