The concept of having an arcade in your own home is becoming more achievable with consumer-grade cabinets like Arcade1Up leading the way. However, the limitation of space and costs can make it challenging to bring the full arcade experience home. This is where the Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade comes in, offering one of the best pieces of gaming hardware in recent years to solve these issues.
Officially licensed by Capcom and created by Blaze Entertainment, the Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade provides an authentic arcade experience with full-size controls in a compact form factor for a reasonable price of $250. Additionally, there is a $20 discount available for pre-orders before the November 28 release date. The Alpha comes in two models, each preloaded with six games, including popular titles like Mega Man: The Power Battle and Street Fighter II: Champion Edition. What sets the Alpha apart is its compatibility with the extensive Evercade library, which features over 60 cartridge collections with classic arcade, home console, and handheld games.
Exploring the Evercade Platform
For those unfamiliar with Evercade, it is a line of cartridge-based hardware that initially launched as a handheld in 2020. Since then, multiple iterations of handhelds and a home console have been released, all sharing the same extensive game library. The Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade serves as a versatile gaming platform that offers not just the preloaded games but also access to the wide range of hardware and software options available in the Evercade ecosystem.
While comparisons to Arcade1Up are inevitable, the Evercade Alpha is more akin to traditional consoles like the Switch and PS5. The Alpha is not just a countertop version of a specific arcade cabinet but a comprehensive arcade platform that includes a variety of games to cater to different preferences.
Build Quality: A Compact Powerhouse
The Evercade Alpha boasts impressive build quality, featuring a sturdy construction and compact design that makes it suitable for home use. The arcade cabinet comes pre-assembled and offers a vibrant and eye-catching design inspired by popular Capcom franchises like Mega Man and Street Fighter. With full-size controls and a light-up marquee, the Alpha stands out as a premium gaming device that enhances the overall gaming experience.
The standout feature of the Alpha is its impressive eight-inch HD IPS display, providing a visually striking experience with vibrant colors and smooth performance. The cabinet also features high-quality arcade controls with a bat-top stick and responsive buttons, offering a satisfying gaming experience.
Enhanced Multiplayer and Controller Support
One of the key strengths of the Evercade Alpha is its versatile multiplayer capabilities, allowing for seamless gaming experiences with support for two players. The inclusion of USB ports enables easy connectivity for various third-party controllers, offering flexibility and customization for multiplayer gaming sessions.
For users looking to enhance their gaming experience further, third-party controller support extends to fight pads and arcade sticks, providing a wide range of options to suit individual preferences. With the ability to connect wireless controllers via Bluetooth, the Alpha offers enhanced versatility for multiplayer and single-player gaming.
Intuitive User Interface
The user-friendly interface of the Evercade Alpha ensures a seamless navigation experience, reminiscent of classic mini consoles from Sega and Nintendo. The device boots up quickly and presents a clear menu system that allows for easy access to preloaded games and cartridge collections. With features like save states and game details, the Alpha prioritizes convenience and accessibility for players.
Cartridge-based games are easily accessible via a dedicated menu, offering efficient organization and customization options for players. The console’s menu system is well-designed and intuitive, providing a hassle-free gaming experience for users.
Evercade Library: A Diverse Gaming Collection
The Evercade library boasts a wide range of classic and modern games, offering a diverse collection to cater to all gaming preferences. With over 500 games available across various cartridge collections, the Evercade platform provides access to unique titles that may not be found on other contemporary devices.
From iconic arcade classics to modern retro games, the Evercade library continues to expand with new releases and exclusive titles. The platform’s commitment to preserving physical media and offering a curated selection of games sets it apart as a comprehensive retro gaming solution for enthusiasts.
Evercade Alpha: The Ultimate Gaming Device?
With its premium build quality, extensive game library, and versatile gameplay options, the Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade stands out as a top-tier gaming device for retro gaming fans. The device’s compatibility with the Evercade ecosystem, coupled with its impressive hardware capabilities, makes it a compelling choice for gamers looking to experience the nostalgia of classic arcade games.
Overall, the Evercade Alpha offers a blend of retro charm and modern convenience, making it a standout option for arcade enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. With its expanding library and versatile gameplay features, the Alpha presents a compelling gaming experience that is sure to delight fans of classic gaming.
Disclosure: Blaze Entertainment provided GameSpot with review samples of both Evercade Alpha models to test for this review.