Forget the Switch 2, this might be the best handheld retro gaming console going

If you're a big fan of retro gaming, and I'm pretty sure a hefty chunk of T3's readership does tick that box, then you've probably already heard of Evercade, which has been making old games accessible in a hardware-first way for years now. Its cartridges are some of the most authentic ways to enjoy classic titles without needing to subscribe to services or jump through extra hoops.

Now it's unveiled its latest handheld, a new way to play its cartridges that looks like clearly its slickest yet – the Evercade Nexus. The device has a pretty familiar design for anyone who's used a gaming handheld in recent years, but with its all-important retro focus and a very reasonable price.

The Nexus is built around a 5.98-inch IPS screen, the biggest in any Evercade handheld yet, but that's actually not the biggest addition this time around. Rather, those laurels go to the twin analogue sticks, which open up a huge world of new games that the system could be great for controlling, since previous Evercade hardware has all been D-pad only.

Evercade Nexus Announcement Trailer - YouTube

Watch On

To honour the new hardware, Evercade is also bringing out a new cartridge that will come bundled with the Nexus, one holding two beloved platformers: Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie. These fantastic Rare-developed games have influenced countless titles since their release, so they're a fairly high-profile addition to the Evercade cabinet of games.

The console should last around five hours on a charge, according to its marketing materials, and also features Wi-Fi 6 for faster downloads of game updates and firmware. It has support for wireless headphones, presumably by Bluetooth, but the good news is that a 3.5mm headphone jack is still there, too.

Pre-orders for the system opened today, and it's priced at £169.99, $199.99 or €199.99 depending on your region, which really isn't too bitter a pill to swallow at a time when the PS5's getting massive price hikes for current-gen gaming. That said, it'll be quite a wait before you can use the Evercade Nexus – it won't ship until October 2026, so you've got some six months to wait.

If you're keen to dive into some childhood favourites or to explore the best that retro gaming has to offer, you can pre-order the Nexus from Funstock right here. The Evercade website can also help you find a regional vendor for the system, if that's easier where you are.