Evercade is expanding its cartridge-based gaming lineup with a brand-new handheld called the Evercade Nexus, and it’s shaping up to be the company’s most ambitious portable yet. Designed in a horizontal layout and built around Evercade’s growing ecosystem of physical game cartridges, the Nexus targets players who want a modern handheld experience without giving up the charm (and collectability) of swapping real carts.
The Evercade Nexus features a 5.89-inch IPS display with an 840 × 512 resolution and brightness rated at over 500 nits, making it easier to play in brighter environments than many retro-style handhelds. Inside, it runs on a 1.5GHz quad-core processor paired with a 5,000mAh battery, aiming for dependable performance and playtime for classic and curated collections.
Control-wise, Evercade is leaning into comfort and versatility. The Nexus includes symmetric analog thumbsticks, a floating disc D-Pad, and stacked shoulder buttons with triggers and bumpers—an ergonomic setup that should feel familiar to players coming from modern console controllers. Stereo front-facing speakers are also onboard, which can help keep audio clear without muffling it in your hands during play.
One of the standout additions is dedicated TATE mode support, aimed squarely at fans of vertical classic shooters. Beneath the screen you’ll find four pill-shaped buttons for key functions, including Select, Start, and a dedicated button to switch into TATE mode (vertical orientation). It’s a small touch that signals Evercade is thinking about arcade-style gameplay habits, not just general retro nostalgia.
Evercade is also giving the Nexus a bit of personality with a customizable RGB NEXUS logo positioned between those pill-shaped buttons. For players who like their handhelds to feel more personal—or simply want the device to stand out on a desk or shelf—this kind of lighting customization adds modern flair without changing the core retro mission.
Connectivity and ports are equally up to date. The Evercade Nexus includes Wi‑Fi 6, USB‑C, and a standard audio jack, covering the basics whether you’re charging, using headphones, or handling other accessories.
A major new feature debuting on the Nexus is EverSync, built specifically for local multiplayer. The idea is simple: connect two Nexus handhelds together for multiplayer gaming without needing an internet connection. Insert a cartridge, host the game on one device, and another Nexus can join in locally. It’s a modern solution for couch-style multiplayer that fits the handheld format—and could be a big draw for players who miss easy local play.
Two versions of the handheld are on the way. The standard Evercade Nexus arrives in black, while a limited model called the Evercade Nexus 64 Edition adds a more collector-focused look with a silver D-Pad, thumbsticks, and shoulder buttons, plus red pill-shaped buttons and colorful ABXY buttons in blue, green, and yellow. Only 2,000 units of the 64 Edition will be produced, and it also includes bonus items not sold separately: a PVA hard case, a glass screen protector, an exclusive poster, and a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Pre-orders for the Evercade Nexus begin on April 1, but the handheld itself won’t release until October 2026. Pricing for the standard version is set at £169.99 in the UK, $199.99 in the US, and €199.99 in Europe. The Evercade Nexus 64 Edition costs £189.99 / $229.99 / €229.99 and will be sold exclusively through Funstock in the UK and USA.
Both versions include a Banjo-Kazooie Double Pack cartridge featuring Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, giving buyers an instant library highlight right out of the box. With a larger screen, modern hardware, TATE mode support, EverSync local multiplayer, and cartridge compatibility at its core, the Evercade Nexus looks set to become a key handheld for players who want physical retro gaming with current-day conveniences.
