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If you've been debating starting an Evercade collection of consoles and games, I've got big news for you. Not only are some of my favorite portables like the Super Pocket now down to record lows, but there's a variety of Black Friday retro deals on a bunch of systems and games for the platform.
The standout offer for me right now applies to the excellent Super Pocket, as it's down to $54.99. It's specifically the latest Neo Geo and Data East versions I checked out recently, which both have a fantastic collection of built-in arcade capers, alongside the Capcom model featured in my original review.
It's far from the only console by hardware makers Blaze with a discount, though, as the full-fat Evercade EXP-R system is also down to $129.99 from $104.99. Not only is it ready to become one of my all-in-one best retro console picks, but it comes with a copy of the Tomb Raider trilogy to kickstart your collection.
If you've already got an Evercade system of some kind, you'll already know that it's a bastion of physical gaming. It's a modern platform that uses actual cartridges that come with a box and a manual, and there are over 500 classics to collect over various complications.
- Check out Black Friday Evercade cartridge deals at Amazon
I also highly respect Blaze's commitment to making sure there's a jumping-on point to suit all budgets. While things kicked off with the OG Evercade, the hardware maker has since conjured up the wonderful Super Pocket by its sister brand HyperMegaTech!, which just so happens to be my best retro handheld pick based on affordability, alongside a VS-R console with HDMI out and USB controllers.
Basically, you can start off with something that costs under $60, then gradually expand your setup until you've got a bunch of ways to play. At the end of Blaze's current metaphorical retro rainbow is the mighty Evercade Alpha, a bartop arcade machine that I would honestly say has changed the scene by offering up cartridge support rather than sticking with a set list of integrated games like its rival cabinet makers.
I am deeply passionate about physical gaming, so I really believe Blaze is carrying out important work with its Evercade ecosystem. Now that its cheapest system is back down in price, more players will hopefully give the platform a try. That may, in turn, lead to some of you to kickstart a whole retro collection, and while I fully understand that feeling when you know you shouldn't start collecting for yet another console, at least you'll save some pennies if you choose to do it now.
Looking for more seasonal savings? Swing by Black Friday Steam Deck deals for handheld accessories and more. If you've got a desktop setup, take a peek at Black Friday gaming monitor deals for some excellent screen savings.
