The Evercade is Interesting - Here are my thoughts...

[Gucci]

This guy is still here making these posts!?!?!

Yes...

And just like my PSP GO and Mini PC post, I wanted to share ramblings and things about something else I've been using lately: The Evercade. Specifically, the portable one (since there's a traditional console looking SKU that will be released -- or maybe it has been released not sure).

In any event, I got the Evercade last November for $80 that came with the Atari Collection 1. Truth be told: I can care less for that cart. It's still in the box. The real reason for my Evercade purchase was the Atari Lynx collection. Considering the Lynx was my first video game console I've ever played, having the ability to play on a portable console with buttons and all is awesome! Both carts were $20 each.

The hardware is surprisingly nice but I have a couple of things that bother the shit out of me: 1) the volume setting does not save upon shutdown -- this means that I have to adjust the volume during every play session (also the volume is inconsistent -- the main menu is super loud but in-game is softer; 2) the space between the screen itself and the top layer is way too big. I hope for the revision where it at least fixes this screen space issue. Other things: buttons feel weird at times (button travel are not the same for each button), mini HDMI port is slightly off from the housing, and battery doesn't last super long (takes quite awhile to charge too).

My biggest piece in the first collection is Crystal Mines II. This is the game that started my gaming "career" and of the 17 games in the first set, is the only one I've played. The version included here is the Songbird version where 125 new levels were added in addition to the original 181 levels. The second collection has eight games, six of which I have history with. Slime World, Chips Challenge, California Games, Blue Lightning, Electrocop, and Gates of Zendocon I own and played back in the day. Glad I can play these games again.

I'd like a third collection with Toki, Bill and Ted's (highly unlikely), Klax, Paperboy, Ryger, Zarlor Mercenary, STUN Runner, and Lynx Casino.

That's all I have for now.

[prfsnl_gmr]

This is a great post. Thanks for joining the forums, Gucci. It’s good to have you here.

The Lynx collection is SERIOUSLY tempting me to consider an Evercade. I just haven’t bitten the bullet yet.

[Gucci]

Much appreciated!

One of the things I’d like to test is the mini HDMI out. I wonder how the scaling works on a modern TV. The only options I see regarding screens is just a change in ratio. Two options. Would have been neat if there’s options for filters like the vertical scan lines from the original system.

[Gucci]

One quick update: I forgot to mention that the software, as barebones as it is, supports save states. I do plan on trying the TV out when I get my hands on a mini-HDMI cable.

[Note]

Thanks for posting your thoughts on the system! I've seen some quick reviews of the Evercade online but haven't seen too many in-depth reviews about it, so I appreciate the post. While I'm not too big into handhelds, I was surprised to see a new cartridge based handheld system, and like how they're releasing collections from older libraries on there.

I don't have much experience with the Atari Lynx myself, but I did play it a friend's a bit when I was young, so it's cool to see those games accessible again. Also good to know that it supports save states and can connect to a TV via HDMI.

Hope to see the developer continue making improvements to it!

[Gucci]

Songbird Productions has the rights to many of the Lynx library. I’m glad lots of these games didn’t get lost in time due to licensing issues, as I’m sure we’ve all seen too many times.