Evercade raises the stakes with a new 64 bit handheld the NEXUS
Blaze Entertainment, the British company behind the beloved Evercade retro gaming ecosystem, has just unveiled its most ambitious handheld yet, the Evercade Nexus. Announced today, the Nexus marks a significant leap forward for the platform, bringing dual analogue sticks, a near-6-inch display, and full support for 32 and 64-bit games to the Evercade family for the very first time.
The Nexus features a 5.89" IPS display, a substantial upgrade over the 4.3" screen on its predecessor. The panel pushes past 500 nits of brightness, making it the largest and brightest screen ever put into an Evercade handheld.
Perhaps the most significant hardware addition is the inclusion of dual analogue sticks, a first for the Evercade lineup. This not only enables analogue control in existing compatible games, but also opens the door to dual-analogue titles going forward, massively expanding the number of games the platform can emulate faithfully.
Other hardware highlights include a quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, WiFi 6 support, front-facing stereo speakers, wireless headphone support, a 5,000mAh battery rated for 5+ hours of play, and a customisable RGB light-up logo. The console measures 215mm x 111mm x 34mm and weighs 410g.
Every Evercade Nexus ships with the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack cartridge right in the box. Both Rare classics have been specifically customised for the console, featuring performance and graphical improvements including widescreen support, an overhauled camera with twin-stick support, D-Pad control support, and unlockable content. No downloads, no codes, you own the games physically, complete with a full-colour manual.
EverSync: Local Multiplayer, No Internet Required
The Nexus introduces a brand-new feature called EverSync. This allows Nexus users to share games they own wirelessly with other players, meaning only one cartridge is needed for multiplayer. The connection is made directly between Evercade Nexus consoles, requiring no WiFi or internet connection. It's a clever, consumer-friendly approach to local co-op gaming on the go.
The console also includes a dedicated TATE Mode button, allowing vertical arcade-style games to be played in their correct portrait orientation, a feature carried over from previous Evercade devices and appreciated by arcade purists.
Despite the hardware leap, the Nexus uses the same cartridge format as all previous Evercade devices. It is fully compatible with the more than 80 Evercade cartridges already released since 2020, covering a total of over 700 retro games, including collections from Rare, Tomb Raider, Legacy of Kain, Taito, NeoGeo, Activision, Turrican, and many more.
Pricing, Pre-Orders and Release Date
The Evercade Nexus is set to arrive in October 2026. The Standard Edition is priced at £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99 and pre-orders open on April 1st. It includes the console, the Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack, a USB-C charging cable, and a quick start guide.
For collectors, there is also the Evercade Nexus 64 Edition, a Funstock exclusive limited to just 2,000 units. It features a colour scheme inspired by the Nintendo 64 controller buttons and includes everything in the standard edition plus a Hard Shell EVA Case, a screen protector pack, an exclusive poster, and a numbered certificate of authenticity. It is priced at £189.99 / $229.99 / €229.99 and pre-orders are live now at Funstock.co.uk and FunstockUSA.com.
Alongside the Nexus, Blaze has also announced a new Evercade Wireless Controller for use with the VS, VS-R, and Alpha home consoles. Featuring analogue sticks, it connects via a wireless USB dongle and charges via USB-C, making 32 and 64-bit gaming on the TV setup much more comfortable.
Blaze CEO Andrew Byatt summed it up well, stating that since launching Evercade in 2020, they've built a passionate community that values physical experiences, gaming history, and classic games, and that the Nexus is the result of six years of listening and learning.
With the Nexus, Evercade isn't just iterating, it's genuinely levelling up. The combination of dual analogue sticks, a gorgeous big screen, backwards compatibility with the full existing library, and the inclusion of two beloved 64-bit classics right out of the box makes this one of the most exciting retro handheld announcements in years. If you've been on the fence about the Evercade ecosystem, this might finally be the one that tips you over.
Pre-orders for the Standard Edition open April 1st. The limited 64 Edition is available now at Funstock while stock lasts.
