Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade Review – The Best And Most Versatile Home Arcade Machine

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for retro gaming, I find myself utterly captivated by the Evercade platform! Being someone who cherishes the nostalgia of old-school games and the simplicity they offer, the Evercade has been an absolute treasure trove.

These days, the idea of having an arcade at home has become more achievable due to the increasing availability of consumer-grade arcade cabinets like Arcade1Up. However, unless you have a large amount of free space and the means to purchase multiple cabinets, your home arcade might only consist of one or two machines. Unlike traditional arcades, you’re generally limited to a fixed selection of games, without the option to use your quarters to play different games when you feel like changing things up. Several cabinet manufacturers have attempted to address the issues of space and monotony by functioning as arcade platforms, but so far, this hasn’t been entirely successful. However, that could change with the introduction of one of the most impressive gaming devices in years: the Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve got my eyes on the Alpha arcade cabinet, officially licensed by Capcom and brought to life by Blaze Entertainment. This baby offers an authentic arcade experience in a compact design, all for just $250! If you grab it before November 28, you can even score a sweet $20 discount.

If you’re not familiar, Evercade is a collection of cartridge-based devices that made its debut as a handheld in 2020. Now, there are various versions of this handheld device, plus a home console version too. All Evercade devices have the same game library, so the Alpha model is launching with a vast assortment of more than 60 cartridge collections filled with arcade, console, and handheld favorites.

In this review, we’ll delve deeper into the comprehensive Evercade platform later on. It’s crucial to grasp not only what’s included in the package, but also the diverse hardware and software options you can buy separately. Although the Alpha may prompt associations with Arcade1Up, particularly from my perspective, it’s essentially akin to conventional systems such as the Switch or PS5.

Build quality: The alpha of compact arcade machines

The Evercade hardware consistently exceeds its price point, but even so, the quality, aesthetics, and overall feel of the Alpha model took me by surprise. Four rubber feet ensure it stays put on solid surfaces, and at a manageable 13 pounds, I found it effortless to play for extended periods while holding it on my lap on the couch. For those familiar with Arcade1Up’s countercades, the Alpha has a similar dimensions. It stands 16.1 inches tall (410mm), is 9.6 inches wide (244mm), and 12.4 inches deep.

Although it may not be large in size, the Alpha is undeniably an attention-grabbing tech gadget. I had the opportunity to examine the Mega Man edition, while Tamoor Hussain inspected the Street Fighter variant. Both versions showcase artwork reminiscent of their larger original counterparts. For example, the Street Fighter II: Champion Edition model exhibits a granite-like texture on its front, character panels along the frame, and logos on each side. The design maintains a minimalist style, but the solid blue finish harmoniously contrasts with the gray control deck’s speckled pattern. The Mega Man cabinet presents a more vibrant and whimsical aesthetic, featuring a collage of characters mimicking the cover art for Rockman Power Battle Fighters on PS2. A blend of blue and white adorns the control deck and frame, while character panels line both sides of the screen, taking inspiration from the Street Fighter model.

For each model, there’s a glowing sign displaying the same artwork as the initial version. The art panel is seamlessly integrated into the design that I wouldn’t have suspected it could be swapped out unless told otherwise. This additional customization detail is quite appealing, but unfortunately, three-packs of official marquee art are out of stock at Funstock. However, it won’t take long for Evercade fans to begin printing their unique designs.

Countertop arcade machines are often considered more like novelties than practical gaming devices due to their tiny screens and controls that aren’t conducive to gameplay. However, this device stands out, boasting an exceptional 8-inch HD IPS display that offers superior color accuracy, smooth performance, and wide viewing angles. This is crucial because the 4:3 aspect ratio suits a multitude of retro arcade games, classic console titles, and handheld games. In fact, the screens on Evercade’s handheld devices have always been better than you might anticipate for their price, and the Alpha maintains this high standard. Compared to Arcade1Up counterparts I’ve tried, the Alpha’s visuals are significantly more vibrant and rich.

The cabinet arrives already put together, snugly cushioned by custom foam padding to shield the wood. Before use for the first time, take off the protective layer from the screen and marquee. Be mindful when handling the edges, corners, and screws, as the “pull here” tabs may tear easily. My experience suggests that you might need to loosen some screws to carefully detach certain parts of the film. Although it can be a bit frustrating initially, the final outcome is what truly counts. After removing all the film, I found that the screen, like the rest of the construction, was immaculate. Such quality should be standard with new technology pieces, but I’ve bought several arcade cabinets before where the protective layer was already damaged upon delivery.

Beyond the stunning visuals, the premium control panel stands out as equally impressive. Both devices share the same design, merely differing in button colors and labels. Wisely, Blaze chose the bat-shaped stick for a more comfortable grip compared to ball-shaped ones. From a technical standpoint, labeling the Alpha as “competition-grade arcade controls” may not carry significant weight. Interestingly, the Funstock-exclusive Deluxe Edition sports top-tier Sanwa controls, implying these standard versions should be considered a step below. However, if I hadn’t known that beforehand, I would have assumed they were made by Sanwa due to their exceptional feel. It is not unusual for budget arcade cabinets or fighting sticks to have a “loose” joystick, which can create an inexpensive impression and input inaccuracies. Luckily, the Alpha’s stick is swift and tight, delivering a satisfying click on each input without issues like false diagonals or latency. I am eager to compare it with the Deluxe version sporting Sanwa components since the “competition-grade arcade controls” outperform those found in retail store cabinets.

The Alpha sports six face buttons arranged in two rows of three, offering a swift and responsive click without causing unnecessary noise or wobbliness. Reminiscent of high-quality components yet not identical to Sanwa, the buttons share a similar feel with the joystick. Above these face buttons, you’ll find three smaller ones: start, select/insert coin, and menu. One intriguing design aspect is the subtly textured, matte finish on the control panel. Most home arcade cabinets boast a glossy, laminate-like surface, but the Alpha’s control deck offers an added grip and stability that I hadn’t realized was beneficial until I experienced it firsthand.

For context on these comparisons, I have multiple Arcade1Up standing cabinets, an Arcade1Up countercade, the iiRcade (discontinued), AtGames Legends Ultimate, and two Quarter Arcades (with very tiny controls).

Third-party controller support adds versatility

Since multiplayer gaming is a crucial aspect of the classic arcade atmosphere, many full-sized arcade machines are equipped with at least two sets of controls. Arcade1Up has incorporated multiple control sets on certain countercades, like NBA Jam, but it can still feel crowded. Even standing home arcade cabinets might seem tight for multiplayer gaming on a shared control panel.

The Alpha adopts a flexible method for multiplayer, offering two USB ports on either side of the volume control, situated directly underneath the cartridge slots. Despite being in beta, the settings allow you to activate and customize USB controllers as needed. Besides proprietary controllers from Evercade, a multitude of third-party contenders such as DualSense, DualShock 4, official Xbox controllers (Series X|S, Xbox One, and 360), Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller, and numerous 8BitDo controllers can be used via a wired link. With certain Bluetooth adapters, wireless connectivity is also possible.

I’d highly recommend grabbing 8BitDo’s Wireless USB Adapter for $20. This versatile little dongle works for numerous platforms, letting you sync Bluetooth controllers to normally unsupported devices. It’s what I used to play Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch with my Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller. All of 8BitDo’s Bluetooth controllers will work wirelessly on Alpha with this dongle, including the best ones for retro gaming: the SNES-inspired SN30 Pro and the 8BitDo Pro 2. 8BitDo’s flagship Ultimate Bluetooth Controller will also work, but keep in mind that the dongle that comes with it for 2.4GHz wireless will not work; you need the separate adapter that’s designed for Bluetooth connections.

Third-party controller support also extends to fight pads and arcade sticks. 8BitDo’s Arcade Stick for Switch/PC works with the aforementioned adapter; if you want a wireless stick, this offers the best combination of price and performance. But heads up: The Xbox version of 8BitDo’s Arcade Stick will only work in wired mode, as it doesn’t support Bluetooth. As for even cheaper, wired options, Hori’s $50 Fighting Stick Mini worked well for me. There’s also the Mayflash F101 for $45 or F300 for $60.

In the heat of multiplayer gaming sessions, having an IPS display really shines. Its broader viewing angles make it more convenient for my kids and me, as cramming two people in front of an eight-inch screen isn’t exactly comfortable. Without IPS technology, the image quality would suffer when viewed from an angle, but thankfully, that’s not a concern here. Additionally, including two USB ports was a smart decision. Sometimes, during multiplayer rounds, whoever was using the onboard controls would block parts of the screen – a problem easily resolved by swapping them out for external USB fighting sticks and controllers.

Having controller support is a significant advantage for the Alpha, not just in multiplayer but also in other aspects. The Evercade library offers hundreds of games from consoles and handheld devices, most of which work well with joystick controls. However, the ability to use the Alpha as a compact home console with an integrated screen is an added benefit that makes it even more appealing.

User-friendly interface

Discussing compact gaming systems, the Alpha’s menu layouts and user experience are as streamlined and intuitive as those from Sega and Nintendo’s mini consoles. Since all Evercade gadgets share the same operating system and navigation structures, if you have an Evercade device, much of this will feel recognizable to you.

dark, light, blue and gold, neon, radon, and neo (a black backdrop with checkered squares). Clicking on a game brings up a menu showing information like the number of players it supports and default control settings (which you can customize). The games can be played from the start or, if you’ve previously saved your progress, you can jump directly to that point. This quick-loading feature underscores Evercade’s emphasis on easy, instant play.

In this interface, cartridge games are arranged in a dedicated section. Once you slot in a cartridge housing 12 distinct games, corresponding tiles will show up swiftly. You have the flexibility to sort these games either alphabetically or by their release date. When two cartridges are inserted, you can opt to keep the tiles separate or merge them into one large collection. Below the cartridge menu, Evercade’s Game of the Month is showcased, which you can download and enjoy for free with each monthly update. The only features requiring Wi-Fi are firmware updates and occasional cartridge patches; Evercade devices lack online multiplayer and leaderboards. Hidden within the interface are nine games, which can be unlocked through various means like entering secret codes or pressing specific button combinations.

Evercade emerged from a passion for enjoying and safeguarding physical game formats, and its library system is something I find intriguing enough to be embraced by other hardware producers. The library keeps track of the number of cartridges and the total count of games you possess (excluding preloaded), along with upcoming titles.

By standard settings, the Alpha console shows games in their native resolutions, filling the screen on the built-in games. However, if you purchase cartridges with games that have aspect ratios like 3:4 (vertical scrolling shooters), there will be black borders covering part of the screen. You have the option to replace these black bars with alternate borders such as game cover art. To enhance the clarity of dull or blurry pixels, you can switch to the Pixel Perfect display mode, although some people may find this too fussy while others might not mind it. If you prefer, you can also opt for full-screen mode which may result in stretched pixels. For those who appreciate the retro feel, you can add scanlines with varying intensity to simulate a CRT TV screen effect.

Sound customization is limited to master volume in games, but you can adjust BGM and SFX for the home screen. For such a small cabinet, the Alpha’s stereo speakers are plenty loud enough–too loud, if you turn it all the way up. Speakers are typically located on the front of arcade machines, but the Alpha’s speakers are on the sides. This could have become a design flaw, but the speakers efficiently disperse crisp, clear audio. The only downside to speaker location is that you won’t want to place the cabinet directly next to anything that could muffle the sound. As usual, headphones can provide an even better audio experience. Sadly, the Alpha doesn’t have Bluetooth, so you’ll need to plug headphones into the 3.5mm jack below the left cartridge slot.

Built-in Capcom Games

Despite the Alpha not being the initial Evercade device offering preloaded games, its distinct Capcom themes might make it challenging for some not to perceive these as Street Fighter and Mega Man arcade cabinets. Interestingly, these themed versions hold fewer Capcom games in total compared to the Evercade EXP, which came with 18 preloaded games and a plain design. However, arcade machines are seldom seen as platforms, and unless you’ve used a Neo Geo MVS, you likely haven’t experienced an arcade machine that accepts cartridges. Therefore, we find ourselves in relatively unexplored territory here, but the Evercade Alpha can be likened to a themed special-edition console. Some people purchase these due to their art celebrating their favorite game series, while others seek access to the platform itself.

For someone like me, a seasoned Evercade user with many cartridges, the included six games were just an added perk. However, for those fresh to the platform, these preloaded games might serve as the key selling point.

I think tying a purchasing decision to the built-in games would be a mistake, but let’s say that’s you: If the cartridge slots were removed from the Alpha, I’d probably only recommend this machine to big Mega Man fans. Emphasis on big because Mega Man: The Power Battle and Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters–the only two entries in the series developed for Capcom’s CP System arcade boards–are fun but ultimately forgettable experiences that are about as niche as it gets for a major franchise like Mega Man. These are truncated boss-rush games that play similarly to the mainline series, just without the platforming stages leading into the bosses. One cool thing is that they support co-op, which I had more fun with than solo runs.

As Mega Man arcade series only consists of two games, the remaining entries on the list are filled with various Capcom titles. Notably, the top picks from the Mega Man collection are Final Fight and Strider, which debuted in 1989 as part of the emerging CP System. Final Fight is an enduring beat-’em-up that continues to be enjoyable, while Strider was one of the early champions of the hack-and-slash genre. These games were later adapted for numerous home consoles, but these are the original versions.

Limiting the selection to Capcom’s arcade games fits thematically, but it can result in certain games feeling like abridged versions of console games from the same time period. Mega Man: The Power Battle exemplifies this, as I found myself yearning for a full side-scrolling stage instead of just boss battles that usually conclude each level.

Based on what my colleague Tamoor Hussain shared, playing the simpler arcade versions of Street Fighter left him yearning for the full gameplay experience.

If you’re considering a cabinet purchase mainly for the games, the Street Fighter edition seems more suitable. It offers an assortment of Street Fighter games and Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo, which is reminiscent of Puyo Puyo in terms of tile-matching games. The enduring popularity of Street Fighter 2 has led to its inclusion in many home arcade cabinets, whereas Mega Man: The Power Battle doesn’t hold the same significance. However, it’s worth noting that diehard Mega Man fans might still opt for it due to its unique appeal.

This device delivers a fantastic and authentic arcade experience for classic Capcom games, boasting impressive emulation quality. If you’re a fan of those original Capcom arcade titles, particularly the rare Mega Man releases from almost three decades back, then this could be just what you’ve been waiting for.

If you’re the proud owner of an Evercade device but stick to just the pre-installed games, you’re likely overlooking a multitude of gaming experiences.

The bottom line: Evercade Alpha hardware

The Evercade Alpha is remarkably impressive in terms of hardware. I find the control stick, despite not being Sanwa, to be exceptional, and the buttons offer a satisfying feel. Its eight-inch HD IPS display delivers vivid images with adequate viewing angles that make multiplayer gaming enjoyable for all parties involved. The strong third-party controller support allows for multiplayer gameplay and transforms the Alpha into a compact console with an integrated screen and operating system akin to Nintendo and Sega mini consoles. The device’s dimensions are comparable to contemporary game consoles, but it remains visually appealing due to its premium finish, vibrant artwork, customizable light-up marquee, and charming details such as the power button inspired by coin returns.

The Evercade Alpha carries a $250 MSRP, but an early-bird discount of $20 is available for those who preorder either model ahead of the Alpha’s November 28 release. For comparison, it costs $100 more than the most recent Arcade1Up countercades with three preloaded games. The Alpha has six preloaded games and supports over 500 overall. Beyond the superb build quality, expandability is the Alpha’s biggest strength. It also means $250 is the starting cost–unless you really do just want a compact arcade machine for a handful of Capcom classics.

As an enthusiast, I must confess that among all bartop arcade machines I’ve encountered, the Evercade Alpha stands out as a clear favorite, leaving others in its wake. The expanding cartridge library has rapidly transformed it into one of my cherished gaming gadgets, a title not easily bestowed on other home arcade cabinets.

The Evercade library

Each Evercade cartridge typically costs between $20 and $25. The number of games on each varies; some have more than a dozen, while others have only a few, with an average of eight. All cartridges come in chunky, retro-style packaging that includes instruction manuals. The library is divided into three series: red for console/handheld games, purple for arcade games, and blue for home computer games. Initially, the collection focused on themed carts from publishers like Atari, Namco Museum, Data East, and Interplay. However, it didn’t take long for modern retro games to make an appearance, such as the combo pack featuring the 2019 shooter Xeno Crisis and 2018 puzzle-platformer Tanglewood, both originally developed for Sega Genesis. These contemporary throwbacks have since become a significant part of the collection. Last year, a new GBA game called Goodboy Galaxy and the popular NES puzzle-platformer Witch N’ Wiz were released together in another combo pack.

Evercade successfully obtained exclusive remasters of the initial Duke Nukem games, and they’re quite impressive. For the first time, a collection of Duke Nukem games expanded Evercade into the realm of 32-bit games. Lately, the Tomb Raider Collection and the two-game Legacy of Kain series for PlayStation 1 have enriched the growing library of 32-bit games. Most recently, the Piko Interactive Collection 4 introduced 64-bit games to Evercade with a rebuilt Nintendo 64 platformer titled Glover.

On the gaming side, the library is stocked with timeless hits from Irem, Gaelco, Jaleco, Data East, Toaplan, Atari, and Piko Interactive. I’ve given both of the latest releases from Data East and Toaplan a try, which are launching alongside Alpha. If you’re a fan of retro shooters, they certainly don’t fall short. The vertical shooter games Truxton II and Vimana are fantastic, while I’ve also had a great time with the vertically scrolling action-platformers Out Zone and its successor FixEight. These games were new to me, which adds to the excitement of Evercade carts. You might initially be attracted by one specific game that brings back nostalgic feelings, but then you get to discover other games from the same developer for the first time.

Evercade Arcade Series Cartridge Collections:

• Data East Arcade 1
• Data East Arcade 2 | Releases Nov. 28
• IREM Arcade 1
• Gaelco Arcade 1
• Gaelco Arcade 2
• Piko Interactive Arcade 1
• Jaleco Arcade 1
• Toaplan Arcade 1
• Toaplan Arcade 2
• Toaplan Arcade 3 | Releases Nov. 28
• Toaplan Arcade 4 | Releases Dec. 12
• Atari Arcade 1 (Discontinued)
• Technos Arcade 1 (Discontinued)

A good number of Evercade games can’t be found on modern devices, which adds to their appeal as they bring back games that have mostly been forgotten in time. With over 500 titles in the collection, there are some less-than-stellar ones, but out of more than 40 I’ve tested, I haven’t come across a compilation I didn’t enjoy or find appealing for one reason or another.

Currently, the Evercade game library mainly focuses on console, handheld, and modern retro games. In the coming month, the arcade series is set to surpass 100 games with the launch of the fourth Toaplan collection, making it their 13th arcade cartridge overall. In contrast, the console series will offer 42 cartridges next month, including a new double pack featuring contemporary Genesis games Life on Mars and Metal Dragon. It’s important to note that some of the console series cartridges feature games commonly associated with arcades. For instance, two Namco Museum collections, which were part of Evercade’s initial launch lineup in 2020, include some of the most legendary arcade games: Galaga, Galaxian, Pac-Man, Dig Dug, and many others. Technically, these are NES versions, but they closely resemble the original arcade releases.

Instead of finding some classic console series games more comfortable with a traditional controller, I’ve discovered that numerous titles not originally designed for arcades work remarkably well with the Alpha’s joystick. For example, I’ve enjoyed playing platformers like Mr. Gimmick, Aero the Acro-Bat, Earthworm Jim, as well as modern indie games such as Full Void (a cinematic platformer) and Alwa’s Awakening (a metroidvania). Frankly, I never imagined that I would complete Duke Nukem Advance, a first-person shooter for the Game Boy Advance, on an arcade machine. While it may have seemed unlikely to you as well, it turned out better than anticipated.

Evercade is one big platform

The Evercade Alpha greatly profits from the extensive collection of cartridges developed for various hardware over the past four years. All Evercade devices feature the same library of games and operate on a user-friendly operating system. If you’re fond of the Evercade Alpha but prefer to play your games on a portable handheld device or on your TV, there are multiple options available, such as handhelds and a home console. Additionally, other Evercade hardware is significantly cheaper than the Alpha, making it an affordable choice for those interested in retro gaming through cartridges. In essence, you have several budget-friendly ways to explore this platform if you share this interest.

In response to the expected surge in demand for other Evercade equipment following the Alpha’s launch, Blaze unveiled the Evercade VS-R home console in August and scheduled the Evercade EXP-R handheld for release on November 29, a day after the Alpha. Both devices are updated versions of their predecessors, now available in black instead of white, and each priced at $100. As an extra perk, they come packaged with the Tomb Raider Collection, which retails for $25 individually.

The Evercade VS home console, launched in 2021, is essentially the same as the original white model, except it’s been tough to locate in the U.S. for more than a year now. Similar to the Alpha, it has two cartridge slots. It can be linked to your TV or monitor using HDMI and presents in 1080p resolution. The VS console comes with one wired controller, identical to the Alpha, but you can also connect additional third-party wired controllers and Bluetooth controllers by using the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter.

Initially, the EXP sold for $150, but after its release of the EXP-R version, it’s now priced at $100. This decrease considers two significant adjustments: Firstly, the mini-HDMI port has been eliminated from the EXP-R, meaning it won’t support 720p playback on a monitor or TV. Secondly, the 18 free Capcom games that came with the original EXP are no longer included in the EXP-R. However, the EXP-R introduces a new textured grip, potentially enhancing its existing ergonomics. The Tomb Raider Collection, instead of the IREM Arcade Collection, is likely to be more attractive in the EXP-R package.

I haven’t tested the EXP-R, but the EXP is a lovely portable device with a sublime D-pad and spacious 4.3-inch IPS display with 800 x 480 resolution. It’s also one of the best handhelds I’ve used for arcade games thanks to TATE mode: an optional play style where you turn the device on its side for games with vertically oriented aspect ratios, just as originally intended. To improve the ergonomics of this play style, Evercade is releasing the TATE Grip alongside the EXP-R.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share some exciting news about Blaze’s offshoot brand, HyperMegaTech. Last year, they launched their Super Pocket series of handhelds in collaboration with Capcom and Taito, and it’s been a game-changer! These pocket-friendly devices, priced at $60, not only support Evercade cartridges but also come pre-loaded with 12 Capcom or 17 Taito games.

• Super Pockets – $60 each
  • Capcom – 12 built-in games
  • Taito – 17 built-in games
  • Atari – 50 built-in games
  • Technos – 15 built-in games

All Evercade library cartridges work with the Alpha, EXP, and Super Pocket systems. However, the Evercade VS does not support the two Namco Museum collections. Since some of these cartridges are out of print, prices may be slightly above their original retail value on reseller sites. Fortunately, many Evercade carts can still be purchased on Amazon.

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2024-11-15 02:11