On March 31st, Blaze released its third annual Evercade Showcase, bringing plenty of news for fans. On the software side, there were some solid announcements, but the hardware front felt a bit underwhelming – no entirely new devices, just branded variations. That said, some interesting cartridges are on the way this summer, and the long-awaited SNK deal is finally taking shape. Let’s take a closer look.
Arcade Cartridge #15: Windjammers, Karnov, & Friends
The first announcement from the showcase was Arcade Cartridge #15: Windjammers, Karnov & Friends. This cartridge will feature five games: Windjammers and Karnov, along with Vapor Trail: Hyper Offense Formation, Rohga: Armor Force, and Atomic Runner Chelnov. It appears to be a mixed collection from multiple companies, including SNK, marking the first mention of SNK-related content in the showcase. The release date is set for June 30th.
Gremlin Collection 2: PlayStation 1 Joins the Evercade
The second announcement introduced Home Cartridge #46: Gremlin Collection 2, featuring four PlayStation 1 titles. This collection includes Buggy (also known as Team Losi RC Racer), Hogs of War, Loaded, and Re-Loaded. These games were well-received during the PlayStation 1 era with the Loaded series remaining a cult favorite. This cartridge will be a Giga-Cart, meaning it will cost €5/$5 more than a standard Evercade cartridge. The release date is also set for June 30th.
8-Bit Variant of the VS-R and EXP-R
Blaze also unveiled 8-bit-themed variants of the VS-R home console and the EXP-R handheld. These editions feature a red, black, and gray color scheme inspired by the classic Famicom and NES consoles. Unlike previous bundles, they will be sold as standalone systems without any included cartridges. However, retailers may bundle them with cartridges at their discretion. The expected release is set for late 2025.
Neo Geo Arcade 1: The start of something big
The fourth announcement is a game-changer in the Evercade catalogue: Arcade Cartridge #16: Neo Geo Arcade 1. This marks the beginning of a Neo Geo series on Evercade, featuring six classic titles:
- Metal Slug
- King of Fighters 2000
- Ironclad
- Magician Lord
- Sengoku
- Shock Troopers
Authentic Neo Geo AES cartridges for some of these games sell for hundreds of dollars, making this an affordable way for fans to experience them. Blaze confirmed that more Neo Geo cartridges will make their way to the platform in 2026. Release date: July 31st.
The Neo Geo Super Pocket
Neo Geo Super Pocket was the first Super Pocket of the second wave announced for 2025. In addition to the 2023 Capcom and Taito Super Pockets, this handheld features a black and gold design inspired by the Neo Geo AES and the ill-fated Neo Geo X from 2012. It includes 14 built-in Neo Geo arcade games, with confirmed titles such as:
- ALPHA MISSION II
- BLAZING STAR
- FATAL FURY SPECIAL
- KING OF THE MONSTERS 2: THE NEXT THING
- LAST RESORT
- METAL SLUG X
- MUTATION NATION
- OVER TOP
- SAMURAI SHODOWN II
- SENGOKU 3
- SHOCK TROOPERS: 2ND SQUAD
- SOCCER BRAWL
- THE LAST BLADE
- TOP HUNTER: RODDY & CATHY
Additionally, a limited Neo Geo MVS-themed variant will be available exclusively in Europe through Funstock, with only 3,000 units produced. The release date is set for June 30th.
Data East Super Pocket
Blaze also revealed the Data East Super Pocket, featuring an orange and baby blue color scheme and 18 built-in games. Some of the confirmed titles include:
- B-Wings
- Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja
- BreakThru
- BurgerTime
- Burnin’ Rubber
- Chain Reaction
- Crude Buster
- Gate of Doom (Dark Seal)
- Joe & Mac Returns
- Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja
- Karate Champ
- Lock ‘n’ Chase
- Peter Pepper’s Ice Cream Factory
- Spinmaster
- Super BurgerTime
- Edward Randy
- Tumblepop
- Wizard Fire (Dark Seal II)
Release date: June 30th.
A mystery announcement for July
A seventh announcement was hinted at, but details remain unknown. Based on Evercade’s previous release patterns, this could be a Home Computer (Blue Label) collection, as the last one was released in September 2024. If this prediction holds, the mystery cartridge will likely be revealed in the coming months. Expected release: July 31st.
Pricing and future showcase
Blaze also revealed pricing details:
- Windjammers and Neo Geo Arcade 1 – $24.99 / €24.99
- Gremlin Collection 2 (Giga-Cart) – $29.99 / €29.99
- Neo Geo Super Pocket (Black/Gold) and Data East Super Pocket – $59.99 / €59.99
- Neo Geo MVS Limited Edition (Funstock Exclusive) – €69.99
Blaze also announced a special presentation at the end of May, celebrating five years of Evercade, showcasing past successes and revealing additional 2025 announcements. With over one million cartridges sold, this year’s showcase suggests that number could double by the end of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates from Blaze in the coming months!
