Blaze's latest cartridge-running machine, the Evercade Nexus, officially launches today. It's a retro handheld that's been years in the making, building on the company's formula that made the OG portable, the Super Pocket, and even arcade cabinets like the Evercade Alpha, which absolutely won't fit in your pocket. That might sound like a gadget that brings nothing new to the table, but actually, it could become a precedent for keeping physical gaming alive.

Those of you who want to cut to the retro console chase can grab the Evercade Nexus for $199.99 at Amazon. My one-liner as someone who's spent hours with the handheld so far is that it's a fantastic offline solution for playing well over 700 games, and the fact that it comes with both Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie is a selling point in its own right.

If I know my readers, though, you'll want to know exactly what the deal with the Evercade Nexus is and whether it holds up against the many Linux and Android alternatives out there. It might surprise you to hear that the latter is no - it doesn't - but that's because the latter is a trick question that distracts from the fact that this is a fully fledged console platform that runs its own library of physical cartridges, including native ports, and has zero reliance on the internet in the big 2026, and that's worth supporting.

I could easily split the players who are most likely to vibe with the Evercade Nexus into three camps. The first is simply those of you who love old games but don't actually own any original copies. Let's just say you're looking for a rundown on how to play N64 games today on something like a Retroid Pocket 5; you're going to, at the very least, need to back up your own games and turn them into ROMs that emulators can use, and let's be real, not many of you will do that.

That's where Blaze's handheld ecosystem comes into play, as rather than risking ending up sailing the seas of video game piracy, you'll be able to buy a whole library of Evercade cartridges for the Nexus and legally own the games within forever. No, publishers won't be able to do a Sony and come take them away from you due to weird licensing agreements you didn't sign up to when parting with your cash, and while you'd traditionally have to buy second-hand classics to achieve that, these brand-new carts make the process simpler.

The second camp that will be drawn to the Nexus, or in fact the Evercade family as a whole, is collectors. Each release comes with a numbered clamshell case containing a full-color manual, meaning you'll be able to slowly build a collection that isn't just codes in a box or a bunch of tat linked to a certain open-world sandbox crime caper. I know not everyone cares for things cluttering their house, so you'll really need to be a shelf filler to see the appeal in this one, but I feel like more players than ever can vibe with owning things that are real and not just data hanging out on a hard drive or in the cloud.

Of course, there are also those of you who, for the moment, just want a neat way to revisit Banjo-Kazooie, and that's absolutely valid. Is the Evercade Nexus the absolute best handheld to dive back into the collectathon on? From a performance standpoint, absolutely, as it's good to go at 60fps, 840 x 512 without any mods or tweaks. Plus, this is a ground-up duo of ports specifically for the handheld, so you'll be able to play using the Nexus' shiny new dual thumbstick setup and embrace modern controls.

I should note that it's my job as a hardware tester and tinkerer to be objective with my reviews, so there are some sore points with the Nexus to consider. The first ties back to its price tag, as while it comes in at $200, it skips some features you'd normally get at that price range, like an AMOLED screen and hall-effect thumbsticks for keeping drift at bay. Its core custom operating system could be doing with a touch-up too, since it's currently missing basics like a sleep function, but Blaze says a patch will resolve that soon.

Here's the thing, though: other handheld makers aren't trying to build an entire modern physical ecosystem from scratch. Sure, I might be salty about the fact that the Nexus also lacks HDMI output, or the fact that it doesn't dive too deep into detailed CRT scanlines or try to include boons like save states. However, the latest handheld is still a milestone in the platform's evolution, venturing boldly into 3D gaming and providing a fully licensed way to play classics that don't have the caveat of subscriptions or downloads attached.

I am well aware that for many of you proper retro enthusiasts with existing collections, the better option for $200 is an Android or Linux portable that can run your library. But the Evercade Nexus gets a lot right while holding onto the conquest of ensuring physical gaming is here to stay, and if you really care about resisting the wider industry's push for an all-digital future, you can indeed put your money where your mouth is while also running around as a bear with a bird in his backpack.

Swing by the best retro controllers if you're seeking a gamepad that'll add wireless and more to your OG consoles.

It started with Crash Bandicoot but ultimately ended with Dark Cloud. When I first picked up a PS2 controller more than 20 years ago, it was to spin and jump as a shorts-bearing marsupial. Whenever I return to the system in my 30s it's to roam the dungeons of Level-5's village-builder RPG. And yet, even with an Asus ROG Ally kitted out for PS2 emulation I still sometimes struggle to put down the DualSense or close the gaming laptop and return to the simpler days of Nolun (or Norune) Village.

Pairing one of the best gaming phones with one of the best mobile controllers has half-solved this blindspot already. With the GameSir Pocket Taco (currently on sale for $27.99 at Amazon) at my side I've been blasting through GameBoy Advance titles. Being able to whip out my phone at a moment's notice and tap through gaming history rather than doomscroll has been a backlog-saver.

It's something I would rarely do at home, not when I have kit to test on the very latest releases. While it demands the right game (and what could be better than quickly hopping into a world-building Dark Cloud dungeon run while waiting for the bus), being able to jump in and out of classic titles while on the go has turbo-charged my GBA adventures. It doesn't, however, feature the sticks required for PlayStation adventures. Instead, I'm hoping the Abyxlute M5 will do the same for my PS2 memories.

The magnetic attachment and slide-up design of the new Abxylute M5 and M6 mean they could, theoretically, stay permanently attached to your phone. Push up that screen and you've got a full selection of controls waiting for you; two thumbsticks (low-profile carbon-film on the M5 and capacitive on the M6), d-pad, face buttons, shoulders and triggers (Hall effect no less, on the M6). In other words, a full set of PS2 controls ready and waiting whenever I find myself reaching for some thought-preventing entertainment.

The Abxylute pop-up mobile controllers are currently still in their Kickstarter phase, though Early Bird pricing has now ended. The brand does have some presence at wider retailers, like Amazon, so hopefully we'll see these gamepads popping up more across the web shortly.

It's those two sticks that are driving the M5 and M6 to the top of my brain. Yes, yes, I know. Most of the modern mobile controllers worth their salt will come with a full set of controls. Taking a look at the top contenders across the market, though, they're all designed to accompany your phone rather than staying permanently attached.

The ELO Vagabond will need its own pouch in my backpack and you can forget about keeping the Razer Kishi V3 Pro in a back pocket. Even the foldable Asus ROG Tessen (while taking up less space) will likely be left at home when leaving in a rush. Hell, even Razer's tiny Prio controller runs the risk of being stuck in a drawer.

Often, the best controller is the one you have with you - and that's doubly true of mobile gaming. Abxylute's gamepads will have to prove that they're light, thin, and sturdy enough to withstand days in pockets, but their permanent connection to my phone might finally bring my PS2 backlog under control. Who knows, I might even get round to ripping my Dark Cloud 2 disc.

Our top mobile controllers

• ELO Vagabond | $99.99 at Amazon
• GameSir G8 Galileo | $79.99 at Amazon
• Razer Kishi V3 Pro | $149.99 $125.99 at Amazon

We're also rounding up the best retro handhelds for those after a purpose-built device, and showing you how to play PS2 games in 2026.

Anbernic is undeniably one of the best retro handheld makers around, but for 3DS emulator devs like Azahar, it's flying too close to the piracy solicitation sun. In a series of posts tied to the portable maker's latest device, the clamshell RG DDS, the team has denounced decisions to use "unofficial piracy-focused forks" of the software in gameplay advertising, in turn distancing itself from the brand.

In an X thread, the Azahar Emulator team confirms, "It has come to our attention that handheld manufacturer Anbernic has been promoting their latest handheld device, the RG DDS, using unofficial piracy-focused forks of Azahar, and has been openly featuring these forks in their advertising material." The trailer in question uses Azahar Plus to run games like Pokemon Ultra Sun, Resident Evil Revelations, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, and Kirby's Blowout Blast.

The idea of an emulator team turning its back on a handheld maker for playing games with its emulator might be a head-scratcher. However, Azahar says, "After some internal discussion, we have decided that we will NOT be officially supporting this device or others from this manufacturer: Any issues or bugs related to devices from this specific manufacturer will not be investigated or resolved."

Azahar goes a step further, saying, "If you would like to stay on a device with guaranteed official support, we recommend looking for alternatives." Simply put, the developer reckons you should opt for something like the Retroid Pocket Duo. Again, some of you may feel this reaction is disproportionate, but it makes sense, since Anbernic could end up on the US Notorious Markets list alongside other ROM-loaded handhelds.

I should stress that Anbernic isn't necessaily the one selling handhelds with unauthorized ROMs included, as it's usually third-party sellers who will explicitly use the devices for piracy. That said, the portable maker is doing itself zero favors by demoing its hardware using anything Nintendo, and outright showing the world that Azahar can run Ocarina of Time right before the remake drops could place the dev team under Ninty's litigious spotlight.

Keep in mind that Azahar was born out of the back of Citra, a renowned 3DS emulator that was closed down alongside its Yuzu Switch emulator sibling following a $2.4 million settlement with Nintendo. That more than explains why devs are now treading with extreme caution, and with the Entertainment Software Association already calling Anbernic out specifically, the emulator could end up being a patsy for the new portable.

Sailing the seven seas of video game piracy has always been a fine line. In fact, the only reason players are able to play their legally owned backups on other devices at all is down to old precedents set by historic court cases (like Bleem! vs. Sony). Technically speaking, it's all still a grey area, and the last thing the scene wants is Nintendo finally bringing a party to court to set a new precedent.

The reason Azahar should watch its back all comes down to the liability of software vs. hardware. Technically speaking, Anbernic could argue that its device isn't exclusively designed for running Nintendo 3DS games, despite looking almost exactly like the 2000s clamshell. On the other hand, emulators are more or less the tools that allow people to pirate games in the first place, meaning they are likely to face heavier legal repercussions than a handheld maker.

I've been covering the retro console and handheld scene for a long time, and I'd argue Anbernic isn't doing anything out of the ordinary with its RG DDS marketing. At the same time, Azahar is right to distance itself from anything that could be construed as piracy, even if the art of running your own game backups with enhanced resolutions and settings is more nuanced. The big N doesn't deem running its games on anything that isn't officially branded hardware legal, and that'll become a real issue as handhelds and emulators evolve.

• 3DS handhelds at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Swing by the best gaming handhelds for souped up portable PCs that can run your Steam library on the go.

Video game attire isn't remotely novel at this stage, but I really wasn't expecting a jacket based on the 1998 arcade shooter Truxton. You've got Kumagumi, a Japanese merch brand, to thank for turning a whole bunch of Toaplan shmups into threads, and yes, the game that introduced me to the very concept of memes is included.

Yes, that latter game is "Zero Wing", the arcade shooter that gifted us "all your base are belong to us" via a terrible translation. Spotted by Time Extension, the range sadly doesn't include anything with that specific botched phrase on it, instead opting for the line prior, with antagonist CATS exclaiming "how are you gentlemen !!" (Don't forget the double exclamation mark; that's important.)

There are 27 pieces in the Kumagumi x Toaplan collection, covering some of my all-time favorite Mega Drive shooters, like Hellfire, FixEight, Btsugun, and the aforementioned Zero Wing and Truxton. Again, I know many of you will be here purely for the memes, but it was the $149 jacket based on the latter vertical shooter that really reeled me in as a retro console and arcade nerd.

Sadly, my plans to rock the fashion scene by turning the Truxton jacket into a fit have to go on hold since it's already out of stock. That has potentially ruined my Monday since I was planning an '80s-inspired getup for my next visit to the arcade, but alas, I'll have to join the waitlist. The thing that hooked me in the first place is that this bomber jacket, complete with skull bomb art on the back, looks like it's straight off the back of someone in '80s Osaka.

Perhaps the jacket going AWOL is a blessing, as it does mean if you haven't played any of these legendary shooters, you can invest in doing just that. Those of you without any means to play right now should probably think about grabbing an Evercade console (like the Super Pocket for $69.99), as Blaze's Toaplan cartridge packs Truxton, Zero Wing, and six other classics for $35.36. That's reasonable, seeing as original Sega Mega Drive copies of the games come in at substantially more for a single cart, and Zero Wing didn't actually land in the US market to begin with.

I'll play devil's advocate and say that while you'll have a blast playing Truxton on a handheld like the Super Pocket or the shiny new Evercade Nexus if you're feeling fancy, I do prefer my OG Mega Drive setup. It all comes down to my preferences for blasting the high-contrast vertical shooter visuals into my eyeballs using a CRT, but I do pair Sega's old timer with an 8Bitdo M30 2.4GHz wireless controller ($29.99 at Amazon, FYI) to freshen things up with wireless, authentic buttons.

I could probably rhyme off a dozen ways to play Toaplan's excellent shooters, including using the best retro handhelds if you have your collection backed up. However, I get that some of you will already have that in hand and either just came for the pretty jacket, daft 2000s memes, or both. If that's the case, you'll want to keep an eye on Kumagumi's storefront for stock drops, but I'll always take an opportunity to talk about playing old games using new stuff since that level of love is why we have clothing like this in the first place.

Swing by the best retro controllers for authentic classic console gamepads with modern day abilities.

Resident Evil Outbreak, Capcom's PS2 online multiplayer spin-off from 2003, is now playable for free in your web browser. Better still, you can even team up with friends using the original co-op mode to escape Raccoon City, and that's blowing my mind, seeing as I failed to convince my parents to buy me a PlayStation 2 Network Adapter back in my teen years. The catch? The project is allegedly vibe-coded.

Again, you don't need a real PlayStation 2 or even a retro console emulator to play Resident Evil Outbreak or its File #2 sequel (thanks, Men's Journal). You don't even have to download patched ROMs or mess with emulators, as the series is all playable at Outbreakweb with controller support, game saves, and multiplayer rooms. Yes, you can even use a retro handheld like the Retroid Pocket 5, but your mileage will vary compared to on a beefier gaming handheld or a full-blown PC.

That all sounds marvellous, but if you've been keeping up with my retro recomp, decomp, and port coverage, you'll get why I immediately started digging for development details. Resident Evil Outbreak has been playable online using emulation for years, so I initially wasn't sure whether using AI or vibe coding a web browser version would even need to be a thing, but alas, players are sounding the alarm in X posts.

An Outbreakweb Discord server exists for reporting bugs and organizing multiplayer rooms, but questions regarding AI use remain unanswered. The project is seemingly by a developer named “Lucas”, and while not much is known about the individual or any additional devs behind the scenes, a Facebook post credits a "Lucas Gonzalez Falcon."

I should note that since there's no GitHub repository or publicly available code, it's hard to determine whether tools like Claude were used. That's an absolute pain if you're looking for a way to play PS2 games while avoiding AI projects, and it means it's up to the developer to share details so that players can make an informed decision.

Beyond vibe coding shenanigans, the Outbreakweb project also potentially has Capcom to contend with. There's a strong chance that the publisher will take action against the site just like it would with any other instance of unofficial game distribution, meaning you're probably still better off using an emulator. I'm personally planning on pitching up a real PS2 with a CRT in my living room and playing through both games in the lead-up to Halloween, and that sounds like a creepy setup; at least I'm guaranteed to be safe from the horrors of AI.

Swing by the best retro controllers for gamepads that'll bring modern tricks to your original setup.

I don't think I have to say that an $1,800 Xbox is not okay, but spending time with the Evercade Nexus has personally compounded the absurdity. I enjoy new-fangled consoles and PCs as much as the next hardware editor, and I wouldn't say Blaze's new portable is a direct competitor. However, we're at a stage where rather than just giving the big dogs of the industry our moolah, even when things soar to used-car prices, I'd rather invest in a handheld that's actively trying to project the art of physical, approachable gaming.

I should note that I don't think the Evercade Next is the absolute best retro handheld out there, but that's only if you ignore its underlying portable premise. Yes, it lacks really simple functions like a sleep mode (although Blaze has confirmed that'll come in a firmware patch), and it's missing some premium touches like an OLED display and hall-effect thumbsticks. Nevertheless, we're talking about a console around the same size as a Nintendo Switch that runs physical cartridges in the year 2026, and I know many of you would take that over whatever Xbox Project Helix will do for upwards of $1,800.

Okay, yes, in an ideal world, Blaze's Evercade ecosystem would exist alongside Xbox Helix and the assumed PS6. The main issue I have is that if Fortune's report that the next-gen console could cost "between $1,200 and $1,800" holds true, then many players won't even have a next generation to consider. Plus, when you consider the likelihood that physical gaming won't be a thing on either Sony or Microsoft's platform, not at least with heavy reliance on internet connectivity, the idea of just sticking with Evercade games makes heaps of sense.

The Evercade is anything but new, but it does feel like yesterday that I reviewed the original handheld for a UK national newspaper. Back then, I was skeptical about whether the cartridge-based ecosystem would continue to grow or break free from its relatively bog-standard portable confines. Over 700 game releases and a staggering number of hardware options later, it genuinely feels like Blaze has stealthily become a fully fledged platform, one that could keep providing you with offline access to classics and indie games while we weather RAMageddon.

I should note that this proposal doesn't solely tie to the new Nexus handheld. You could instead opt for the far cheaper Super Pocket since it will run all the same games for $69.99, or you could even get a bit fancy and invest in an Evercade Alpha, a bartop arcade machine that works as its own standalone console (a bit like a modern-day Vectrex).

The reason I'd consider the Evercade Nexus specifically as your daily driver, though, is that it feels closer to a contempoary handheld, and that matters when running ports like the Banjo-Kazooie collection. I wouldn't say the controls are ideal; I'm not personally a big fan of bottom-placed symmetrical sticks, but beyond that, full 3D controls and a larger 5.98-inch IPS screen help quash the notion that it's a novelty device, so you'll think less about modern alternatives.

Now more than ever, companies that do right by players who just want to buy, own, and play games without egregious price tags or caveats deserve your support. Blaze is absolutely on that list, and the fact it is still making brand-new cart releases with full-color manuals, clamshell cases for your shelf, and games ranging from solid emulation-based classics to ground-up native ports is nothing short of spectacular.

Don't get me wrong, I know many of you looking into how to play N64 games or play PS2 games using original hardware or a handheld will look elsewhere. The Nexus is beholden to licensing its own releases, and while that has its perks, many players will already have stacks of games they want to make use of. My main goal here is to simply signal that if you want to keep buying "new" games, but word of $1,800 consoles makes that sound like an impossibility, grabbing a Nexus could tide you over.

And hey, I'd rather replay Banjo-Kazooie and Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver for the millionth time than take out a loan for the next Halo anyway.

Swing by the best retro controllers for modern gamepads with an authentic classic console twist.

You know what they say, bundle it with Banjo, and they will come. That’s pretty much the headline draw of the Evercade Nexus: Blaze’s grand foray into the fully fledged world of early 3D retro handheld gaming, and, if I’m being real, the N64 collectathon is all some players need to pick one up. However, as a proud portable console parental figure who has watched the cartridge-based system grow up over the past few years, I’d say the platform has more to offer as it becomes an awkward teenager.

Daft analogies aside, the Evercade Nexus has the potential to become one of the best retro handhelds around, but it has some growing up to do. I mean that with love and support, as the portable console builds on what the OG handheld, Super Pocket, and EXP have already achieved. Turns out adding a pair of thumbsticks, a pretty cromulent 5.89-inch IPS 840 × 512 display with elevated brightness, and tricks like Bluetooth and multiplayer Wi-Fi can take a system to the next level, but that means transferring the same school as many other $200 brutes.

I don’t think $199.99 / £169.99 is an egregious price for the Nexus given its access to over 750 classic games and its overall contribution to physical gaming. The latter means I’m certainly willing to overlook some smaller caveats in the name of keeping true ownership in the hands of players via pretty fun collectable cartridges. The latest handheld also proves that Blaze is more than capable of venturing beyond the fifth generation of consoles and beyond, suggesting that the ecosystem is here to stay, but I’d avoid directly comparing this latest portable to its ROM-wielding rivals.

Here’s what’s Nex(us)

I’ve got fond memories of freeing the OG Evercade from its cardboard prison back in 2020 to review it for a national UK newspaper segment. At the time, I recall wondering what Blaze could do next with the 2D-focussed portable, and while I was rooting for the cartridge-based platform actually taking hold, I figured the hardware would need to evolve.

And evolve it did, but not quite in the pattern I was expecting. While we’ve now been graced with a much larger handheld that’s comparable to the Nintendo Switch in size and form factor, Blaze clearly decided to bide its time and focus on grabbing very specific groups of retro sickso, like the coin-ops crowd with the Evercade Alpha, couch dwellers with the Evercade VS, and budget button bashers with the Super Pocket.

That’s not to say it sidelined its core handheld ambitions, as it has been slowly simmering the broth with the improved Evercade EXP-R. The Nexus is the first device from Blaze that screams “next-gen”, though, and while the company continues to squeeze juice out of the same innards it's been using for all its gadgets, this newbie really is a different beast.

I could compare the Nexus to a zillion handhelds out there, and if I’m being particularly mean-spirited, I could say it looks like a Wii U mini. Rather than using the latter as a gag, though, I reckon it’s best used to describe how the large 5.89-inch display dominates the centre of the handheld, while the chonker-than-average sides exist to provide you with something solid to grip from the front. It should be all eyes on that screen, and given the platform's new quest to expand into 3D games, blowing up those visuals makes a ton of sense.

The screen isn’t massive, but it’s certainly big enough. Depending on the size of your mits, the handheld’s side lugs will vanish as you grip the front. Trust me when I say you will need to use your thenar muscle to hold on to the portable since the back passes on ergonomic grips, meaning you’re holding something more like a solid slab. That sounds like it’ll upset your hands, but so far, I’ve yet to feel any specific strain compared to using a Switch or any other handheld that doesn’t include ergonomic humps around back.

I am sort of surprised Blaze didn’t try to tap into classic portable designs with the Nexus, instead going for something that ultimately looks contemporary. This isn’t a departure since the OG Evercade also went with its own arcade-inspired aesthetic rather than paying homage to anything specifically. That said, it does somehow feel like it’s trying to tap into what our hands all collectively love about gaming handheld mammoths like the Steam Deck OLED while trying to maintain the portability of both larger emulation portables and conventional contenders like the Switch.

Whether it actually achieves that goal is somewhat subjective. The figures certainly suggest so since it weighs in at 410g, sitting nicely between a Switch Lite and larger handheld gaming PCs. It even takes a middle ground on feel, straddling between the more plastic-heavy cheaper devices and the full-body feel of something more substantial. You could argue it should be going for the latter for $200, but so long as it’s not committing hollow-feeling cardinal sins, I’m on board for some deliberate plastic-based bulk.

Gaining control

The key here is that the Nexus’ controls are designed to facilitate “early” 3D, rather than covering console generations that bring us closer to the present day. Yes, it includes thumbsticks, but it sticks with smaller Switch-style sticks rather than making room for full-sized gaming handheld controls. That, and the fact that it chose not to go with at least hall-effect sensors, something I’d absolutely say is now a standard, is a bummer, but at the same time, the decision makes sense in the context of its current library.

I could harp on about how I’m not super into the bottom placement of the thumbsticks for balance reasons or the distance that then introduces between the bumpers and triggers. But, after spending a lot of time playing Banjo-Kazooie and its sequel while comparing them to the N64 original and other ports, it’s clear that the layout is a nice fit for the specific platformers now landing within the library.

In Banjo’s case, I found using the right stick for camera controls to be slightly cumbersome due to the above face button placement and the aforementioned downward balance quirks, but quickly realized the L and R buttons make for a more authentic feel anyway. I personally appreciate the way that if you choose not to leverage the secondary thumbstick, the handheld feels more like a single-stick setup geared specifically towards ‘90s capers, and just like with controllers like the 8Bitdo N64 controller, the setup manages to feel that bit more authentic.

I can’t guarantee Blaze even meant this, nor am I convinced everyone will see the bright side in what is otherwise not an ideal layout. Had the Nexus launched alongside a bunch of later re-releases, particularly those that rely on that stick for contemporary camera controls, it’d be in a spot of bother. The layout hits the spot for the era now being covered by the Evercade, though, all while not omitting any specific buttons in the name of needless nostalgia.

As for my overarching feelings on everything accompanying the sticks, the Nexus pretty much sticks to the Evercade handheld script. The membrane-based buttons feel nice and tactile, offering up taller domes sitting within a bowl recess to keep things from protruding too much. Blaze has actually changed up the D-pad since its EXP-R and OG portable, as it’s also taller, slightly larger, and has a wider floating pivot than before. It’s not the nicest set of directionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of using, and it can be fully pressed in the middle rather than being completely on a pivot, resulting in some stiffness if your thumb is at the centre, but it’s still pretty serviceable in fighting games and arcade romps.

The digital clicky triggers feel fine, but as previously mentioned, the distance from the sticks makes them a little hard to wield. There aren’t too many games that make the bumpers and triggers mandatory, but the new DOOM collection does default to a modern FPS control scheme, and I could feel my aging hands having to extend vertically to swing around hell while aiming my boom stick.

First-time frills

3D-orientated controls aren’t the only thing making their debut with this handheld, as the Evercade Nexus acts as an introduction to quite a few portable perks. Some of these boons are more valuable than others, as while the customizable RGB logo at the front is a nice touch and doubles up as a battery life indicator, I can’t say I’d miss it. The real meat and potatoes ties to wireless connectivity, with the main course being the new Eversync local co-op feature.

Eversync is a prime example of Blaze extracting something innovative modern-day consoles are doing in the space, namely the Nintendo Switch’s local multiplayer functionality, and retrofitting it for the Evercade platform. While you might pick up a VS-R specifically for its same-room couch co-op, this handheld bridges the compatibility gap for when you want to play multiplayer carts with friends.

There’s a slight catch-22 in that EverSync will only really feel beneficial if plenty of players actually pick up a Nexus. I guess there’s an element of self-marketing in that if you do spend $200 on the portable, you’ll potentially nudge your pals to do the same so you can reap the full wireless benefits. If that doesn’t happen, though, the feature will likely fade into the background and become less of a reason to have invested in the portable in the first place.

The Nexus’ other big new trick is wireless audio connectivity via Bluetooth, and I have really mixed feelings on its inclusion. You could say it’s a no-brainer in 2026, as fewer players have wired headphones that’ll slot right into the 3.5mm jack. At the same time, it’s a feature that likely impacted the end MSRP, and if you’re already into old-school setups, chances are you’d be a-ok with using a corded set of buds or phones. Plus, as I’m about to get to with the way the OS works, you can’t simply jump into the global settings if your headset disconnects while playing something like Banjo-Kazooie.

One smaller element that has survived between the EXP-R and Nexus is the TATE mode for vertical arcade games. The dedicated button still sits proud on the front row, meaning you can still technically play shmups like Truxton while filling more of the 5.89-inch display. The downside is that the Nexus ditches the option grip and lacks the extra left-hand A and B buttons, meaning you’ll have to use the default buttons and a thumbstick. This is fine for casual play, but I’d rather play those tough shooters with a D-pad.

HDMI hang-ups

I’ll keep my complaints about the Nexus’ lack of HDMI output brief, as Blaze has already given up on handheld video output. I’ve come to accept the fact that it’s simpler to just remove the port from the EXP range since it has been historically plagued with issues, but I feel like the Nexus should double up as a home console. Part of that comes down to its price point, but it also feels like not making the device dockable, in turn allowing players to hook up the shiny new Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller, is a missed opportunity.

Would all of that likely drive up pricing? Absolutely. It’s important to be realistic amid the current climate, and unfortunately, the impact of AI on everything means we can’t have nice things. The Nexus is an unwilling participant in RAMageddon, and I’m confident if Blaze could pull off expanded features while keeping the MSRP sensible, it would do so.

Sleep mode slip-ups

Blaze has been using the same Linux-based operating system for its Evercade range since 2021. The VS HDMI console brought with it the side-menu interface that went on to power the Alpha arcade machine and, now, the Nexus, but I really figured the OS would have evolved somewhat for this handheld.

I’ll admit that I foolishly took common Linux/Android features before realizing they’re not a guarantee, and one of those perks is sleep mode. The idea of not being able to hit the power button, suspend everything in motion, then return to what you were doing later is unfathomable if you’re using a smartphone or another portable console, but the Evercade Nexus completely lacks this ability.

I know some of you will be immediately shouting about how sleep mode on Evercade consoles isn’t possible thanks to the cartridge system. I’d be willing to buy that argument if plenty of handhelds hadn’t already included suspend and resume before now that use physical games (PSP, DS, and even the much newer Analogue Pocket), not to mention the games are completely dumped into memory upon boot. I suspect the real reason stems from using the same hardware and Kernel pairing since 2020. Whether that means updates that usher in a proper sleep mode are still on the table remains to be seen, but having to completely power up and down the Nexus between sessions feels pretty archaic.

An otherwise slick OS

Credit where credit is due, the Nexus’ operating system feels like proper console software. It avoids feeling like a Linux or Android reskin, something that might fuel the idea of buying something by Anbernic or Retroid, and while there are cons tied to that, it still feels like you’re playing on a proper independent platform.

It’s the small digital library touches that link to physical games rather than downloads that help the Nexus’ OS shine. From the basics like tracking what you own to hidden and downloadable “Game of the Month” releases to tide you over between cart pickups, the handheld’s software feels pretty alive compared to cartridge-based systems of yore.

The portable’s OS really is pleasant to use, and far snappier than you’d expect from something with 512MB RAM and a standard quad-core chipset. I’ve certainly used front-ends on more powerful hardware that feel a little sluggish, but then again, this isn’t an ordinary handheld, and that becomes more apparent when you hop from home to cart. As much as it pains me to say it, the only slow part of the whole experience is loading cartridge games themselves, since the handheld dumps the contents into memory rather than running straight from the source.

It’s a hard one to explain to those of you unacquainted with Evercade handhelds, but booting games is almost like an operating system swap. When you load up a cart, you’re diving into either a bespoke wrapper for running a ROM or a native port, and that means you won’t always be able to hop back into the main menus for access to things like brightness, aspect ratio, or even scanlines. In fact, the latter highlights that unless a game specifically supports the visual overlay, it won’t kick in after boot, and that’s the case for the Banjo-Kazooie double pack.

What the Nexus perhaps needed, or could use, to achieve a perfect portable score is an overarching HUD, one that can remain after you’ve swapped the handheld’s consciousness for a cart. The current setup makes Evercade consoles feel like something from the sixth generation, and I’ve been far too spoiled by dashboards since the early 2000s.

In an ideal world, the menu button would present players with a pop-up side menu for accessing base settings, or at the very least the brightness toggle, while in-game. I could be jumping the gun here, as we could end up with these features creeping in with future Nexus updates. That’s the beauty of having Wi-Fi for OS updates, but alas, I can only judge what’s currently on the plate.

The power of optimization

The Evercade Nexus aims to prove the same portable point as its predecessors in that optimization can triumph over brute specs. The retro handheld scene has gotten real comfortable with increasing horsepower until emulators can run classics at full speed without any quirks, whereas Blaze continues to impress with its bespoke cartridge system and bespoke ports.

Of course, waiting for Blaze to strike licensing deals and dial in those emulators for specific releases will slow you down. That’s not a caveat; it’s more just a reality tied to traditional game releases and ports that makes sense outside of DIY emulation perks. At the same time, it’s that same process that will save you from historically rough-looking N64 results on most devices and the onus of using the right settings and specs.

Not to keep banging the Banjo drum, but the Nintendo 64 compilation is the perfect launch title for the Evercade Nexus. In 2026, it’s easier to play N64 games in general, but in previous years, emulating Ninty’s old console was a nightmare. It technically still is if you aren’t using a relatively high-end handheld, but by teaming up with Rare, Blaze has managed to prove you can get platformers like this running at 60fps with zero quirks.

While a chunk of the Evercade library uses ROMs and emulation wrappers, that isn’t the case for Banjo-Kazooie and its sequel. Rare has instead created a native port for Blaze’s hardware using the OG source code, and that’s absolutely bananas when you think about it. We’re not talking about a massive monolith in the industry here; we’re talking about a handheld maker from the UK that has built a platform that now has enhanced versions of retro games, and that is absolutely worth celebrating.

That’s not to say you can’t get good results with emulation, but running a Banjo-Kazooie ROM will certainly pale in comparison to Rare’s custom widescreen, 60fps enhanced Evercade port. Even on something high-end like the Retroid Pocket 5, the N64 collectathon is stuck at half the frame rate without intervention, and even then, there are plenty of visual texture glitches tied to frame buffering to deal with.

All of this boils down to a specific truth: tailored ports normally reign supreme, and while the Evercade library still largely leverages emulation, the Nexus sets the stage for more bespoke releases. Banjo-Tooie isn’t even the latest cart that uses original source code, as the new DOOM collection is also built from the ground up, and the boomer shooter feels slick thanks to the portable’s beefier controls, thumbstick support, and the back digital triggers.

The overarching message with the Nexus is that Blaze is striving to continually pair enhanced hardware with solid releases without disrupting backwards compatibility. I’m pretty impressed it has managed to stretch its core hardware this far, even though that comes with some functionality caveats, to say the least. But there’s something honorable about a handheld that puts its existing library and core player base first over trying to accelerate, and that really helps put some of the big console dogs in this industry to shame.

I want to wrap up the whole performance side of the Nexus by touching on the battery. In my tests, I was able to squeeze around 4 hours out of the 5,000 mAh cells before reaching for a USB-C charger. That's the average runtime while putting the portable through its paces with Banjo-Kazooie/Banjo-Tooie sessions,

Should you pick up the Evercade Nexus?

I’ve no qualms with calling the Evercade Nexus Blaze’s best handheld yet, helping both the existing library and shiny new ports shine through enhanced hardware. At the same time, I stand by my initial comments that the portable platform is about to go through an awkward teenage phase as it tries to grow out of its old habits and adopt the same functionality as its competitors.

There’s absolutely still room for the Evercade Nexus to improve and become its absolute best self. For instance, if Blaze can patch in some sort of sleep feature and find a way to make global settings accessible regardless of the cart you’re using, then we’ll be looking at a standout alternative to emulation-based devices. However, if those perks don’t make their way to the portable via a future software update, I feel like Evercade fans and newbies alike will be wondering what’s “next” after the Nexus.

As things currently stand, the Nexus is absolutely worth investing in if you’re serious about the Evercade ecosystem or want to support one of the last bastions of physical gaming. Caveats like the fact that you’re getting a traditional (but serviceable) LCD display, standard potentiometer thumbsticks, and no HDMI output will matter most if you’re also considering an existing Android or Linux contender, but otherwise, you’re still getting the best Evercade experience yet from this new handheld.

How I tested the Evercade Nexus

Throughout my time with the Evercade Nexus, I used the handheld with multiple cartridges, including the new Banjo-Kazooie double pack and DOOM collection, to assess its ergonomics, features, performance, and overall user experience. To test the screen, I used the portable to play games in all lighting conditions, including outdoors and indoors with different illumination, while also keeping track of elements like battery life, perceivable frame rates, and general operating system stability.

For more information on how we test retro handhelds and other gadgets, swing by our full GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

The CRKD Atom+ has gone through some upgrades to merit its new 'plus' namesake, and its new size is exactly what I had hoped for when I first learned of the improved version of the retro-inspired gamepad.

Don't get me wrong, it's still teeny tiny and should never be used as a day-to-day Switch 2 Pro controller substitute, unless you want some Mario Kart World with a side order of wrist cramp. However, the £29.99 (via Amazon) growth spurt has made it big enough to stand out amongst my messy game room, while remaining the ideal compact shape to take up little to no space in my Switch 2 bag. Nights ruining my friendships with hours of Dokapon Kingdom have never been better.

Whenever I pop over to my friend's house to witness the full depravity of their evilness through hours of Dokapon Kingdom, I have a fear. Not the fear of them constantly starting battles with me in the game (though that does happen often), but the fear of damaging any controller I bring with me for the Switch gaming times ahead.

The Atom+ has circumnavigated that. Despite being larger than the OG Atom, it still demands far less case space than any other of my Switch 2 controllers, which makes it less prone to damage. My go-to Pro-style controllers, like that of the Turtle Beach Rematch, are fantastic, but piling one in alongside my dock, steering wheels, and anything else can be a bit of a struggle. Even if I do manage to use my Tetris know-how and maneuver it within my all-in-one case, I'm still constantly worried that its thumbsticks will end up breaking into pieces.

The Atom+ is about the length of the palm of my hand, and takes up little to no space at all, so any worries of its newly added sticks rubbing up against other accessories are slim to none. In fact, it's so perfectly compact that I'm already considering picking up a full set of the four colors available. I could easily pack each into my PlayTrek 2-in-1 case and still have some room left over, something that wouldn't have been possible had I stuck with one Pro controller alternative.

It's not a perfect alternative to my Turtle Beach Rematch, as it's still small enough that comfort can be an issue, and nothing will ever outmatch the joy of having backpedals. However, any controller that manages to quell my anxiety of broken and damaged tech gets a big thumbs-up in my book.

• View all CRKD gaming accessories at Amazon

On the hunt for a new controller? Check out our guides to the best PC controllers for gaming, the best PS5 controllers, and the best Xbox Series X controllers.

The Entertainment Software Association, the US video games trade group, has reportedly asked the US government to add “plug and play” emulation handhelds to the Notorious Markets List. That's a collection of marketplaces, sites, and sellers accused of selling counterfeit goods or engaging in piracy, and while there are plenty of bad egg gadgets out there, the ESA could open an accusatory can of worms.

In a document highlighted by VGC, the ESA specifically mentions retro handhelds that come with thousands of games pre-loaded on a microSD card. “In the video game sector, illicit plug-and-play consoles and handheld devices are the functional equivalent of superfakes,” claims the ESA. While you could assume the body is talking specifically about the cheapest plug-and-play gadgets out there with certain Italian plumbers plastered over their boxes, its statement risks targeting legit devices.

“They can look and feel like legitimate, mass-market consumer electronics – molded housings, color displays, polished user interfaces, retail packaging, product reviews, warranty-like representations, and listings on familiar e-commerce platforms. Yet their commercial appeal rests solely on a concealed memory card or internal drive loaded with hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of unauthorized copies of copyright-protected games.”

The ESA goes on to highlight that "some products also use protected game titles, screenshots, characters, logos, or other source-identifying material in listings, packaging, interfaces, or promotional content without authorization.” The association then proclaims that “the result is not merely a low-quality electric device sold from the margins of commerce. It is a turnkey piracy product that presents visually and commercially to consumers as legitimate devices.”

If you're familiar with how the emulation handheld market works, you'll know why this statement worries me. Rather than specifically highlighting the cheapest game sticks and no-name handhelds, its description extends to legitimate gadgets by established names in the space, like Anbernic, Retroid, Ayaneo, and Ayn, which are often caught up in the same net thanks to dubious sellers bundling handhelds with ROMs.

The part the ESA is perhaps not grasping is the fact that handhelds that are similar in shape and size to the Nintendo Switch aren't inherently illegitimate. And yet, in its statement, the group says, “The high degree of apparent legitimacy magnifies the economic harm. A single device can substitute for lawful purchases across multiple video game publishers and console generations, divert sales from authorized games, compilations, subscriptions, remasters, and licensed retro hardware.”

The last part of the statement emphasises the whole issue with the ESA's current mindset. If you try and suggest that by providing an easy way to emulate that you're causing harm, then that technically extends to mainstream branded gadgets like the Steam Deck OLED or your smartphone. However, it can target the real bad actors if it sticks to the parts that highlight the inclusion of pirated games as the systemic problem.

“Because the product is often delivered with an immediately usable catalogue of pirated games, it removes the technical friction that once separated mainstream consumers from video game piracy," explains the ESA. Sellers commonly use the illicit library as a key selling point, and the commercial price often reflects this.”

Sellers are indeed at the core of the emulation piracy problem, and even Lenovo's cheap retro handheld ended up bundled with ROMs. Loading up these gadgets with unlicensed games is sadly a standard practice within the market, and the ESA proposes targeting said sellers with these seven steps:

• “Treat preloaded unauthorized game libraries as core evidence of commercial-scale piracy”
• “Inspect bundled and separately shipped storage media”
• “Require sellers to substantiate authorization for included games and protected branding”
• “Suspend repeat sellers and linked storefronts, not merely individual listings”
• “Preserve seller, payment, shipment, and advertising records for enforcement”
• “Improve customs targeting for devices and components associated with preloading operations”
• “Coordinate action against manufacturers, exporters, importers, fulfillment providers, and online marketplaces that knowingly facilitate these products”

Thankfully, the steps do seem to target sellers on Amazon and AliExpress specifically rather than handheld makers. Ideally, if the device category is added to the list, it will simply deter and combat listings that are marketed using copyrighted materials or the allure of pirated games. That said, Anbernic is being singled out as a brand that "normalizes hardware-based piracy by delivering illicit catalogues through a polished consumer product," despite not actually directly selling devices with any games pre-installed.

Not only does the ESA say Anbernic meets the “definition of a superfake”, but it adds, “by marketing the devices through ordinary retail channels, the operation also shifts monitoring, investigation, notice, and remediation costs to publishers and marketplaces.” Here's the thing, though: the handheld maker isn't the one selling devices bundled with ROMs at marketplaces, so it's effectively condemning the brand for the actions of sellers.

In a nutshell, the ESA risks blaming brands who make handhelds for copyright infringements they aren't committing. If the companies themselves are added to the Notorious Markets list, rather than the marketplaces themselves or sellers, then it could be an unjust assault on the emulation scene at large. That's the last thing anyone looking to play retro games on the go needs right now, especially since AI component demand is driving up prices.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers if you want an authentic pad that adds modern perks.

Classic clamshell retro handheld revivals are all the rage right now, but an FPGA GBA SP by SuperStation One creator Taki Udon could change everything. Yes, there are portables out there like the Analogue Pocket that already have you covered for running real Game Boy Advance cartridges, and the latter is a tried-and-tested powerhouse. However, the Retro Remake founder is seemingly aiming to make an alternative for under $100, and that could make even the cheaper emulation-based alternatives sweat.

In a post that leads with "my passion project got upgraded," the FPGA GBA SP prototype makes its second appearance this year. The last time was back in September, with Taki Udon showing off the 2000s clone running Diddy Kong Racing for the Nintendo 64. This time, the YouTuber shows off the clamshell running Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire, which suggests it's now being dialled in specifically as a Game Boy Advance clone.

"We’ve been making a lot of progress on FPGBA SP," reveals Taki before confirming, "yes, it plays real cartridges, and yes, I am considering a regular FPGBA version. I’m still trying to make this work for around $100." The fact that there's a vanilla Game Boy Advance model on the table and talk of a ridiculously low price tag are specifically what I think could upset the handheld scene in the best way possible, especially if general prices keep going up.

Here's the thing: if Retro Remake can make a sub-$100 FPGA-powered GBA SP happen, it will immediately have price on its side. While it could be a while before such a portable arrives, its main rivals right now would be the likes of the Konkr Pocket Advance, the Ayaneo Android clone that starts at $129.99, or, if you're looking for a comparative clamshell, the Anbernic RG SP for under $60.

There are naturally plenty of other GBA clones out there too, but the emulation-based gadgets all lack physical cartridge support and rely on software. Effectively, picking up something that mimics the Game Boy Advance on a hardware level and could potentially even handle MiSTer cores that allow it to play N64 games over what's out there is a no-brainer, and that includes other FPGA devices.

I want to stress that this isn't confirmation of a new FPGA GBA handheld coming soon. Instead, this is Taki platforming a passion project that could become a thing if the prototype stars align, and given that there is a fully functioning Game Boy in the short clip, I reckon all every other handheld maker should watch their back.

In any case, if you're looking for a real taste of what Taki and the Retro Remake team are up to next, you'll want to check out teasers for what could be an FPGA SNES console that will come in NTSC and PAL flavors.

• Game Boy clones at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for modern gamepads that boast authentic designs and button layouts.

Playing Game Boy games on an E-ink display isn't a new-fangled concept, but the Ink-Boy makes a strong case for paper screen handhelds. In fact, by turning an ESP32 microcontroller into a micro portable that'll run Ninty's classics at 30fps and has fully dockable NES controls, the modder in question has paved the way for some wild portables.

In a video explaining how the Ink-Boy came to be, the retro handheld's creator, Bo Made It, delves into their custom display driver. If you've spent more than two seconds with something like a Kindle, you'll already know that the display tech normally loads effectively at the same speed as a page turn. Rather than making do with a woeful three frames a second in classics like Super Mario Land, this tiny portable uses clever tricks to push visuals out at 30fps.

The modder does a pretty nice job explaining how to get an E-ink screen from looking like "a slide show" to something playable. The short of it, though, is that the creator used an existing paper screen portable, the Paperboy S3, as inspiration and designed a display driver that shortens the waveform sequence used to set pixels to black, then sets the screen to drive only the pixels that are required in every frame.

That workaround helps the Ink-Boy dramatically reduce E-Ink symptoms like ghosting and messy visuals, producing more fluid motion that looks closer to an OG DMG Game Boy screen (without the icky green). Of course, since Ninty's old brick uses 2-bit visuals, allowing for four different monochrome shades on screen, it means the paper panel needs a workaround since it defaults to two.

Bo Made It explains that, due to the Ink-Boy's tiny 200 x 200 resolution, that's a challenge compared to the PaperBoy S3 since it can't use several display pixels. It virtually matches the handheld's 160 x 144 pixel capabilities, with the rest being filled by a rather authentic static black bezel. Thankfully, the modder was actually able to spoof additional greyscale pixels using the way E-ink naturally changes pixels, calibrating the transitions to produce 4-bit "color" on demand.

It might feel like the Ink-Boy is late to the party given that the Paperboy already exists, but I actually feel like this tiny handheld could help usher in a new chapter for Game Boy clones (sorry). The paper display in question, the Waveshare ESP32-S3, measures in at just 1.54 inches, and that leaves a lot of room for weird custom designs, with Bo Made It opting for a USB-C NES controller that docks to the bottom.

The modder says the Ink-Boy also supports Bluetooth, so you could use a controller like the CKRD Atom Plus I'm currently testing ($29.99 at Amazon, FYI) and play retro console romps on a stupidly small setup. My plans for this project, should I put together my own, are more cursed than that, as I reckon I could use the E-ink display to give the dreaded 'Game Child' crusty LCD clone a second life as a Game Boy emulator.

Yes, trying to turn the Game Child into a real Game Boy is like a portable Pinocchio horror story, but it does highlight the influence the Ink-Boy could have on modders and handheld lovers alike. I'm well aware the majority of you would rather stick with modern LCD screens, especially since excellent tiny portables like the Anbernic RG28XX exist for $42 at Amazon. Nevertheless, I love the idea of E-ink being used to bring non-backlit displays back in a useful way, and building your own gadgets isn't a bad idea given the current pricing situation.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• Game Boy clones at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for gamepads that blend authentic designs with modern tricks.

Retro Remake, the creators of the SuperStation PS1 console, just teased plans for a new Super Nintendo powered by FPGA. Dubbed 'Codename SSNT/SuperFPGA', the company founded by Taki Udon isn't giving too much away about its FPGA-powered SNES plans yet, but it has confirmed a design detail that instantly put a smile on my otherwise grumpy Scottish face.

In a very teasery tweet, Taki Udon shares a close-up of what looks like a SNES reset switch, accompanied by the tagline "It's time to run it back." That alone is enough to confirm the retro console maker's next FPGA system will be Super Nintendo-shaped, but whether it's an entirely new system or an add-on is still unclear.

I'm pretty sure if you've already invested in a SuperStation One, you'd prefer to simply grab some sort of add-on for your PSOne-inspired FPGA system. The teaser images suggest it will be its own unit, though, since they show what looks like a fresh reset button with a lower-profile design and an altered font. Teasing those sorts of authentic touches implies the whole get-up will aim to replicate the look of an original SNES, and the hardware homage apparently isn't sticking to a single region.

That's right, while most companies in the retro hardware space pretend that everyone's SNES looked like a Parma Violet-themed shoebox, Retro Remake is already thinking ahead. In response to pleas not to just make it "look like a USA SNES", Taki Udon says, "Don't worry, we have all regions covered," while revealing a grey button that draws inspiration from the PAL Super Nintendo and Super Famicom.

Going back and making a modern FPGA SNES might feel like a weird choice given that Analogue already did it with the SuperNT. However, that premium remake has been out of stock for some time, so it makes sense for Retro Remake to backfill gaps in the market rather than try and take on something like the Analogue 3D with yet another way to play N64 games. I'd be lying if I said the Sega kid in me wasn't bummed out about not getting a new Genesis/Mega Drive, as calls for the 16-bit system have already been answered with an affirmative "not yet."

I'm still working on getting the SuperStation One MiSTer-based system in for testing (Taki, if you see this, I'd love to take one for a test spin!), but it's clear that Retro Remake is on a roll with releases. Last week, the company announced a $25 SuperStation Memory Card that features a built-in screen, and it performs the same Free McBoot tricks on the original PS1 and PS2 as the PSXMemcard Gen 2. I actually just acquired the latter for testing, but I'm keen to see what the SSMC specifically brings to the table.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for modern pads that still boast authentic button layouts and feel.

We've known retro console maker Retro Games Ltd had something in mind for the Atari 800XL since trademark applications surfaced back in May. Those plans are now official, as the company just announced a remake of the '80s microcomputer with HDMI output, a physical cartridge slot, and a full-sized keyboard.

As someone with a sizable collection of 8-bit Atari cartridges, I'm already pretty hyped for THE 800XL. In a press release, PLAION describes the machine as "a faithful recreation of its best-selling 8-bit computer," which makes sense given that's what Retro Games Ltd is all about. That said, it's not quite as affordable as the Atari 400 Mini from two years ago, as the full-sized sibling will set you back $219.99 / £199.99.

That price tag is a bit yikes, especially since the Amiga 1200 remake will come in at $189.99 / £169.99. Those prices are absolutely creeping up, and I suspect the difference is the inclusion of a cartridge slot alongside 25 built-in games. I also suspect that the build quality and feel of this microcomputer will have to be a step up from previous efforts to hit the right authentic, high-end executive office notes, but I can't help but feel like this should have been a 600XL remake.

I'm going by teaser renders alone, but THE 800XL looks like it's slightly smaller than the real deal. The funny thing with that is that if they do shrink the main body in any way, you'll end up with something closer to the Atari 600XL, which released at the same time and was a smaller version with 16 KB RAM instead of 64 KB. That stopped it from running later XE games out of the box, but in the year of our lord 2026, that's not really relevant when you're using emulation.

What I'm really getting at is the slightly smaller 600XL design would have been my preference, and using the same emulation as the Atari 400 Mini would have allowed for compatibility with the entire 8-bit library anyway. Still, I get why it's specifically going for the 800XL branding, even if it's slightly odd that it's not wearing the Atari name this time around.

I love the fact it's packing a cartridge slot, but those metal 8-bit carts aren't that easy to find. I have quite a few that I use with the OG Atari 600XL, but if you're looking to run games off of a cassette tape, you're once again out of luck. This is something FPGA rivals like the Commodore 64 Ultimate cover nicely with full hardware replication, but emulation-based systems seem to always fall short (cough cough, The Spectrum, cough cough).

In any case, I welcome THE 800XL with open arms, even if its price tag is a little lofty. I love the idea of being able to badger more people to pick up games like Carnival Massacre, and it feels like this remake will hit all the unique '80s design notes while maintaining a chunk of the original hardware functionality. That doesn't mean I won't be setting high expectations for the microcomputer if/when I eventually get my hands on one for testing, as it's got a lot to prove for over $200.

• Atari consoles at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather take '80s microcomputer classics on the go.

Crash Team Racing, a PS1 racer that I'd argue is better than Mario Kart, finally just arrived on PC thanks to a decomp. If you've been waiting for the chaotic Naughty Dog spin-off to break free from its retro console prison, you'll probably already be making weekend plans, but this is sadly yet another project made using AI.

Dubbed Crash Team Racing: Turbocharged, the shiny new port is actually based on the existing CTR native project. The latter is the product of human coders who've been decompiling the classic kart racer since 2021-2022, whereas the new source-port uses the decomp as a base while enabling native-resolution rendering "up to 4K and beyond", alongside widescreen support, enhanced textures, and frame rates up to 240fps.

Being able to play Crash Team Racing at 4K on a PC sounds like a dream, and the fact that it's free is admittedly an irresistible cherry on top. I won't be chowing down on this specific high-spec PS1 decomp Sundae, though, as developer Camzie99 has confirmed in a lengthy YouTube comment that AI, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs) were used to create the port.

In response to a fan exclaiming "tell me this one's not 'vibe-coded' god i need this" in a comment, Camzie99 decides to challenge the definition by replying "it depends on your definition of vibe coded I suppose," before elaborating on how Crash Team Racing: Turbocharged was created.

Before we dive into that, it's worth highlighting that "vibe-coding" typically describes a development method that feeds plain English into an AI to create websites, apps, and programs rather than coding line by line. In the case of Crash Team Racing: Turbocharged, the project's creator (who apparently has been developing for 16 years), says they used a LLM to write code in "smaller chunks" rather than generating the whole thing with one prompt.

"I did use LLMs to write code, however it wasn't with vague prompts such as "Build a CTR recomp, make no mistake." elaborates Camzie99. "Instead my process is much more fine-grained and iterative. For any particular feature, I'd first plan the feature, find locations in the code that are likely to need changing, and decide at a high level what needs to change at each point. Once that was done, I would then get an LLM to actually write the code, but it would again be in smaller chunks, function by function, or limited to a single file for example so it was easy to review and ensure it was as expected."

Camzie99 goes on to include an example of how they used LLMs for implementing PGXP, an enhancement used by emulators to tackle PS1 polygonal wobbling. The argument is that this isn't a "low-effort flip" since the developer carried out all of the "decision making, planning and thought processing," but the code was ultimately generated using AI rather than written by hand.

What I will say is that some developers aren't being remotely up front when it comes to disclosing AI usage. In this instance, while the dev does fully confirm how LLMs were used, there's no disclaimer on the main Crash Team Racing: Turbocharged page or promotional materials, and given that most of the community would rather support ports made with human hands, like the wonderful MediEvil PC recomp, the omission feels deceptive.

While Crash Team Racing: Turbocharged might get to dodge "vibe-coded" status, it's still the product of AI. I suspect if you've been avoiding anything made using the tech, the kart racer isn't going to get a pass, and I'll personally be sticking to emulating the original on retro handhelds (even the Anbernic RG28XX can run it for $42), playing the real deal on an actual PS1, and dabbling with the Nitro Fuelled remake on modern systems when the cravings surface.

Yes, a 4K PC port of the OG Crash Team Racing would have made my year, but given the impact of AI on everything right now, I can absolutely go without.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for modern gamepads that feel authentic.

2026 has been throwing it back to times gone past, with the resurgence of physical media and the return to retro driving more than just your social media trends. With subscription prices on the up, digital ownership under threat, and a cultural yearning for the simplicity of yore many are hunting down the best retro gifts on the market.

Whether you're gathering inspiration for your own wishlist or buying for lovers of classic games, tech, and toys, we've gathered all the top gadgets and gizmos we recommend this holiday season. I bet it's been a few years since there was a Furby, Commodore 64, and a CD player under your tree, but it looks like 2026 is going to be a rose-tinted holiday season.

From adapters that let you play your PS2 with a DualSense controller to retro-styled MP3 players with full Bluetooth compatibility, you'll find a treasure trove of retro gift ideas just below, pulled together from all GamesRadar+'s favorite nostalgic tech of the last 12 months.

Best retro gaming gifts

Best retro toy gifts

Best retro tech gifts

Okay, I'm going to say it: Prime Day isn't great for retro deals. You could argue the whole event is a bit of a damp squib this year, and that's almost certainly tied to the global cost of living crisis and AI data centres giving the hardware scene at large a kicking.

I don't want you to think I'm being defeatist, though, as I've been hard at work picking out the best Prime Day retro deals live all week. It's more that the very structure of the sale will dupe retro console collectors and classic gaming fans alike into thinking that remakes and emulation systems will be more affordable. That's not remotely the case, and if you want to get anything from the October Big Deal Days event, I'd focus on smaller setup improvements.

By that, I mean you should embrace discounts on lower-priced gadgets, like the best retro controllers and HDMI upscalers that'll help with connecting your retro consoles to a modern TV or monitor. By ignoring the faux hype around alleged "big deals", you'll be able to benefit from what could be described as a needless secondary sale, and if anything, most savings you'll find aren't even subscriber-exclusive.

Reach for retro controllers

One of the easiest ways to jazz up your authentic retro gaming setup is to arm your system with a new controller. There are a staggering number of modern retro gamepads out there that can hook straight up to your old machines either with an included dongle or a Retro Receiver, and they have the power to help your inputs feel new while cutting the cord.

No, I'm not saying you should replace all your original controllers with new gamepads, and the fact that I collect and restore accessories should make that obvious. However, I do think some of the top new sets of buttons, like the wonderful 8Bitdo N64 controller and the excellent Gulikit Elves 2 Pro are well worth a look, even if you simply use it as a wireless alternative for when the need arises.

Of course, Amazon being Amazon, not every option I'd love to recommend is cheaper for Prime Day. Therefore, your options will be limited if you're looking for specific retro console gadgets. There's room to argue that some gizmos are affordable already if you happen to need one right now, but otherwise, I'd just bide your time if you're on a budget.

Sensibly priced upscalers

If you've ever looked into HDMI upscalers for your consoles, you'll know some are an eyewatering investment. No shade to the likes of RetroTINK since they make some pretty incredible options that'll ramp up your visuals to 4K, but I know from chatting with many readers that most players need something cheaper.

That's where sales like Prime Day can come in handy, as some of my go-to upscalers, like the OSSC and the GBS-C, normally get a price cut. That's absolutely the case this October since both are under $100 for the sale, and while you'll need an additional composite transcoder if you're planning on using systems without RGB output, they will make all the difference to your setup for less than you'd think.

I'd recommend diving into my wider thoughts on what the OSSC can do for your setup and check out how the GBS-C can eliminate PS2 jittery visuals. The short of it, though, is that the latter is great for systems with interlaced output thanks to its motion adaptive deinterlacing, while the former "line doubler" provides cleaner scaling with next to no input lag. Both are pretty great for under $100, and they could help you keep playing the oldies while new systems spiral out of control price-wise.

Helpful hacks

Those of you who want to get more out of your original machines without resorting to emulation can also get something out of Prime Day. That's thanks to the fact that there are gadgets included in the sale that will let you run homebrews and backups on the likes of the PS1, PS2, and N64, and for the most part, the accessories are plug-and-play.

The specific gizmos on my mind right now are the Summercart64, a flash cart I use to play Zelda ROM hacks, and the PSXMemcard Gen 2, a modern memory card that uses SD card storage. Both are technically different devices, with the Everdrive alternative spoofing the cartridge slot to run ROMs from storage and the latter using pre-installed Free Mcboot tricks to provide access to softmod your PlayStation 2. Nevertheless, I'd say they're both spiritually connected and serve the same role for both systems, and they'll well worth a look if you're into retro console tinkering.

My hope is that by highlighting some of the more affordable retro gadgets, I'll help many of you focus on little discounts that add up to bigger savings. Ultimately, I do think Prime Day has really dropped the ball this year by virtually neglecting to include pricier devices like retro handhelds and consoles. I'd even say that if that puts you off giving the retailer your business for now, then that's completely acceptable, but if you have been waiting to work on your retro console setup, you can still make the most of the situation.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro controllers at Amazon

We've got you covered on how to play N64 games if you're looking to revisit Ninty's first 3D system in the big 26.

The Epic Games Store has been offering two free games per week for a while now, and alongside Korean narrative adventure game Buried Stars, you can currently claim the System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster for absolutely nothing. This is, as the title suggests, a reworked version of the classic RPG which birthed the BioShock franchise, and I've already set it up to download.

One of the upgrades on the System Shock 2 remaster is the introduction of controller support, so if you own a PC controller, you'll have more ways to play. Amazon's Prime Day retro deals are taking a trip down memory lane this week, with 40% off the controller you'd likely have used to play back in the day. I'd swerve hard left on that one, though, there are plenty of the best retro controllers that will give you a far better experience.

At the top is the GuliKit Elves 2 Pro. While it doesn't offer advanced features like 8K polling, customization or modularity, it has all the buttons you'd hope for including face keys and triggers.

You might need to indulge in some key mapping if you want the Elves 2 Pro to work with System Shock 2, but it's designed with a range of compatibility options in mind.

While they're not discounted currently, there are several other retro gaming controllers which we recommend, and you can find some here:

Should you buy a retro gaming controller?

You can play the System Shock 2 remaster without a controller like the GuliKit. If you have a mouse and a keyboard, you're sorted, and will in fact be playing the game as it was originally created (it was PC-only, with no controller support).

But some prefer a controller for gaming, and it is, after all, one of the perks of playing the remastered edition. Reportedly, segments of the tutorial were rewritten to fit with the controller support.

Many praised how well the remaster adapts the original game to work with controllers. so it's well worth picking one up to enjoy the free title.

Most retro controllers are designed around older consoles, as you can probably tell from their design. The GuliKit is more of a jack of all trades though, so it works on PC as well as Switch and phones, and its retro appeal comes more in its design.

Of course, you shouldn't buy a retro controller just for System Shock 2. But if you think you'll use it on more titles — and don't need an advanced one for intensive online gaming — this deal is a great opportunity to buy one.

We're also rounding up all the best retro handhelds and the best retro consoles on the market right now.

MediEvil, the iconic gothic PS1 platformer, is the latest classic to get the PC recompilation treatment, and I'm thrilled to confirm AI isn't involved. I'll admit that my heart initially sank given that the retro recomp scene is currently plagued with vibe-coded projects, and while the artist and voice behind Sir Dan has appropriate words for anyone who's thinking of doing that to the classic caper, this specific project is officially made with "human hands."

Highlighted by Gallowpedia, the MediEvil Recomp project by BlackLabelHQ takes the retro console classic and resurrects it with a bunch of modern tricks. The project effectively adds perks like widescreen support, scaling aspect ratio, increased draw distance/render distance, a frame rate boost, improved textures, Frame Interpolation, and elements that'll let you bring Sir Dan back on your PC with improved performance and visuals.

There's certainly room to argue over whether you should take an "of its time" gem like MediEvil and spruce it up. The platformer's visuals are a wonderful blend of PS1-specific limitations tied to draw distance and texture size and its wonderful Tim Burton-inspired art direction. That said, the fact that the project's creator outright condemns AI being used for such purposes, saying, "we value human work; PRs made with AI will be closed," means you can enjoy the revamp without destructive tech weighing on your mind.

The first beta release of the MediEvil Recomp project is out now! This lets you play MediEvil with widescreen support, scaling aspect ratio, increased draw distance/render distance, increase FPS support, PGXP, Better Terrain, Frame Interpolation, and other things all natively running on your PC.

— @medievil.wiki (@medievil.wiki.bsky.social) 2026-10-02T11:32:09.362Z

With the way things are going right now, it's extremely refreshing to see a recomp project emerge that doesn't leverage AI. Thrown-together, vibe-coded ports are swamping the internet right now, and I've already been let down multiple times this week alone. If you love MediEvil and are remotely thinking about using AI to make a PC version, though, the original game's legendary co-creator and lead designer, Jay Wilson, has an appropriate warning for you.

In response to the MediEvil Recomp and conversations about it not being vibe coded, Wilson (AKA Jay Gunn) says, "I have no idea about what this is other than what I see posted here. But I agree with what the comments are saying - keep GenAI the fuck away from MediEvil… now and in the future! The charm of those days of dev’ was that everything was handmade with barely any premade tools or shortcuts."

I naturally wholeheartedly agree with Jay's take here and the fact that its '90s limitations are what make it special. I routinely still play the first romp and its underappreciated sequel, MediEvil 2, on original hardware, and while I normally even stick to a CRT, you can absolutely use OG hardware to revisit the classic in time for the spooky season.

If you're looking to replay MediEvil this Halloween, I've got you covered on how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs and monitors. If you invest in an upscaler like the OSSC for $111.99 or even the GBS-C for $89.90 you'll be able to experience the platformer on your new display while maintaining the original visuals. You don't even need to stick with an OG PlayStation system specifically; if you've been looking into how to play PS2 games, you'll be able to take the same approach to play the older PS1 disc.

On the emulation front, you can also play your backup on a retro handheld if you'd rather take Sir Dan on a trip outside. Circling back to the Recomp project, you could even play it on swanky handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally X or Steam Deck OLED if you want to embrace fancy frills like widescreen support. Ultimately, the takeaway is this: if you fancy playing MediEvil this October, try to avoid any AI-related projects that may creep out of the ground.

Swing by the best retro controllers for authentic feeling gamepads with modern tricks.

Off the back of my full 8Bitdo FlipPad review, I've been weighing up whether a discount could help it thrive. It's already one of the best retro controllers for Game Boy games on your phone in my eyes, but with Prime Day sneaking up fast, it could end up at a no-brainer price, especially if you're not into buying a standalone handheld in 2026.

There's room to argue that the 8Bitdo FlipPad is already pretty good value at $29.99, as it's $5 cheaper than its main rival, the GameSir Pocket Taco. That latter, chunkier controller usually goes for $34.99 on an ordinary day, although it does pack Bluetooth connectivity and shoulder buttons into its bulkier shell.

The short of it is that the 8Bitdo FlipPad is a sleeker, less obtrusive set of buttons for your phone for quick, casual sessions. Its excellent hinge mechanism lets your modern-day doomscroller almost cosplay as a 2000s flip phone, all while letting you flick the panel out of the way for when you actually have to do things on your phone. It also hooks up directly via USB-C, so you'll never need to worry about battery life or power issues getting in the way of your Pokemon sessions.

In contrast, the Pocket Taco turns your phone into its namesake, clamping onto your device at the bottom. Again, it's Bluetooth, so it will actually work with your Switch or even a docked Analogue Pocket should you prefer your Game Boy games on a bigger screen, but it's main goal is to give you something that feels like Ninty's brick to grip onto on your travels.

Both mobile controllers serve pretty similar roles, and both take opposite approaches in doing so. The Pocket Taco is for those of you who want a fully fledged Game Boy controller that doesn't rely on your phone and will be suited to all games across the Game Boy's expansive library, including GBA games that rely on shoulder buttons. On the flip side, the FlipPad feels more geared towards players with a very standard phone setup, as it'll fit best to a handset with iPhone dimensions and a case that's 2mm in thickness.

The Pocket Taco is for those of you who want a fully fledged Game Boy controller that doesn't rely on your phone and will be suited to all games across the Game Boy's expansive library, including GBA games that rely on shoulder buttons. On the flip side, the FlipPad feels more geared towards players with a very standard phone setup, as it'll fit best to a handset with iPhone dimensions and a case that's 2mm in thickness.

I would crown the FlipPad as the better-feeling controller thanks to its clicky dome buttons and solid feel. The Pocket Taco comparatively feels a bit cheaper, but it does mimic the plastics of an OG Game Boy in a more authentic way while packing more features than just plain USB-C connectivity.

Ultimately, I'd keep an eye out for both during Prime Day on October 6 and 7 (don't you dare say it), but I have a funny feeling 8Bitdo will include the FlipPad in its usual wave of nifty discounts, and failing that, Black Friday retro deals are set to arrive in November as a backup.

• Retro controllers at Amazon
• Game Boy clones at Amazon

Swing by the best retro consoles for remakes, emulation systems, and collectable mini systems.

We may still be a few days away from the official Lego PlayStation release date, but Insiders can order the set with early access starting from today. The PlayStation replica (complete with original controller) is now available for $179.99 / £139.99 for those with early access. The best part? Well there's two.

First up the Lego Insiders program is completely free, just sign up and you'll be able to buy the Lego PlayStation today. Secondly, like most of the best Lego sets, this build qualifies for a free 'gift with purchase' only this time, it's themed particularly well. That little Astro Bot statue that's been doing the round on socials? It's yours.

Coincidence? I think not. Pair up a retro builder's dream set and one of the most adorable mascots in the industry right now and you've got yourself a pretty solid bundle.

This is Lego, so there are already heaps of smaller details fans are picking out. That hidden internal PlayStation logo has to be a highlight, built entirely out of flat tiles and sitting inside the disc tray itself, it's going to be a particularly satisfying part of the build.

Meanwhile, Gran Turismo and Ape Escape scenes can be slotted inside the console for a surprise when flipping the lid and the OG controller and connect and disconnect from the slots on the front as well.

Resident Lego wizard Benj is already hard at work building this one out for us, so we'll report back with a full review once we've reached the end of the instructions.

Just remember you'll need to place your order before October 7 to receive the free Astro Bot statue alongside it. This little robo buddy is formed of 276 pieces, with a $19.99 value, in a fully posable statue and even swappable eyes.

October 1 doesn't just bring Lego PlayStation tidings, a whole host of sets also went up for Insider Early Access today. TV fans can opt instead for the Downton Abbey set ($349.99 at Lego) and the whopping 6,130-piece Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer has also landed in early access for $799.99 - you can read our full review here before taking the plunge.

• See all new sets at Lego

We're getting you prepped and ready for this year's Black Friday Lego deals, but in the meantime check out all the Lego sets released in September 2026.

I firmly believe you need to be a specific type of player for the 8Bitdo FlipPad to win you over. The idea of quickly turning your doomscroller cell phone into a Game Boy with physical buttons is alluring, yes, but when you weigh up the quirks compared to just, well, grabbing one of the best retro handhelds out there designed to run classic capers, the appeal slightly falls apart.

None of that stops the 8Bitdo FlipPad from excelling as one of the best retro controllers for Game Boy games, though, as it's one of the nicest pads I've tested yet. For $29.99, you're getting an accessory that offers satisfyingly clicky buttons, a hinge that'll make even your iPhone feel like a '90s flip phone, and an extremely low-profile design.

That sadly all comes at a pretty high cost for the FlipPad, as its direct USB-C design means that, unlike the GameSir Pocket Taco, it's fully dependent on your phone. For your 30 bucks, you're basically getting an, admittedly nice-feeling, set-up buttons hooked up to a direct USB connection, and when you consider that alongside some really unfortunate design limitations things get a little tricky.

Flippin slick

I'll admit that I've spent more time with this gamepad than I'd usually give to a Game Boy controller. I even specifically placed the 8Bitdo FlipPad in the hands of a casual retro gamer to conduct some further A/B testing.

The reason is simple: I wanted to absolutely confirm whether stripping back a Game Boy-style controller like this to a sleek "pad" is worth it. The FlipPad is undeniably the sleekest of its kind out there, and its 19.7mm profile makes the GameSir Pocket Taco look like a bulky plastic monster by comparison, not to mention it weighs in at only 31.5 grams.

But, that sleekness comes at the cost of useful innards. Again, you're only getting USB-C with the FlipPad and, in reality, that means it's confined to either the bottom of your phone or slightly larger compatible devices (I've already experimented using the Razer Edge).

Cramming everything into a small rectangle designed to rest on the bottom of a phone screen also eliminates good junk in the trunk. The Pocket Taco uses this asset to stow away a battery and give its shoulder buttons somewhere to hang, whereas 8Bitdo has opted to stick four left and right "back" buttons on its face.

I'll admit there aren't too many games suited to a Game Boy layout that make use of proper shoulder buttons anyway. However, if you did fancy strafing in the likes of DOOM for the GBA, you'll probably get your fingers in a bit of a twist trying to press the top toggles while shooting via the face buttons and using the D-pad.

And yet, part of me does buy into the idea of trimming everything back to make the slickest Game Boy mobile controller possible. The idea here is that by containing everything to the bottom centre of your screen, it'll merely feel like your phone has physical clicky buttons, rather than feeling like it's wedged between a gamepad. It's exactly how you'd want an accessory you'll be sneaking in Pokemon sessions with on the go, and that plays into its strengths as a casual controller.

Case by case basis

If there's one thing 8Bitdo has really dropped the ball on with the FlipPad, it's accommodations for specific phone cases and non-standard handsets. As a gadget that connects straight into your doomscroller, it relies on you using a "standard" protective shell that's around 2mm thick. That will specifically ensure the controller fits flush to the base of your device, but through my own testing, I've rarely found that to be the case.

Had I only tested the FlipPad with the latest iPhone and the apparent 2mm case the FlipPad is designed around, I'd be saying the controller fits perfectly. You'll no doubt see plenty of videos and articles claiming there are no issues in that department, but I unfortunately wasn't treated to that Goldilocks "just right" scenario. Yes, my proverbial porridge was either too cold or too hot, representing the woe of the pad wiggling side to side or not fitting at all.

I specifically tested the FlipPad with a Google Pixel 7 and a protective shell, and while I could plug it into the USB-C port, it still suffered from an air-gap pivot. I suspect that's because the phone's cheaper silicone shell was out by a fraction of a millimeter, but it's more or less the sort of generic accessory you'll get at Amazon.

In contrast, I wasn't able to plug the FlipPad into an Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro with a Devil Case attached at all. I should note that I wouldn't have been able to use the controller with the handset anyway since it has a very silly offset USB-C port, but even if it were centered, thicker protective cases are going to be too deep and prevent the pad from reaching your port.

I don't want to tell 8Bitdo how to suck design eggs here, but I do reckon the FlipPad could have avoided fit issues with some tweaks. While I get that the controller maker was trying to keep connectivity faff free, some plastic adapters to suit different phones and case thicknesses could have made a meaningful difference. Since the gamepad relies on USB-C, I reckon going the extra mile with a system that helps adjust things specifically for your phone would have made a lot of sense, and ultimately would have helped it achieve a near-perfect score.

It all hinges on the pivot

It's in the name, but one of the FlipPad's biggest draws lies in the fact it "flips." The mechanical hinge absolutely plays into forgotten hardware mechanics that were once harnessed by phones and handhelds like the Game Boy Advance SP. In both those cases, the folding elements were designed to stand in the way of unwanted interaction, say, a bunch of keys in your pocket, but with 8Bitdo's Game Boy controller, the role is reversed.

The FlipPad's hinge exists to throw the controller out of the way when you need screen access. Like it or not, Android emulation suites and apps, like RetroArch, will require tweaking by touch, and interacting with settings menus, or even just taking a call in between games, is a pain when you have to revert things back to a vanilla cell phone. By way of flipping, 8Bitdo's design lets you flick the buttons out of the way with a solid snap that keeps it in place.

The hinge mechanism itself is extremely satisfying, providing a more solid, mechanical feel than something like a GBA SP. The swivel mechanism will apparently withstand over 6,000 flicks, and I genuinely reckon I'm halfway there since I've been using mine as a fidget toy. I should note that I'm doing that without it plugged into anything, as I'd be slightly paranoid about putting stress on a device's USB port through the force of the pivot.

If you use the perfect-size case without an air gap, your port should be safe. In normal circumstances, even slight movement shouldn't pose a threat, but I know better than to put needless stress on USB-C ports. I don't really think the FlipPad is committing any real sins here, but I do want to illustrate how 8Bitdo's design feels to use in practice.

Cromulent clicks

The 8Bitdo FlipPad's buttons don't really feel like an actual Game Boy, but in this instance, that's a good thing. Instead of opting for traditional membranes, this mobile controller uses click dome contacts that provide pleasingly tactile inputs that are closer to microswitches in feel. That means less travel and a more definitive input confirmation that's confirmed through ASMR-tier sounds, and that helps reinforce the overall design.

Had the FlipPad gone with the same arguably more authentic-feeling membranes of the GameSir Pocket Taco, its whole feel would have potentially been compromised. The fact that the controller will pivot if you don't use the right case ties into this, as the shorter travel of the dome buttons means less surface pressure that could potentially cause the unit to shift around even with the rubber pad gripping the screen.

You will absolutely still feel a bit of movement with the wrong case, particularly if you're playing something more frantic like a shoot-em-up or hectic NES platformer. But, in many calmer situations, the travel means the gamepad will largely stay put, in turn helping mask some of the connector's shortcomings.

The physical feel of the buttons lives up to 8Bitdo's usual quality levels, with a soft-touch matte finish on the face buttons accompanied by embossed A,B,X,Y symbols. The D-pad is the one element that feels like it's trying to emulate a Game Boy, as it's virtually a 3/4 replica of Nintendo's original, complete with those iconic ridges (for performance, naturally).

I still stand by the idea that the FlipPad is better suited to quick plug-and-play casual experiences. You can expect nice precision and minimal latency since we're talking about direct USB-C, which does lend itself to trickier platformers. That said, You're not getting as full a layout here since the shoulders are on the front, and it will limit your scope for playing games from across the console generations that use more buttons.

Less isn't always more

8Bitdo's FlipPad scores major points for sleekness and feel, but it really sacrifices additional features to make it happen. Even if it increased the price to the same as the Pocket Taco, a way to connect the controller to other devices and consoles via Bluetooth would have helped it excel, and that could have been achieved with some sort of plugin puck.

Using an additional back unit with some guts inside could have also provided a place for optional shoulder buttons, again, providing opportunity for an additional hardware feature. These are admittedly all plans 8Bitdo could have in the works for a Pro version (if not, then feel free to steal), but the current version feels a bit bare bones otherwise.

The streamlined nature of the FlipPad will work for some players, largely those of you who want something extremely discrete on the front of your phone. Adding in the above extras would have captured an additional slice of the market pie by providing external Game Boy buttons for everything from your Switch to something more niche like a docked Analogue Pocket. Perhaps there's room for that still, and while it keeps the gamepad from perfection, it's not a complete dealbreaker.

Should you pick up the 8Bitdo FlipPad?

As a mobile controller geared towards 8 and 16-bit era games, the 8Bitdo FlipPad is one of the best around. It's sleek, unobtrusive, and provides excellent clicky buttons that will bring you a lot of tactile joy. The hinge mechanism also makes for a phenomenal solution to retaining cell phone functionality while having buttons smacked on the front that feel like a natural part of the device, but its commitment to the compact bit is what keeps it from being the ultimate Game Boy controller.

Quirks with the connector requiring a specific 2mm-thick case act as part of the roadblock to a perfect score. But, I ultimately think ditching elements like Bluetooth connectivity for wider compatibility is the FlipPad's real Achilles' heel. It might reach the same heights as the Pocket Taco by way of a sleeker approach, but by not matching it on its wireless capabilities and physical shoulder buttons, it can't soar past its competitor.

Deciding between the FlipPad and Pocket Taco really comes down to your gameplay preferences. If you can pluck out games you know will use physical shoulder buttons, you're largely better off with the latter, whereas if you're really just looking for a nicer way to play OG Game Boy romps like Pokemon, 8Bitdo's buttons will provide a much nicer feel and less bulk. Both are solid options, but I can't help but feel I'm still waiting for an elevated accessory that really pays tribute to Ninty's iconic brick.

How I tested the 8Bitdo FlipPad

Over the course of a month, I put the 8Bitdo FlipPad to the test using various USB-C phones and devices, including the Google Pixel 7, Asus ROG Phone, and Razer Edge gaming handheld. To assess its functionality, build quality, and overall feel, I used RetroArch to emulate suitable arcade and Game Boy games, evaluating whether the design aspects make the gamepad a better fit for 8 and 16-bit games compared to rivals like the GameSir Pocket Taco.

For more information on how we test retro console and accessories, swing by our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy for extra deets.

Sorry, '80s microcomputer crowd, the clamshell C64 and ZX Spectrum handhelds have been delayed until April 2027. The Retro Games Ltd and Blaze collab portables were originally meant to launch in just over two weeks' time, on October 15, but the duo of devices has been pushed back by six months due to production not meeting "high standards."

In a statement shared on Blaze's HyperMegaTech website, the Evercade and Super Pocket creators say The C64 and The Spectrum handhelds now won't land until April 22, 2027. Spotted by VGC, the company confirms, "after careful consideration, we have made the decision to move the release date from 15th October 2026 to 22nd April 2027. This date change applies to both standard and collector’s editions."

Given that plenty of retro console and handheld projects have already been delayed due to component costs, I figured RAMageddon has merely claimed another victim. However, Blaze says, "During production, we identified areas where the product construction was not meeting our high standards. While we could address some issues quickly and release the products in 2026, we believe taking this additional time is the right decision to give you the best experience possible."

Blaze acknowledges that the news is disappointing while thanking players for their "patience and continued support." While it will be of little comfort to those of you wanting to play Chucky Egg on the train, the company says its upcoming flagship retro handheld, the Evercade Nexus, is unaffected. That makes sense given that the issues tie to quality concerns with the Retro Games Ltd collab specifically, but it's still worth saying it out loud given the overarching disruption by AI data centres.

The delay is undeniably a bummer, but while the idea of a clamshell, almost Cyberdeck-like C64 or ZX Spectrum, is right up my street, we're not short of ways to play old microcomputer games. If you'd rather just plug in a doohickey and start playing, the C64 Mini and The Spectrum can provide you with quick HDMI goodness, and while the latter is a little pricey at $154 in the US, the latter tiny Black Edition breadbin is $59.98, although the original is now AWOL at Amazon.

Those of you microcomputing enthusiasts out there will likely already have a real C64 or a ZX Spectrum pitched up at a desk. The handheld versions, just like Blaze and Retro Games Ltd's other endeavours, are all about convenience, with some releases like the upcoming Amiga A1200 remake blurring the lines. If you're really looking for hardware perfection, you'll want to invest in something like the Commodore 64 Ultimate or ZX Spectrum Next, with both leveraging FPGA tech to replicate the original innards.

Of course, none of these options are by the original minds who pioneered the video game industry as we know it via microcomputers. If you're looking for something that feels like a true successor, I'd highly recommend checking out the Gamercard, as it's a Raspberry Pi portable by Grant Sinclair, nephew of the late ZX Spectrum creator Clive Sinclair, that manages to embody the essence of the OG machine while running everything from Quake to PICO-8 fantasy console games.

• C64 consoles at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for new gamepads that will work with your classic consoles.

Less than a month after its last launch, Ayaneo's Konkr Pocket Block is now available. The good news is that the Game Boy clone starts at just $79, and the arguably even better news is that it seems to have ditched all the AI marketing that haunted its unveiling back in May.

In an announcement post marking the launch, Ayaneo describes the Konkr Pocket Block as "a premium vertical pocket Android handheld for gamers." (shock, horror). It also adds a nod to its "retro cyber design," a reference I can only assume to the fact that it looks like a Game Boy Pocket with a much larger screen-to-body ratio and some two-tone panelling.

Yes, we're all familiar with Game Boy clones; they have been occupying the best retro handheld battlefield since the Bittboy in 2019, after all. What I reckon makes the Konkr Pocket Block stand out is what it's offering for $79 compared to the Anbernic RG35XX Plus (arguably its closest rival at $59.97), as its Helio G85 CPU should cover a lot of retro console emulation ground in a 113.2 x 77.4mm.

The base model pairs the MediaTek chip with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, but you can soup things up to 3GB and 64GB for $99. I'd argue that probably isn't necessary if you're sticking to emulating the OG Game Boy, GBA, and even some PS1 games. That's already something some of the absolute cheapest handhelds, like the Anbernic RG28XX, can pull off using a Dual-core Mali-G31, but I suspect you'll be doing more on this device's 960 x 720 3.33-inch display.

I'd prefer to test the Pocket Block myself before speculating about performance bars, but Ayaneo CEO Arthur Zhang claims it can play PSP games in his usual launch livestream. Sony's 2000s handheld isn't that hard to emulate, and the Block's MediaTek chipset should be able to handle games at native resolution. But, mentioning the portable is still pretty ambitious, and if it can pull off most of the library at full speed, we could be looking at a new budget champion.

Ayaneo originally unveiled the Konkr Pocket Block in May, with a heavy emphasis on it being "the world’s first AI-powered handheld." I personally found this tagline extremely off-putting, as a chunk of the retro community is currently fighting back against tech seeping into decomp projects, not to mention I'm consistently seeing fake AI-generated CRT setups on social media (real retro gaming setups are my whole jam).

That's exactly why I was delighted to see no mention of AI in the Pocket Block's latest marketing materials, but sadly, Zhang says there will be a "live broadcast" specifically for that this October. I'm really not sure how the tech could really enhance the experience of a sub-$100 handheld, and while I'm pretty down with everything else this newcomer stands for, associating itself with the tech could harm its reputation from the get-go.

It's already been a pretty busy year for affordable handhelds, with all the main portable players launching specific use-case models. The Ayaneo's Konkr Pocket Advance is targeting GBA fans, while Anbernic has Nintendo DS players in its crosshairs with its revamped RG DS Plus. Retroid is also fighting in that ring with its dual-screen Pocket Duo, so if you'd rather not pick up something that claims to use the very tech that's driving up the prices of said handhelds, you've got more than a few options.

• Game Boy clones at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers if you want authentic console buttons with modern tricks.

Tomb Raider is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, which is hard to believe, as it feels like my love of Lara Croft and trapping butlers in freezers has been with me since birth. Alas, the iconic game series originally began in 1996, and 8BitDo is paying homage by launching two official Tomb Raider reskins of its best PC controllers.

Much like the way the upcoming Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis is the original game with a new coat of paint, the Tomb Raider controllers aren't entirely new. With this collab, 8BitDo has taken the Ultimate 3 and Pro 3 and coated them in gold details and designs that celebrate the series' legacy, but that's not what draws me to these special edition pads. Instead, it's the fact that the chassis of the Ultimate 3 celebrates Lara, while the Pro 3 harkens back to the original game - which feels perfectly on theme for a retro controller of its calibre.

If Lara Croft is your favorite takeaway from the three-decade-old game franchise, then the 8BitDo Ultimate 3 is going to be more your style. Expected to ship on October 24, this Xbox controller features an assortment of Lara's on the left side of its face. The brand-new Legacy of Atlantis version of the dual-pistol-wielding heroine takes center stage, but my favorites, including the Tomb Raider Survivor Lara and even the polygonal OG, are all there.

The Laras are spread out as dark golden silhouettes across the gamepad, which looks pretty fantastic when paired with the 30th Anniversary charging stand. 8BitDo even made sure to coat the zinc alloy D-pad in a golden metal colorway, which helps tie into the theming and makes the entire pad look like something that the British Museum should have handed back centuries ago.

As an 8BitDo Ultimate 3, it's pretty much a standard affair where the rest of its features are considered. You've got the TMR sticks, hall-effect trigger buttons, remappable bumper buttons and back buttons, alongside Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless support. All of this can be found in a traditional Ultimate 3, which will also be $10 cheaper than this $119.99 (via 8BitDo) controller. It's a similar case to the 8BitDo Pro 3, which is $79.99 at Amazon rather than its other colorways' $69.99 MSRP, but these collabs are usually about looks, and the Pro 3 more than looks the part.

8BitDo aptly takes the Pro 3 and uses it to pay "tribute to the Lost Valley", one of the most iconic areas of the original game. What 90s kid doesn't remember that fearsome T-Rex fight?

The charging stand for this peripheral is even more eye-catching than the Ultimate 3's as it features a stone-texture print that makes it look like a plinth holding up a valuable artifact. With this release, 8BitDo has also included interchangeable ball-top joystick caps that perfectly replicate the turquoise coloring of Lara's OG outfit, and there's a set of grips that match the ancient relic design of the faceplate included too.

The Pro 3 is definitely my preferred pick of these two upcoming 8BitDo releases. Not just for these Tomb Raider-y design choices, but because it captures a similar shape to the original PlayStation SCPH-1080 controller, with plenty of modern benefits - from its TMR sticks, back buttons, and magnetic ABXY buttons.

The Tomb Raider 8BitDo Pro 3 is expected to launch on October 24, the same date as the new Ultimate 3. Sadly, that means there's a long wait until Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis's February 12, 2027 release date. However, with the wealth of Lara Croft adventures available today, you shouldn't have an issue finding the perfect game to pair with these stunning anniversary edition accessories.

• View all 8BitDo gaming controllers at Amazon

You don't need to be an expert tomb raider to unearth the best PC controllers for gaming, the best PS5 controllers, or the best Xbox Series X controllers on the market, as we've tested the lot.

I’ve tested enough handhelds at this stage to know most device makers like to play it safe. The Gamercard isn’t remotely one of those handhelds, and that’s hardly surprising considering it shares a lineage with the very man who pioneered the microcomputer that arguably kicked off a whole gaming industry in the UK. That inventor is none other than the legendary Sir Clive Sinclair of ZX Spectrum fame, and his nephew, Grant Sinclair, is carrying the mantle within the portable console space.

Objectively speaking, the Gamecard doesn’t trade blows with the best gaming handhelds out there. I almost feel like that’s intentional by design, as comparing it to the majority of emulation devices and consoles out there effectively feels the same to placing the ZX Spectrum next to other microcomputers like the Commodore 64 and the MSX. By that, I mean there are elements of the Gamercard that absolutely put it at a disadvantage, and while that will be an automatic turn-off for some, I’m drawn in by this gadget’s odd design choices and inherent limitations.

Starting at £99, the Gamercard feels very much like the same genre of handheld as the Playdate. Yes, I could slate it for its strange rubber pads, aversion to any sort of ergonomics, and odd-shaped screen, just like you could dunk on Panic for releasing something with a monochrome, non-backlit screen in 2022. Doing that completely overlooks the beauty of making a unique platform where indie games and tinkering can flourish, though, and if I’m being real, I’d take that over a conventionally “good” portable any day.

Card by name, card by nature

The Gamercard’s whole design philosophy is that it’s meant to resemble a gift card. It fully commits to this idea in almost every way, even going as far as to feature a built-in hang tag. That’s pretty funny since it’s unlikely to be on any standees or shop ends out of its box, but it's going for the same vibes as something like a Teenage Engineering Rhythm Synthesizer, and it’s doing so in more ways than one.

You see, upon freeing the Gamercard from its minimalist cardboard packaging, you’ll swiftly realise this handheld’s guts aren’t in a shell. In fact, its guts are the shell, as this device is made up of stacked PCBs with Raspberry Pi innards sandwiched between what are virtually etched circuit boards. That’s how this portable manages to measure in at just 6.5mm thick, despite packing a 720 x 720 IPS screen and 13 buttons in there.

I’m not quite sure describing the Gamercard is minimalist does the handheld justice, and it disregards the unique blend of rough and refined. The black and gold PCB mask coating evokes a sense of elegance that makes the portable almost feel high-end, while elements like the etched back-of-box blurb at the rear keep it grounded as a substance-over-style DIY device.

The whole approach of making a Raspberry Pi handheld that’s virtually just a PCB sandwich means caveats are unavoidable. Your hands aren’t going to be too happy with you spending hours with the Gamercard since there are zero ergonomic curves or accommodations. My personal counterargument there is that we’re all too happy to doomscroll on heavier phones for hours at a time, so while it’s okay to moan a little about crampy claws, keep your complaints in mind the next time you reach for your rectangle of despair.

Return of the living dead(flesh keys)

Love it or hate it, the ZX Spectrum’s “dead flesh” rubber keyboard is part of the microcomputer’s legacy. While Sir Clive’s choice of keeb was integral to affordability, Grant Sinclair has effectively emulated the spirit of the controversial buttons with the Gamercard’s strange circular disks.

Originally, I’d assumed the front pads would feel more like Valve’s OG Steam Controller. Instead, they feel almost like the ZX Spectrum had clicky microswitches under its squishy rubber instead of membranes, and the result is something that feels eerily similar but with enhanced tactility. It makes for a pretty clever way to keep things super low-profile while still providing 4 directional inputs and four face buttons, but I’d be lying if I said I was in love with the setup.

I pretty much feel the same way about the ZX Spectrum keyboard in that while I’ll happily use it to embrace the overarching ethos of the microcomputer and handheld alike, it’s hard to push desires for full controls down. In the case of the Gamercard, adding a proper D-pad and raised buttons would disrupt the whole low-profile vibe the device is going for, so I’m happy with classing the buttons as a necessary con.

Perhaps I’m being a bit too much of a backseat handheld designer without an awareness of costings, but some customization on the buttons front could have fixed my gripes. Being able to swap out the rubber pads for something more like a raised D-pad would have made a massive difference to the feel, all while not permanently disrupting the core feel of the device.

The solution there could be to utilize the Gamercard’s Bluetooth connectivity, which is present alongside mini HDMI at the side to allow for big-screen gaming. I wasn’t able to actually sync up any gamepads yet, which could be because the feature is coming in a later OS update, but I’m keen on the idea of experimenting with hooking up a GameSir Pocket Taco or even 8Bitdo’s FlipPad as an overlay alternative.

You could call trying to add controllers to the handheld as blasphemy, and I’ll take that on the chin. At the same time, the experimental nature of the Gamercard means I’m keen to put together a setup that works for me, and that feels very much in the same spirit as bolting joystick interfaces and other gizmos to a ZX Spectrum back in the ‘80s.

A punchy slice of Pi

As someone who first tinkered with a Raspberry Pi Model B back in 2015, it’s hard to get my head around the Gamercard being one. What do you mean this handheld, with the same thickness as a coaster, is a tiny Linux-based computer? Even when I do stare at a bare Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, the very board this portable is using, and fully comprehend its size, I’m still baffled that it’s living inside this device.

There’s something charming about the nephew of a microcomputer pioneer using a literal micro computer to make a new gaming device. It’s not like it compromises on specs, as the Pi Zero 2 is packing an ARM Cortex-A53, 512MB RAM, and room for a microSD card. Effectively, while the Pi is impossibly tiny, it can actually keep up with sub-$100 portables by the likes of Anbernic, like the RG28XX, while boasting a much bigger, higher-res square screen not unlike the RG Cube.

It should be becoming clearer that the Gamercard isn’t hoping to sail on the success of its ZX Spectrum ancestor. If anything, you should be thinking more about what the Sinclair name means in this scenario, as this handheld is all about providing the right amount of power to fuel creativity and run everything you’re meant to on something with this form factor.

While the Gamercard knocks on your door with promises of impressive emulation abilities, and really delivers on that front, its underlying goal is to introduce you to Pi gaming. The Zero 2’s specs are integral to that mission, as it means you can dive into the pre-installed Store and the separate PICO-8 store app.

What is PICO-8? It’s actually an emulator for a fictional console. Yes, I know that sounds bizarre, but the idea is that it gives developers a 8-bit platform and a place to make creative capers within a restrictive environment. The idea isn’t unlike the Playdate in that encourages low-spec innovation, placing all the attention on gameplay loops and clever mechanics rather than shiny visuals.

If you really just want to emulate a bunch of retro consoles, the Gamercard will deliver. In 2026, running even PS1 games on the dinkiest of devices isn’t really that impressive, though, and I fully believe this Pi Zero 2 portable’s specs pack the biggest punch when running Pi-specific ports and classics that never existed in the first place.

Down the Raspberry Pi rabbit hole

I know I keep comparing the Gamercard to the Playdate, but it’s the closest handheld I can think of when it comes to fuelling pure curiosity. The device’s OS really isn’t the slickest frontend out there, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t continually muddled by which clicky switch under the rubber pads was the right button. Yet, between scrolling through the device’s own store and the PICO-8 App’s separate collection, I found that I was too intrigued to focus on the questionable controls and absence of ergonomics.

Even before you get to the fantasy console emulator, the Gamercard really has you covered on the Pi gaming front. It comes with a bunch of full games pre-loaded, like the platformer Bloo Kid 2, rhythm shooter AstroBlaze DX, and Clive Townsend’s Saboteur trilogy for all the Speccy fans drawn by the Sinclair name. The excellent thing here is that this collection has been custom tuned for the square screen and the handheld’s specific Pi hardware, which means while you can play them on something like the Switch, their presence feels natural on the portable.

At least, they feel as natural as they can when played with single momentary switches under rubber pads. I’ll admit that I could feel frustration surfacing when timing jumps in Bloo Kid 2, only to either not directly press the button under in a way that registers as an input. As someone that likes to roll their thumb across D-pads, it really took several sessions to get used to the individual directionals too.

But, I did manage to eventually zone out enough to put the controls out of mind, allowing me to enjoy (or in the case of Saboteur, be extremely bad at) playing games on the Gamercard. I’d really advise against wanting to be good at anything on this handheld, as it’s not really geared towards anyone looking to hone their skills. The same could be said for trying to play games using the ZX Spectrum keyboard rather than a proper joystick, but my point is that this portable should be used as a portal to games to spark your intrigue, rather than a definitive way to play.

Once you’re done with the freebies, you’re free to grab anything going at the Gamercard store, fetch RetroPi to revisit your own collection, or venture into the world of PICO-8. Before I get to the latter, I’d like to express how excited I was to see a Quake port on the store, as the idea of playing the shooter on something that’s the same profile as my wallet is simply bananas. Again, the controls are less than ideal, but playing the shooter using little clicky switches is worth it for pure novelty factor alone.

On to the PICO-8 parts, and I really do think the Gamercard shines at giving the fantasy console a host body. While I do thing the big thumbnail grid of the main interface works well, I was pretty captivated by the app’s specific “SPLORE” lo-fi cartridge browser, and clicking through to list felt like a more magical experience thanks to the handheld’s crispy square 4-inch IPS screen and those clicky pads.

Again, you’re not meant to feel like you're good at any of this. The joy in playing PICO-8 games is diving into the unexpected with less-than-ideal tools. Before you know it, you’ll be lobbing things at birds in “we fed seagulls last week” or playing a Krispy Kreme version of Flappy Bird. The carts out there for the platform range from silly arcade fun to more in-depth, impressive tower defence games like Necromancer TD.

The whole experience is undeniably delightful, and it absolutely scratches the same itch as the Playdate or even full-blown, deliberately low-spec consoles like the 8-bit Gametank. PICO-8 support is absolutely a main reason to pick the Gametank up, and while the app will virtually run on anything, the fact it looks so sharp on the handheld’s square screen and sounds excellent on its surprisingly serviceable built-in speakers mean I’d pick the portable deliberately for the platform.

Gamercard gripes and grumbles

I want to take a second to outline some Gamercard elements that keep creeping up on me, just on the off-chance that they’re a deal-breaker for you personally. One of the first ties once again to buttons, as there’s no real dedicated home button to get you back to the main screen. There are Start and Select buttons on the top right, but whether they’ll give you the option to quit out fully depends on the game you’ve got open.

There are also no dedicated on-board volume controls, meaning you have to go into the settings menu on the home page. Some apps may take a different approach to hot keys and button combos, but as far as I can tell, there’s no universal way to toggle. On the subject of audio, there’s also no room for a headphone jack on this handheld, meaning you’ll need to stick with USB-C or Bluetooth when the latter is available to use. That’s a bit of a shame seeing as there are two music apps on the storefront, and I’d love to use this thing as a weird MP3 player hooked onto a carabiner.

My only other gripe is admittedly half-hearted, as it stems to battery life. During testing, I found that I was only able to get around two hours out of the Gamercard, but I suspect that was due to having the screen brightness cranked up pretty high. If you’re conservative with the 1,600mAh cells, you should be able to stretch their runtime, but I really shouldn’t be grumbling considering the thinness of this handheld.

Should you pick up the Gamercard?

You arguably have to be a specific type of curious cat to let the Gamercard kill your thumbs with its strange rubber pad controls and no grips. I for one am certainly that kind of cat, and while there are drawbacks with using a handheld this thin, the entire setup provides a unique on the go gaming experience, warts and all.

It’s easy to simply brand the Gamercard as a ZX Spectrum based on its creator’s family name. For what it’s worth, Grant Sinclair is absolutely living up to his uncle’s legacy here with this handheld, innovating with a specific portable vision rather than just going with the flow. There are clear callbacks to the microcomputer weaved into this device’s design, but at the same time, I reckon the Raspberry Pi-based system deserves to be celebrated in its own right as something different play games on while RAMageddon wreaks havoc with higher spec options.

If you’re looking for portable perfection, you really shouldn’t be immediately reaching for the Gamercard. You won’t struggle to find another handheld that’ll provide your mitts with something conventional for console emulation, but they won’t quite feel as weird and exciting as this ultra-thin device. The idea here is that you’re getting a fresh platform to try that’s free from the old rhythm of installing Android apps, all while still having access to many of the same games as typical options.

This is arguably just the beginning for the Gamercard, and that personally helps me look past some of its flaws. The main storefront is still in beta, and as more developers are drawn to the platform, I suspect we’ll see hardware revisions and upgrades as the scene expands. I can’t wait to see what ends up on the Gamercard and how it evolves over time, and I’ve got a fully feeling we could be looking at the next big Indie powerhouse portable.

How I tested the Gamercard

For a month, I used the Gamercard as a handheld at home and while travelling to play its built-in games, experiment with RetroPi, and dive into PICO-8 releases using the app. Throughout that time, I assessed the portable console’s ergonomics and controls alongside its screen quality and clarity to weigh up whether it offers up a great way to play games compared to other options around the same price.

For more information on how we test handhelds and retro gadgets, swing by our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy for a full rundown.

Black Friday retro deals won't always make the rounds, but I see that as a challenge. Rather than waiting for discounts on handhelds, consoles, and accessories like controllers to fall on my lap, I like to dive into the murky waters of the modern-tech-focused sale and emerge with a big classic system salmon in my mouth. That is to say, if you're really only interested in playing the oldies this year, I more than have you covered.

Many of the best retro consoles, including modern remakes like the Atari 2600+ and retro handhelds like the Super Pocket, will undoubtedly pop up this Black Friday. Whether the prices will actually hit record lows remains to be seen, as even hardware for playing the classics hasn't been safe from RAMageddon this year. But, if there is a time to grab gadgets for playing old games, it's during the sale season, and if you're savvy, you can find savings ahead of time.

My personal strategy involves focusing on the Black Friday deals that will make a difference to your classic gaming experience, rather than gunning for the biggest discounts. For instance, if you've already got your OG systems, but just want to freshen up your setup, catching new retro controllers or even an HDMI upscaler at the right price will make a difference. With that in mind, here are some early deals to check out before Black Friday hits and some tips for when the big day comes too.

Reliable retro retailers

• Amazon: handhelds for under $40
• AliExpress: Lower Reroid Pocket 5 prices
• Woot: Keep an eye out for Atari deals

Today's best retro deals ahead of Black Friday

Are retro deals really a thing during Black Friday?

As a retro gaming journalist and enthusiast who's also experienced more than a few Black Friday events in my lifetime, I'm always wary of the sales event. Yes, you can find new console contraptions, emulation handhelds, and accessories for less, but there's no guarantee you'll either find exactly what you're looking for or be able to grab gizmos for their rock-bottom prices.

I also want to stress that you shouldn't go hunting for original retro consoles from decades ago this Black Friday. That will only lead to either disappointment or potentially being scammed by third-party sellers who are pretending to discount vintage tech in line with the event to make out like you're getting a deal. If you're just starting your classic console journey, your best bet is to look for your desired platform second-hand and weigh up going rates, and the sale will be there for when you need accessories and add-ons.

Ultimately, even retro console remake deals are becoming a rarity during Black Friday, and even when I do see systems like the Atari 7800+ discounted, you're not getting a lowest-ever price. It's for that reason that I usually advise friends, family, and readers to focus on the smaller buys that add up to a bigger overall discount, with retro controllers, adapters, and cheaper handhelds usually serving up the more meaningful savings.

What retro gadgets are worth seeking out this Black Friday?

When Black Friday does kick off on November 27, 2026, I'd have a good think about improvements to your retro console setup. For instance, if you've been looking for a way to enhance old visuals on a modern display, the sale could be an ideal time to consider an HDMI upscaler, and my go-to options like the OSSC and the GBS-C (an absolute must if you're looking into how to play PS2 games), usually get meaningful discounts. If you'd rather stick to an even tighter budget, passthrough HDMI adapters will be in abundance too, but I'd check back here for advice on which dongles to go for.

While I've already highlighted retro controllers as a Black Friday highlight, you'd be surprised how a simple gamepad swap can freshen up your setup. If you're looking into how to play N64 games, the 8Bitdo N64 controller can help you cut the cord and make things feel that bit closer to the pricey 4K Analogue 3D, while brands like Retro Fighters have you covered with their StrikerDC, the Xbox-inspired Hunter, and the Defender, if you're looking into Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation, or Xbox pads, respectively.

If you'd rather use a modern pad you already own, you can absolutely do that by picking up an 8Bitdo Retro Receiver or BlueRetro adapter for less during the sales. I tend to find them at their lowest during Black Friday, and having even used the latter to pair a Switch 2 GameCube controller to the OG system wirelessly, I'd say it's one of the best purchases you could make this season.

There are absolutely other odds and ends that'll help you get the most out your old consoles too. I'd personally keep an eye out for more niche gadgets like the Summercart64, especially if you fancy playing Zelda ROM hacks to get you in the mood for the Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake.

While that's a specific homebrew solution for N64 players, there are plenty of similar gizmos for consoles across all generations. Recently, I picked up a PSxMemCard Gen2 for my PS2, and not only does it have the power to act like 8,000 virtual memory cards (no, really), it comes with FreeMcBoot all set up and ready to go, just in case you fancy running DIY projects or bypassing pesky region locking.

As a sort of "nice if it's there", I'd also keep an eye out for HDMI plug-and-play systems and mini arcade machines. There's a chance they won't show up for the right price thanks to inflated component costs, but at the same time, legacy systems like the Sega Astro City Mini cabinets can end up discounted by resellers who are tired of holding onto stock. Again, your milage will vary, but I'll have you covered on what to buy and when as we sail into November.

Swing by Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals if you're looking to play classics using Nintendo's Online Subscription on the go.

The CRKD Atom+ controller has begun to ship globally. That means if you pre-ordered your tiny, retro-style pad in March earlier this year, you should expect it to arrive at your door sooner rather than later.

The $29.99 (Amazon) pad, much like CRKD's Nitro Deck 2, was subject to delays and was originally expected to begin shipping from late June 2026, but as you're likely well aware, the summer is officially over and June it is not. The shipping window was then moved to August 17-31 2026, but it wasn't until today that the brand confirmed that its four models were shipping out to customers. Better late than never, particularly as its late arrival has brought an introductory discount along with it.

While CRKD has given official word that the impeccably cute Nintendo Switch 2 controller is shipping out, some people got theirs weeks ago, like r/Controller Reddit user TheLoFiPunk, who picked up the 'Retro Purple' pad.

They also waited through the many delays to grab theirs, but shared it was "worth it", which makes me more eager than ever to try the new one out for size. I have four of the older Atom controllers in my setup, and their small stature makes them absolutely ideal for playing the Switch 2 on the go, as it takes up little to no space in my bag. However, the adorably petite controller was missing an important feature that made it awkward to play anything beyond Nintendo Switch Online's NES and SNES library - a pair of thumbsticks.

The Atom+ has that covered with the inclusion of not just two precision thumbsticks, but TMR sticks which can help prevent any drift issues from rearing their ugly head. It also includes digital bumper and trigger buttons to offer a more tactile gaming experience, which sounds ideal for some Mario Kart World action, as do the new built-in vibration feedback and motion controls.

While CRKD has piled on plenty of new features, it still keeps what I loved about the previous Atom pad - its compact size and cute designs.

Like the version before it, the Atom+ plays into the nostalgia with its retro-fueled colorways. Instead of a plain all-black design, you've got transparent Smoke Black and Glacier Blue models, which harken back to the see-through tech of the early 2000s. My personal favorite is the Pal Grey design, which was kept over from the previous incarnation. It replicates the colors of the PAL SNES and, as a Scottish kid who grew up obsessed with Nintendo in the 90s, I'm a little bit obsessed.

All of these retro controller designs are covered by the same $29.99 / £27.99 MSRP too, so you don't have to pay any extra. In fact, as of September 25, you get to pay less as CRKD has dropped $5 / £5 off all four designs at Amazon. Meanwhile, you can stick with the older $19.99 (via Amazon) Atom (which is also Switch 2 compatible) if you want more colors and are happy sticking with just a d-pad.

• View all CRKD gaming accessories at Amazon
• View the CRKD Nitro Deck 2 at Amazon

Creating the ultimate Switch 2 setup? Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers while you're here.

The Neo Geo AES+, a remake of SNK's '90s home arcade console, is currently delayed until September 2027, but it almost didn't happen at all. While you'd be forgiven for thinking AI data centre demand exclusively ties to GPUs, RAM, and high-spec components, it's also hogging up the very flash chips the system will rely on, and creators Plaion say the project was "almost dead."

In a conversation with VGC, Plaion's hardware & software director Ben Jones dives into the AI-driven predicament that almost cancelled the Neo Geo AES+. The main retro console remake rigmarole stems from procuring the aforementioned flash chips, following an extremely successful launch.

“After we announced AES+, we received an overwhelming response and really significant levels of preorders,” explains Jones. “So I straight away went into the procurement phase, and advised our partners in the Far East what our requirements were, and it’s the first time I’ve ever been refused ordering chips, and I’ve worked with Plaion for nearly 20 years in this field. I was like, ‘What do you mean you can’t get these chips? Oh, AI.’”

The chip rejection ties to the exact same shortages, ramping up the price of gaming PC components, gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED, and just about anything that uses memory. However, this specific instance of RAMageddon highlights just how much datacentres are choking hardware production as we know it, as it suggests that if you're not dealing in AI, you're at the back of the fabrication queue, even if you're using chips designed to mimic '90s tech.

Effectively, the Neo Geo AES+ was at risk of being cancelled completely. But, having already obtained chips for the console's iconically huge cartridges, Jones reveals that a workaround is now being put into action.

“We had already made the two ASIC chips in the cartridges that kind of deal with the memory chips, and then send the message to the machine itself. We had thousands of these chips ready for the cartridges," explains the Plaion director. "With that in mind, we tasked ourselves to try and see if there was some kind of a workaround with using what’s called Serial NOR flash, which is basically the same as parallel, but because the NeoGeo only uses parallel flash, you have to do a conversion that lets you use serial flash, which is in easier demand and you can basically get them."

The workaround of converting signals from parallel to serial has delayed the Neo Geo AES+ to 2027, but the company's Chief Technical Officer Bruno Steux says it "didn't have a choice" given the circumstances. Otherwise, the wait for chips would have caused the retro console maker to "wait too much time, and probably spend too much money."

Praising Steux, Jones remarks, “If you hadn’t had the solution for the flash, I think everything was dead. But that’s the journey. And remember, we’ve been working on this for years as well, so it was a bit of a ‘nothing stops this train’ moment. I had to go to Taiwan, I had to speak to everyone, we just had to exhaust all options and be 100% focused. We had to deliver.”

The story here is that the wider AI-driven shortages and chip fab priorities almost buried what is effectively a new way to remake retro consoles. The Neo Geo AES+ is pricey at $249.99 with no cartridges included, but it will mimic the OG system on a hardware level without using FPGA chips or emulation. The machine is also accompanied by the very recreated cartridges that saved the project from being canned, and with those coming in at $69.95 a pop, this is undeniably a remake for players with cash.

Of course, cancellation risks and supply constraints are the least of the Neo Geo AES+'s worries. Enthusiasts are already questioning whether this remake is truly a 1:1 replica or if its chips will hit the same notes as existing tech. There's also cause not to pick up the resurrected arcade system due to SNK's ties to Saudi Arabia and its human rights issues, including LGBTQIA+ criminalisation.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Neo Geo AES+ games at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather play Neo Geo games on the go.

I've certainly come across more than a few PlayStation-inspired handhelds in my time, but portable maker Yoniq is taking PS2 DualShock 2 liberties. It effectively has a direct clone of the retro controller in the pipeline with what appears to be a 4.5-inch screen smashed in the middle, and there's a reason why Sony might be specifically upset.

Creatively dubbed the Yoniq Portal Handheld Gaming Console, the retro handheld is clearly taking cues from both the OG PS2 DualShock controller and the PlayStation Portal. It will supposedly launch with what looks like an "early bird" $199.99 / £148.99 price tag, and while that isn't completely unreasonable if it can actually emulate the console it's drawing influence from, the page features zero specs.

Weirder still, instead of even including a light list of features, Yoniq includes instructions on how to use its Gamepatch membrane touchscreen button overlay. Yes, the whole page screams placeholder, and while it might almost feel like it's one of the usual "too good to be true" handheld scams, the company was allegedly showing off a Dual-Screen DS clone at Gamescom just last month.

For what it's worth, I like the idea of the Yoniq Portal. If you've been specifically thinking about how to play PS2 games on the go, it makes sense to use something modelled exactly after the legendary retro console's controller, and the render looks almost exactly like the 2000s gamepad too. The devil is absolutely in the detail here, and by that I mean Sony could unleash legal hell on the portable maker over its button symbols.

For 30 years now, Sony has maintained pretty strict PlayStation controller licensing terms, and that extends to the iconic symbols. While the rules for modern PS5 controllers have evolved to cover more elements, the general guidelines have always revolved around specific dimensions, button layouts, and placement for logos. Naturally, you also have to pay a fee, and I'd be dumbfounded if that's happening here, given the emulation-based nature of the device.

If or when the Yoniq Portal launches, I suspect we'll get the usual slightly altered circle, cross, square, and triangle buttons to keep Sony at bay. That's not going to really cramp the handheld's PlayStation 2-inspired style, and additional touches like a "Memory Card" flap covering the microSD slot, headphone jack, and USB-C are pretty nice nods to Sony's original console design.

That said, I'd curb your enthusiasm for the Yoniq Portal until reviews emerge for the PS2-style handheld. I'll happily check it out if I get the chance, but I'm pretty sceptical about whether it can hit the same emulation notes as the Retroid Pocket 5 or the Ayn Odin 2, as it will really need the same oomph to get away with a $200 price tag. I'm not writing the portable off just yet, at least not until I see proper specs, though I have a funny feeling it won't be a powerhouse.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• PS2 controllers at Amazon

Check out how to play N64 games if you'd rather explore Ninty's early 3D outings.

Some may accuse the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller of being late. I’d argue it has arrived exactly when it means to, as the evolving cartridge-wielding ecosystem has only just found a need for 3D controls. Yes, the retro console maker first started venturing into three dimensions with glover in 2024, but now that it’s firmly in its fifth-generation territory, you’ve a reason to want to sticks if you own a VS or Alpha.

I’m going to say this up front: the Evercade Dual Thumbstick pad isn’t the best retro controller out there. That’s not to say it isn’t a good gamepad that builds upon the staple gamepad feel first supplied by the VS console pad, nor does it fail in adding nice-feeling 3D controls to a tried and tested formula. It’s just that it doesn’t quite nail the ergonomic side of things or build upon some of the greatest designs out there.

You shouldn’t really pick up the Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller expecting it to be an amazingly authentic pad for your custom emulation station. What Blaze does with this accessory does further provide the Evercade ecosystem with its own unique hardware feel as it expands its library to 3D. Not unlike the N64 controller, this gamepad is far from perfect, but it feels like it’s made with purpose and is anything but generic.

It’s hip to be square

If you were expecting the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller to do the usual SNES knock-off thing, or even try and emulate the look of a PS1 gamepad, then you probably aren’t familiar with Blaze’s whole vibe. Since releasing its first cartridge-based handheld back in 2021, it’s stuck to a glossy, blocky philosophy that evokes the feeling of arcade perspex and ‘80s cabinet designs, and the console maker will be damned if ergonomic needs disrupt that energy.

Really, though, at a glance, the Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller looks like an ergonomic nightmare. Big, flat sides make up a bold square (technically rectangular) shell that, from the front, doesn’t contour to your hands, and the pads going to get up close and personal with your bottom finger joints.

The gamepad’s saving grace is found around the rear, as Blaze’s experience in the world of handhelds is fully present. Very subtle contours on the back help form grips for your ring and pinky fingers, while space under the shoulders provides refuge for your middle digits. That leaves your index fingers resting on top, which works thanks to the low-profile nature of the digital shoulder buttons.

Evercade’s analogue controller isn’t outright uncomfortable, but it will feel pretty angular if you’re used to modern gamepad ergonomics. In fact, it feels especially bulky compared to Sony’s original designs, which is probably a symptom of me having spent extra time with the company’s early systems while crafting my guide on how to play PS2 games. My point here is that as a cursec controller collector, I’ve encountered pads that commit far worse ergonomic crimes, but just like with the NES, you’ll feel like you’ve been holding a rectangle after a few hours.

Now with added sticks

Yes, I know you came here for the sticks. Rest assured, the Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller has what you’re looking for right on the front, squeezed in just below the same D-pad and button layout as the VS pad. If you’re all about that PlayStation symmetrical life, you’ll be pleased as punch to see the analogue sticks sitting side by side, meaning the tips of your thumbs can have a smooch while you’re running around as a sentient mitt, an anthropomorphic bear, or a Shakespearean vampire.

If you prefer asymmetrical sticks, you will absolutely find this layout cramped like usual. I wouldn’t say it’s any worse than a PlayStation controller, but if you’ve got tall thumbs, you might have to play using your tips rather than the ball. The concave, rubberized grips mean you’ll have a good hold on them no matter where you position your digits, and the fact they’re full-sized is commendable given the temptation to use those smaller (subjectively horrid) mini Joy-Con alternatives as a space saver.

The controller’s titular feature does hit the spot for analogue movement, but there’s one massive caveat: these are traditional potentiometer sticks. It almost feels outlandish not to opt for at least Hall effect sensors in 2026, so as not to fall prey to the blight of stick drift, but alas, I’m guessing opting for magnetic parts wasn’t cost-friendly on the manufacturing side of things.

It’s still something I’m sure many players will raise an eyebrow at, purely based on the hysteria around stick drift alone. What I will say is that as someone who’s been fixing controllers for virtually decades now, and owns a shameful number of pads with sticks, drifting isn’t always a guarantee, and there’s every chance Blaze has accounted for wear and tear with some internal design provisions.

There’s perhaps a case to be made for a sub-$40 controller not having hall effect sticks. The issue is that brands like 8Bitdo and GameSir have already normalized the tech in that specific price band. Keep in mind that other USB gamepads are often compatible with the Evercade Alpha and VS, meaning you can also use something like the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro that boasts pretty lofty specs compared to Blaze’s own Dual Analogue.

Branded button bashing

It might feel like Evercade already shot itself in the foot by enabling wide USB controller support before releasing the Dual Thumbstick controller. In my eyes, a gamepad has an equal role in establishing a console’s brand and unique feel, and it’s the reason why the big dogs like Sony will restrict you to using a DualSense with the PS5.

It’s for that reason I think the Evercade Dual Thumbstick’s main reason for being on this planet is brand identity, and I don’t mean that as an insult. In the hands, there’s no mistaking which console range this pad belongs to, and it feeds into the idea of Blaze’s machine being a fully fledged platform with its own hardware and cartridge ecosystem.

Sure, you could just pop in a compatible gamepad to your Alpha or Nexus and get by, but this dedicated Bluetooth controller is tailored for Evercade. No button mapping or sussing out layouts is required with this pad, as you’d perhaps expect from any purpose-made set of buttons, and while the right analogue stick will feel redundant across a chunk of the console’s 2D library, it will equip your setup to deal with the new 3D editions that should be ushered in with the Nexus.

Outside of providing the Evercade home console with a clutchable controller identity, the Dual Thumbstick is serviceable. The membrane buttons are tactile enough, not ever so slightly shallower than I like, while the floating D-pad avoids any major pivoting issues (rolling out moves in Street Fighter is not an issue). The four shoulder buttons, while digital and perhaps limited outside of older games, are pleasantly clicky and within comfortable reach.

I’m hesitant to say the thing I’d change with the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller is the shape, as the blocky design feels like part of the brand’s DNA. That said, as the proud(?) owner of many of Blaze’s old third-party PS1 controllers before it was revitalized into a retro console maker in 2018, I know it could have made something with proper grips and perhaps a less slippery body, while creating something that still feels unique

Connectivity caveats

The Evercade Dual Thumbstick controller comes with a wireless dongle, but instead of using 2.4 GHz, it uses a Bluetooth receiver. I know for a fact that isn’t going to go down well with latency-sensitive purists, as while I’m almost certain most players won’t feel any meaningful lag, it’s still one for the caveat list.

It might feel weird opting for Bluetooth over 2.4 GHz if you have to include a dongle anyway, but I suspect the decision will make sense in the future. For now, it’s a workaround to enable support for existing Evercade systems, although not the handhelds, since the company has decided hybrid functionality isn’t its jam, but I’m fully expecting to see a VS-R successor in the future that will sync straight up to the new wireless controller.

Of course, one main reason to opt for Bluetooth connectivity outside of that is better battery life efficiency. It’s part of the reason why the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller can keep going for 15 hours on a single charge, as having tested plenty of 2.4 GHz pads like the Retro Fighters StrikerDC, I know too well that you’re milage on that tech is closer to 11 hours.

Naturally, you can plug the pad straight into Evercade consoles or your PC using USB, and the latter will assume it’s an Xbox 360 controller. That’s incredibly handy in a pinch if, like me, you forgot to stick the dongle back on the back magnet, subsequently misplaced it, then ended up in a tizzy trying to find it for further testing (I really don’t get on with adapters).

Should you pick up the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller?

Picking up the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller is a no-brainer if you’re already invested in Blaze’s cartridge-based ecosystem. You could say there are gamepads out there that provide better bang for buck, but Blaze’s accessory is designed to feel like it’s made for its console line-up rather than outshine some of the best options for specific consoles or Jack-of-all-trades accessories.

What I will say is that this is a mighty fine first attempt at a proper analogue controller by Blaze. I’ve certainly used gamepads that are gnarlier than the Evercade’s new accessory, and it does a nice job providing your thumbs with the necessities for playing early 3D games. I’m also giving the blocky, ergonomically questionable shell a pass too since it makes sense design-wise for the brand and actually helps the gamepad travel slightly better than something with elongated grips (although I’d be careful with the protruding sticks since they’re not hall effect and are more susceptible to pressure damage).

In truth, most of my Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller “cons” tie back to Blaze's approach to console hardware so far. There’s no point in me ranting about the lack of rumble support since that’s not a thing with Evercade ports, and while I do think 2.4 GHz would have been a nice addition, sticking with just Bluetooth will make sense down the road.

The bottom line is that picking up Evercade Dual Thumbstick controller will make your machine and games feel like a comprehensive alternative to the PS5, Xbox, or Switch. I wouldn’t say Blaze hasn’t achieved those vibes before now, but the gamepad does help reinforce the idea that it’s a main player in the console scene today, one that could snatch retro players from the big three as they sail to their all-digital doom.

How I tested the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller

For two weeks, I tested the Dual Thumbstick Controller with Blaze’s own Evercade Alpha, VS-R, and my PC. During that time, I compared the gamepad’s ergonomics, buttons, analogue sticks, and general performance to modern controllers and pads designed for specific retro consoles, weighing up whether it offers enough to justify its price tag.

For more information on how we test controllers and retro gadgets, swing by our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Nine months after the arrival of the G'AIME Time Crisis Lightgun console, Tassei Denki is back with new prototypes at Tokyo Game Show. This time around, it's pitching "Pro" and "Lite" plastic firearms that will still work with your modern TV, but swap out the AI-assisted camera for more traditional gyro and wireless capabilities.

First spotted by Japanese publication Game Watch, the duo of G'AIM'E Time Crisis Lightguns seems to use the same retro console box as before (cheers, Time Extension). At least, that's the case for these prototypes, but since both accessories are "part of a technology demonstration" and apparently won't be released in their current form, there's every chance the base system will change too.

The hands-on preview describes the "Lite" G'AIM'E Lightgun as using gyro "just like a typical PlayStation controller," and despite dropping the AI-powered camera, Tassei Denki's prototype setup doesn't need workarounds like a Wii-style light bar sensor. Better still, the Lite version also cuts the cord, swapping out the integrated orange USB-C cable for what is likely 2.4Ghz connectivity.

If I'm being real, this G'AIM'E prototype coverage does raise more questions than answers. For instance, while the redesigned lite light gun drops the AI-powered eyeball inside the barrel, it's not clear which type of sensor for screen edge detection it's using instead.

The article does dive into the gyro functionality specifically, revealing that if it becomes "misaligned", you'll have to press a reset button on the gun to recentre your aim. It could be the case that it relies solely on gyroscopic positioning to keep the target on screen, meaning if you drop your weapon during play, you have to press that button to start shooting again.

The Pro admittedly feels more in line with the 2025 version, especially since it sticks with the USB-C cable. Signage at the TGS booth implies the light gun caters more to high-score chasers looking for improved accuracy and low latency, but it will seemingly leverage the open-source OpenFIRE Light Gun project to achieve that rather than fully using in-house tech. That same display also alludes to potential current-gen PC support, but again, this is a technical pitch rather than an unveiling.

I find it curious that Tassei Denki has opted to completely rethink its light gun tech for these new versions. I'll admit that I always found the term "AI-powered" off-putting, but at the same time, I always pegged that as just a buzzword for a sensor that can intelligently detect your screen. Yes, the approach wasn't as pinpoint accurate as the Sinden Lightgun, and the calibration process was a little finicky, but the camera did help provide authentic-feeling Time Crisis gameplay.

Ditching the AI tech could be a way of ensuring the G'AIM'E name isn't linked to a disruptive industry. But, having just tested the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun, an alternative that uses a light bar not unlike a Wii-mote and hooks straight up to the PS1 and PS2, I reckon Tassei Denki wants to evolve past being a plug-and-play maker.

My biggest gripe with the Time Crisis console was that the light guns are tethered to just four games with no way to add more. If the light gun maker can find alternative tech that gets the accessories working as standalone devices without the need for specific firmware and ports, it could really shake things up in the at-home arcade scene.

While the Lite G'AIM'E lightgun will likely maintain the company's current easy, plug-and-play vibes while refining things by adding wireless tech and a simpler calibration process, that Pro model feels more ambitious. Effectively, it could find a way to make light gun games mainstream again on console and PC, rather than competing in the same DIY ring as Sinden and Intec.

• Retro light guns at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Dive into how to play PS2 games using the original console or handhelds if you're craving 2000s classics.

Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai announced that his Game Designers Award will be discontinued due to his inability to find a successor.

Since 2010, Sakurai has presented the award at the Japan Game Awards, and at 2026's event – where Pokemon Pokopia took home the grand prize (its version of game of the year) – the prize went to Word Game by Team9. The award is presented by Sakurai, who is also the head judge and responsible for inviting other judges, with the criteria being those who have made innovative games; these have included the likes of Ico designer Fumito Ueda, Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, and Undertale's Toby Fox.

Upon presenting the 2026 award, Sakurai confirmed he would discontinue it, claiming he was unable to find anyone to replace him as its leader. Granted, this may sound harsh – as if no one is worthy of taking on the role – but the reality seems to be no one else was able to take on the time-consuming responsibility. Sakurai also spoke about creativity in games (translation from Automaton) – something that is central to this award – noting that while "originality doesn’t really have much impact on sales," it's still crucial, as "an industry that loses its originality will simply die a slow death."

In an era when budgets are getting even bigger for every game, it's becoming rarer to see that kind of originality on the AAA scale. A perfect example is given to us by Sony over this last week, where Marvel's Wolverine has caught flak for feeling very homogenous – especially with other Sony first-party games – while the publisher dropped Hideo Kojima's next game, Physint; reportedly due to budget issues.

Opinions on Kojima and his games aside, he is one of the few creators left in AAA whose creativity still shines through. You know when you are playing a Kojima game, just like when I booted up Kirby Air Riders last year I felt the Sakurai shine through; the same goes for a Hideki Kamiya or a Yoko Taro game. Thankfully, indie games have creativity to spare, meaning that even as AAA is forced to be safer than ever, we'll still have people pushing boundaries.

Super Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai sometimes "sounds exactly like Goku," ex-Tekken boss says: "A Saiyan who genuinely believes he's just another ordinary human"

It turns out Unico Traveller ULW10, a retro console LCD monitor that looks like a CRT, is already in the hands of creators. That may come as a surprise, especially since its Kickstarter campaign previously used AI imagery in place of product photos. However, there's now a video out there that reveals the prototype's innards all while highlighting a pretty nasty lag issue.

The early look comes courtesy of RetroRGB, as fellow CRT lover Robert Neal was sent a Unico Traveller ULW10 to review ahead of the Kickstarter campaign. In the video, the creator and website founder says that while he "loves the idea" of the faux PVM, the company put him in a "pretty bad situation" by going ahead with the launch despite various issues with the prototype.

One of the biggest flaws with the Traveller ULW10 lies in lag, as Neil measured over 100ms of delay, which translates to 6-9 frames. Those stats apply to both the HDMI and RGB outputs at 1080p, 720p, 480p, and 480i, and it turns out the screen both lacks 240p support and doesn't actually have composite input. RetroRGB has summed up the situation in a Shorts video, but the bottom line is that it's impossible to recommend the display in its current form.

Effectively, the Traveller ULW10 prototype is currently miles away from the same latency levels as a good-quality upscaler connector to a gaming monitor. It's certainly miles away from being a CRT alternative, but Unico claims the issues will either be remedied through firmware or using a completely different panel.

After catching RetroRGB's video and included teardown, I am relieved to see that there's not a cheap security camera LCD stowed away in the shell. While the prototype is 3D printed, the box also seems to be pretty sturdy and physically well designed. At the same time, it's extremely clear that the accompanying innards, the part that you'll ultimately be playing games on, aren't fit for purpose.

In a harsh early verdict, RetroRGB says Unico has "taken about $250,000 of your money for a product that's not finished and was never properly tested." That much is clear from the absurd lag measurements, but I'm also scratching my head at the fact that there's no composite connection, which you'll need for the NES or if you're looking into how to play N64 games, and the fact that it converts 240p signals to 480i, jitters and all.

That said, I want to join RetroRGB in saying I don't remotely think Unico intentended to decieve anyone with its faux CRT. The issues seem to be down to a lack of testing or awareness of what is required to make a screen like this. I also fully believe the company is listening to feedback, as it previously promised to purge all the AI images from its marketing and will avoid the tech in the future.

I also think that the Traveller ULW10 has lots of potential as a retro gaming panel. It's never going to be a replacement for an actual CRT, but features like scanline emulation, having flat sides so you can flip it vertical for TATE arcade shooters, and the internal storage for systems like the MiSTer are pretty appealing. The issue is that for $300, minimal latency and full connectivity are a bare minimum, and Unico has fallen at the first hurdle.

• Retro upscalers at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Check out the best retro handhelds if you'd rather take your classic console collection on the go.

It'd be silly of me to deny the hype for GTA 6, as like it or not, it'll likely be the game of the decade. The thing I'm struggling to process is the fact that, in the grand scheme of things, the sandbox formula hasn't really changed that much. In fact, Rockstar is gearing up to bring back some of its more realistic features, which has me wondering why I wouldn't just stick with my PS2 and the biggest GTA game from the 2000s.

I'm naturally talking about Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, an open-world romp that has players scrambling for how to play PS2 games to this very day. It's easy to see why once you get a feel for what the GTA Vice City sequel is all about, as it trades the glitz and neon glimmer for the institutionally corrupt Los Santos and CJ's struggle to clear his family name and take on rival gangs.

Here's my big confession: I've never been that big into GTA as a franchise. Therefore, when it became clear that the latest entry would take us back to modern-day Vice City, I really wasn't too enthused. If anything, the fact that it's set to drop the '80s vibes that enticed me to drop into Leonida adds to that, and while my ears perked up upon hearing it will bring back a fan-favorite San Andreas mechanic, I reckon many of us should still just plug back in our PS2.

Play a GTA you actually own

Before you rush to the comments, I know full well a retro console from 26 years ago won't remotely provide the same absurd GTA experience as a new system. That is to say, if you're financially barred from playing the new sandbox, which is exclusive to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, you'll naturally want to reach for good old GTA V as a modern-day alternative.

At this stage, though, anyone who's hyped for GTA V has likely drained it for every piece of open-world novelty it can provide. It's for that reason that I reckon it's high time we pitched back up the PlayStation 2 in our living rooms, and not even just because I reckon fresher-faced players probably missed out on the third 3D entry.

Here's the thing: GTA 6 is arriving during one of the worst periods in history to buy new video games. Sony is rightfully coming under fire for choosing to end physical PS5 disc support in 2028, and Rockstar has already chosen to shove its sandbox in an empty box. This has prompted some anger from fans, with a rather unorganised collective attempting a "blackout" last month, but I reckon if you really want to make a punch via a protest, you should go completely offline just as GTA 6 lands.

I know there's no talking anyone who's got GTA 6 pre-ordered into passing it up for an offline PS2 experience. Therefore, I'm largely speaking to those of you who can't afford it or are choosing not to play, as if everyone who's not venturing into the sandbox switches back to the PS2, it could be enough to catch Sony's attention this time around.

As for how you're going to do that, there are really cheap ways to get the old PlayStation 2 up and running today. It largely becomes a question of how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs and monitors, and having spent the weekend testing a pretty cheap HDMI adapter, I can confirm it's a decent place to start.

For context, I usually use a dedicated upscaler like the GBS Control, as it takes an RGB signal via SCART, upscales things to 1080p, and deals with any funky, wobbly deinterlacing nonsense. However, I decided to give an adapter similar to the versions you see for $13.99 at Amazon a shot, and it got the job done with zero visual nonsense.

If you really want your consoles to look the part, you'll want to invest in either a GBS-C or an OSSC, as that will provide you with upscaling, retro scanline settings, and other perks that'll help things look crispier. But, I get that the whole deal here is acquiring an old GTA game to play in protest to the industry at large when you potentially don't have any gear already, so a passive HDMI adapter is a perfectly acceptable way to play.

On that note, you can pick up GTA San Andreas on PS2 for around $20 these days, and if you've not got an old console to play it on, you can grab one for under $80. Effectively, you can grab an old Grand Theft Auto and the hardware to play it on for potentially less than GTA 6 Ultimate Edition, which Sony claims you won't actually own.

You could say statements like that are fuelling my decision to revisit San Andreas rather than think about GTA 6. I get that it's completely cynical of me to say both games feature the same core mechanics of automobile theft, gunplay, and law-breaking missions, but really, Rockstar's whole shtick has remained the same for 30 years.

Old crime caper, new controller

I recently had the same conversation of "you should just re-play San Andreas on the PS2" with a friend. They initially fought me on the basis that they didn't want to use a wired DualShock 2 in the living room, so like some sort of spiv, I opened my metaphorical jacket to reveal a bunch of relevant gadgets.

I know for a fact some of you will be scrambling to say "just play the Definitive Edition on PC." Okay, yes, you can do that for a quick fix, but if you also want this project to double up as a light protest over the state of things, you should stick with an OG PS2. You can still help the old system feel nice and fresh by learning how to use new controllers with retro consoles, as if you grab an 8Bitdo Retro Receiver for $24.99, you can sync up a DualShock 4 or even the DualSense to your 26-year-old machine.

Will using a PS5 controller to play San Andreas feel authentic? Nah. Will it help cut the cord and make the setup feel discrete and slick? Absolutely. I absolutely understand that not everyone wants janky old ensembles cluttering their play spaces, and while I'll normally choose an OG pad as an enthusiast, I also test the best retro controllers made today in an effort to put together modern-feeling setups.

A bit of San Andreas inspiration

The initial reason San Andreas ended up on my mind amid GTA 6 is admittedly the mechanical links. The new sandbox is set to borrow the realistic lifestyle routine elements of the PS2 caper, with weight fluctuation and sleep requirements ready to become a part of the formula again. Both of those features were first introduced in 2004, and if it's part of the reason to buy the latest entry, then I'll choose to go backwards.

I should note that you don't have to specifically replay San Andreas to protest by playing other GTA games. Now is a pretty good time to revisit the OG romps like GTA 3, Vice City, or even some of the spin-offs like Liberty City Stories. If you get a base PS2 setup in place, you'll have access to those outings while the modern industry has its very expensive moment, and if you really have no interest in Grand Theft Auto, there are over 4,000 OG PlayStation 2 games that'll save you paying for anything new.

• PS2 adapters at Amazon
• PS2 controllers at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather play classic GTA on the go.

The Neo Geo AES+, a remake of the at-home arcade console by SNK, has been delayed by almost a year. While retro console maker PLAION hasn't quite provided an exact reason as to why the re-engineered system is now landing in September 2027, component shortages and prices are once again to blame.

In a statement, PLAION prefaces its news by saying, "we know many of you have been looking forward to receiving your NEOGEO AES+ this year," before lamenting that the "worldwide release will now take place on 16th September 2027." That means the resurrected best retro console contender will be showing up ten months later than originally announced, as it was meant to emerge this November.

Again, a direct reason for the Neo Geo AES+ delay isn't given, but PLAION does mention "global component supply constraints." Whether that means the availability of the specific ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) chips used to replicate the original parts is limited, or factories are too busy dealing with AI data centre demand, is unknown, but the company claims it is trying to fortify its production.

"Rather than launch with severely limited availability, we're taking extra time to explain production, secure the components we need, and invest in an even bigger future for NEOGEO AES+," explains PLAION. In the same breath, it reassures players who have already pre-ordered that reservations "remain secure" and that "there is no price increase and no action is required."

Those of you who did choose to pre-order a Neo Geo AES+ are apparently getting a "Founding Supporter Bonus," a free wireless controller if you reserved the standard or anniversary editions. Ultimate Edition buyers will get 30% off at PLAIN REPLAI's online store, which includes consoles like The Spectrum, versions of the Atari 2600+, and the upcoming Amiga A1200 remake.

The Neo Geo AES's grand return is off to a pretty chaotic start, especially since SNK's ties to Saudi Arabia and the country's human rights record are deterring many fans from supporting the console. While the delay is being framed as productive, I'm already seeing many players who pre-ordered the $1,000 bundle question why they wouldn't just wait until it lands, as there's still lingering skepticism over whether its re-engineered ASIC chips will truly deliver hardware perfection.

Part of me also wonders if PLAION realized that November 2026 is now a pretty terrible time to even launch anything gaming-related. Yes, players who pre-ordered the machine regardless of anything would have happily tucked into King of Fighters, Shock Troopers, and other arcade classics in a few months' time, but the majority of the scene will be preoccupied with the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake or GTA 6, both of which require a Switch 2 or PS5.

All that aside, we'll need to wait the best part of a year to see what the Neo Geo AES+ is really all about. Again, the fact that Saudi Arabia holds a majority stake in the SNK Corporation is already having an effect on appeal, and technical enthusiasts will need to see some gameplay before dubbing it a true 1:1 recreation with added HDMI.

• See more retro consoles at Amazon
• See all Neo Geo consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for authentic pads with modern console tricks.

GOG just took its Preservation Program to the next level, as you can now print Big Box PC game packaging and make your own physical releases. Effectively, you'll be able to download 3D scans of original boxes and print them at home, and while the '90s retro console and PC player in me is hyped, it's probably the last thing my collapsing shelf needs right now.

In an announcement, GOG declares, "If they won't give you physical games, make your own" before revealing that its Preservation Program now covers Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, Armikrog, Descent, Hitman: Codename 47, and Myst (cheers, Time Extension). Rather than just ensuring these releases remain DRM-free and playable on gaming PCs old and new, the storefront is collaborating with Big Box Collection to also fully preserve their packaging.

"We’re adding downloadable 3D scans of legendary boxes of these selected games, ready to view, rotate, and explore using the default 3D apps on Windows and Mac." announces GOG before adding, "And for those who want to take their nostalgia offline, we’re also providing printable versions, so you can build your own DIY boxes and give these classics a place on your shelf once again!"

I really get a buzz out of finding big-box PC games out in the wild today, as decades of disrespect towards cardboard packaging mean complete games are rare. I tend to have luck looking amongst board games and puzzles in thrift stores, but just like NES, SNES, and N64 games, the old boxes are either actively disintegrating or were launched into the bin years ago.

Effectively, this new GOG program means you have the power to put big-box PC games back into production. That should come as a delight if you've been mourning the death of physical discs for your rig, as I personally kept buying DVD releases right up until 2014 (I believe my last was Titanfall); everything went completely digital.

If you've been paying attention to the console side of things, you'll be aware that Sony is planning to end PS5 discs as of 2028. As you'd expect, players aren't remotely pleased with this decision, and while you can't just make your own copies of PlayStation 5 releases, we've already witnessed preservationists make DIY physical PC games even before GOG's announcement.

By allowing players to make accurate replicas of old PC boxes, GOG could draw in collectors to its platform who'd normally avoid digital storefronts altogether. I can honestly see myself leveraging the service to potentially even re-house original discs in reproduced packaging, as while the service is currently restricted to just the newly added titles, I am the type of person who will acquire a loose copy of Hitman and make a custom box for it.

And hey, even if you don't like to clutter up your shelves with big box PC games like me, it's neat even being able to get a proper 3D look at them on a screen.

• External DVD drives at Amazon
• Blank CDs at Amazon

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