Blaze Entertainment Blaze Evercade EXP-R und vs Blaze Entertainment Blaze Evercade VS-R Solo: Spec Comparison
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This blaze entertainment blaze evercade exp r und vs blaze evercade vs r comparison highlights two dedicated cartridge-based retro systems from the same platform family. Both devices use physical Evercade cartridges to run classic game compilations. The primary difference is the hardware format. The EXP-R is a self-contained portable handheld with built-in controls and vertical display support. The VS-R is a home console designed for television screens with 1080p video output.
Key differences
| Aspect | Blaze Evercade Retro Handheld | Blaze Evercade VS-R Black Activision Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Device format | Portable handheld | Home TV console |
| Display and video output | Built-in screen with TATE mode | 1080p output for HDMI TVs |
| Bundled cartridge | Duke Nukem Collection 1 (3 games) | Activision Collection 1 |
| Color | Gray | Black |
| Weight | 1.21 pounds | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Blaze Evercade Retro Handheld if
- You want a portable handheld system for mobile play.
- You want vertical screen playback with dedicated TATE mode buttons.
- You want the included Duke Nukem Collection 1 cartridge.
Choose Blaze Evercade VS-R Black Activision Bundle if
- You prefer playing Evercade games on a TV screen via 1080p HDMI output.
- You want a home console setup that includes a separate controller.
- You want the included Activision Collection 1 cartridge.
Verdict: Choose the EXP-R if you need a portable system with integrated controls and TATE mode for handheld gaming. Choose the VS-R if you want a home console setup that connects directly to your television. Your decision comes down to mobile handheld play versus home TV play.
Evercade EXP-R Versus Evercade VS-R Comparison
Screen Resolution and Video Output
Product B provides 1080p output for modern HDMI TVs, alongside multiple screen orientations and visual filters. Product A is a portable retro gaming unit with TATE mode for vertical screen playback, but its native screen resolution is not listed in the specifications. If you plan to play retro titles on an external television, Product B delivers a verified high-definition 1080p HDMI signal directly to your display. Product A does not document external video output or display resolution metrics. For confirmed high-resolution television playback, Product B holds the clear technical advantage.
Form Factor and Everyday Use
Product A weighs 1.21 pounds and is built as a portable retro handheld designed for travel. This self-contained form factor allows you to run cartridges anywhere without an external monitor or wall outlet. Product B is engineered strictly as a home console that connects to your TV. The specifications do not list a weight for Product B, and it requires a stationary setup with a display and power cable. If your everyday use demands mobile gaming on the go, Product A offers full portability in one chassis, while Product B remains tied to your living room.
Controls and Vertical Build
Product A features dedicated keys designed specifically for TATE mode, enabling hardware-level vertical screen playback for classic arcade titles. These controls are built directly into its gray portable body. Product B supports multiple screen orientations and visual filters through software when connected to your television, operating via an external black VS-R controller. However, Product B does not list dedicated hardware buttons for vertical play on its controller. If you want specialized physical controls tailored for vertical games without reconfiguring your television, Product A provides integrated TATE keys directly on the device chassis.
Cartridge Library Compatibility
Both systems rely on the Evercade cartridge standard to play retro games. Product A lists full compatibility with the Evercade cartridge library, which includes over 60 cartridges and more than 600 games. Product B includes the Activision Collection 1 cartridge, though the specifications do not state the exact number of supported cartridges or total games. Because both systems share the Evercade platform architecture and accept physical cartridges, you can run official cartridge releases across the ecosystem without digital store downloads. Since both products utilize this identical cartridge library, this round is an even tie.
Included Hardware and Accessories
Product B arrives as a bundle containing the VS-R console, a VS-R controller, a micro USB cable, a quick guide, and the Activision Collection 1 cartridge. This collection of items provides the cabling and external gamepad necessary for television play right out of the box. Product A includes the handheld console and the Duke Nukem Collection 1 cartridge, which features three games. Product A does not list a separate charging cable or bundled controller in its package contents. Product B gives you a more complete hardware setup with an included controller and connecting cable.
Which Evercade System Fits You
Gamers who play retro titles while traveling
You need a self-contained setup on trips. This portable console weighs 1.21 pounds and comes finished in gray. It includes the Duke Nukem Collection 1 cartridge with three games. You can run more than 600 titles across 60 cartridges anywhere, relying directly on the built-in system without needing external television hardware.
Players who want dedicated television retro gaming
You want a home console experience on your television. This black system connects via HDMI to deliver 1080p output alongside visual filters and orientation options. The bundle includes a dedicated wired controller, a micro USB cable, and an Activision Collection 1 cartridge, giving you an immediate wired gaming setup for standard television screens.
Enthusiasts seeking dedicated vertical display controls
You want physical hardware dedicated to vertical titles. This gray unit offers built-in TATE mode controls with specialized buttons right on the 1.21-pound chassis. Because it supports the entire library of 60 cartridges directly in your hands, you do not need separate TV mounts or external controller setups to experience vertical screen orientations.
The products compared
Blaze Evercade Retro Handheld
Best for: portable retro gaming with vertical TATE mode
- Color
- Gray
- Weight
- 1.21 pounds
View on Amazon: Blaze Evercade Retro Handheld Affiliate link
This handheld retro gaming console is designed for portable gaming. It weighs 1.21 pounds and features a gray finish. The unit includes dedicated keys for TATE mode, enabling vertical screen orientation for supported retro titles. It ships bundled with the Duke Nukem Collection 1 cartridge containing three games, and it works with over 60 Evercade cartridges.
Pros
- Built-in TATE mode with dedicated keys for vertical screen orientation
- Includes Duke Nukem Collection 1 cartridge with three games
- Supports full Evercade library of over 60 cartridges and 600 games
- Portable 1.21-pound chassis designed for handheld travel use
Cons
- Weighs 1.21 pounds, which adds bulk compared to compact handhelds
- Bundled cartridge includes only three games
Good fit if
- You want a portable handheld retro system for travel.
- You play vertical-orientation arcade games using dedicated TATE mode buttons.
- You want access to the Evercade library of over 60 cartridges.
Skip if
- You prefer a stationary TV-connected home console setup.
- You want a lighter handheld device that weighs under one pound.
Verdict: Blaze Evercade EXP-R Portable Retro Console delivers dedicated handheld controls and vertical TATE mode for players who want physical cartridge play on the go. Its 1.21-pound build provides direct access to the wider 60-cartridge Evercade catalog.
Blaze Evercade VS-R Black Activision Bundle
Best for: retro gaming on an HDMI television
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: Blaze Evercade VS-R Black Activision Bundle Affiliate link
You get a dedicated retro console that connects directly to your television rather than functioning as a handheld unit. It delivers 1080p video output for modern HDMI TVs and features multiple screen filters and orientations. The package includes the black VS-R console, one VS-R controller, a micro USB cable, and the Activision Collection 1 cartridge.
Pros
- Supports 1080p video output for HDMI TVs
- Includes multiple screen orientations and display filters
- Ships with a VS-R controller and Activision Collection 1 cartridge
Cons
- Requires an external HDMI television instead of offering an integrated handheld screen
- Uses a micro USB connection cable
Good fit if
- You want to play retro cartridges on a television at 1080p resolution
- You prefer playing with a separate controller rather than an all-in-one handheld form factor
Skip if
- You need an integrated display for portable handheld gaming
- You do not want a system powered via micro USB
Verdict: Blaze Evercade VS-R Solo Home Console is built for gamers who prioritize 1080p retro cartridge output on an external television over portable handheld play.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Blaze Evercade Retro Handheld | Blaze Evercade VS-R Black Activision Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Gray | Black |
| Weight | 1.21 pounds | not stated |
| Model | EXP-R | evercade_vs_r |
Frequently asked questions
Which console is designed for handheld gaming on the go?
The Blaze Evercade EXP-R is built specifically for portable play. You get a self-contained handheld device that features integrated controls and support for physical cartridges wherever you travel. The system lets you play classic retro games without needing an external display or a home entertainment setup.
What screen resolution does the Blaze Evercade VS-R support on a television?
The Blaze Evercade VS-R outputs video at 1080p resolution to your television. You connect this dedicated home console to an external screen using an HDMI cable. This setup allows you to experience classic cartridge titles on modern displays with crisp retro image output across your living room screen.
What is vertical TATE mode on the Blaze Evercade EXP-R?
Vertical TATE mode allows you to play games in a vertical orientation on the Blaze Evercade EXP-R. You use the dedicated handheld controls designed for this setup to experience physical cartridges in an upright format. This feature is intended for portable retro gaming on the move.
How much does the Blaze Evercade EXP-R weigh?
The Blaze Evercade EXP-R weighs exactly 1.21 pounds. This hardware specification ensures you have a portable console build that is manageable during handheld gaming sessions. You can take this dedicated device with you for physical cartridge play on the go without carrying heavy equipment.
What colors are available for the Evercade EXP-R and VS-R?
The Blaze Evercade EXP-R is finished in gray, while the Blaze Evercade VS-R comes in black. These color designations match their separate hardware designs. You can easily identify the gray EXP-R as the portable retro handheld and the black VS-R as the dedicated home console for your television.
How many cartridges are in the Evercade catalog for the EXP-R?
The Blaze Evercade EXP-R provides direct access to the 60-cartridge Evercade catalog. You insert physical cartridges into the portable retro console to play your selected titles anywhere. This extensive library lets you build a collection of physical games designed specifically to run on Evercade systems.

