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Look, I'm not exactly surprised that Evercade Nexus pre-orders for the N64 edition were instantly snapped up. Not only is the upcoming best retro handheld contender limited to just 2,000 units, but the colorful '90s console-inspired buttons mean it's the first option most fans of Ninty's classic hardware are going to go for. The good news is that the ordinary black version with the Banjo-Kazooie collection is still available, and GameStop is even throwing in a slip case for good measure.
Ahead of the October launch, you can grab the Evercade Nexus for $199.99 at GameStop or directly at Blaze's Funstock webstore. The former will save you from having to immediately think about protection for your shiny new retro console once it reaches your mitts, as you're getting that aforementioned neoprime slip case.
If you're in the UK, you can grab the portable at Amazon, but despite being available for £169.99, the retailer has labeled the listing as "Price higher than typical." Rest assured, that is how much the latest Evercade console should cost, so you can still take advantage of Prime perks or specific delivery options without paying over the odds.
Where to pre-order the Evercade Nexus in the US
Where to pre-order the Evercade Nexus in the UK
Not just a Banjo machine
I'm willing to bet bundling the Evercade Nexus with the Banjo-Kazooie Collection helped put the handheld on more player's radars. Lunch titles have been used since the dawn of time to draw in eager fans to platforms, and Blaze's approach with its latest portable is no different. However, I need you to know that you don't need the new console specifically to dive into this collection, nor is the device only for embarking on an old N64 collectathon.
Screen: 5.89-inch 840 x 512 IPS
CPU: Quad-core 1.5GHz
RAM: 4GB EMMC
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Games: Evercade cartridges
Features: Dual thumbsticks, "EverSync" local multiplayer
Size: 215 mm x 111 mm x 34 mm
Weight: 410g
If you already have an Evercade-compatible device like the Super Pocket, there's nothing stopping you from grabbing the standalone Banjo-Kazooie Collection cartridge in the future. Right now, the N64 classic is exclusively bundled with the newcomer, but since it's not built into the gadget itself, it should eventually become available. If you're not fussed about Banjo-Tooie, you could even grab the Super Pocket Rare edition for $69.99 since it has the first outing and a bunch of the publisher's iconic games baked in.
The bear and bird aside, though, the Nexus is far more than a way to replay Banjo-Kazooie. In a way, the collection's inclusion with the handheld is more a statement of 3D intent, as this portable is fully prepped for fifth-generation releases. There are already quite a few ports available on Evercade, like the Tomb Raider Collection and Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver, but we could get even more Giga Carts that will take advantage of this new device's dual thumbsticks, larger screen, and local multiplayer connectivity.
What I'm getting at is if you invest in the Nexus, you'll end up with something that's suited to playing more than just 2D platformers and arcade games. At the same time, existing options like the VS-R, EXP-R handheld, and even the Evercade Alpha arcade machine will run new releases just fine, and a wireless controller with dual analogue sticks will add some of the same gamepad elements as the newbie to your existing hardware.
Already using the Steam Deck to play the classics? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock to improve your setup.
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