Evercade EXP-R Solo and VS-R Solo: Blaze Unveils Hardware-Only Consoles for the First Time

Blaze Entertainment, the company behind the popular Evercade line of retro gaming systems, has announced its most significant hardware refresh yet: hardware-only versions of its EXP-R and VS-R consoles, named the Evercade EXP-R Solo and Evercade VS-R Solo.

This move marks the first time in the product line’s history that fans can purchase the Evercade home and handheld systems without bundled software, making it easier than ever for both newcomers and longtime enthusiasts to start or expand their physical cartridge collections. In a recent press release, Blaze Entertainment stated, "For the first time, our new versions of the VS-R and EXP-R are available as standalone hardware.

This lets new and existing fans enter the Evercade experience directly on their own terms." The statement highlights that both models now feature a refreshed, retro-inspired grey-and-red color scheme, and are strictly focused on delivering pure Evercade hardware without default games or accessories.

This shift offers greater flexibility, as players can select their own starting titles from Evercade’s extensive cartridge library. The EXP-R, which debuted in April 2024 as a refinement of the original EXP, now arrives as the EXP-R Solo, maintaining its streamlined approach by excluding the 18 previously pre-loaded Capcom titles and TV-out functionality found in earlier models.

The EXP-R Solo is set to retail for £99.99 / €119.99 / $119.99.

Meanwhile, the Evercade VS-R Solo, based on the home console design initially launched as the Evercade VS in 2021 and recently updated, will be offered at £89.99 / €109.99 / $119.99. Blaze Entertainment has also collaborated with its retail partner, Funstock, to offer pre-order bundles that include a single Evercade cartridge.

The EXP-R Solo bundle will be available for £109.98, while the VS-R Solo bundle will retail for £99.98, providing added value to those looking to jump right into gameplay.

Both new systems are scheduled for global shipping on September 25, 2025.

With the introduction of hardware-only models, Blaze is responding to community feedback and expanding its reach to dedicated retro gaming collectors and players who prefer to curate their own libraries from Evercade’s growing catalog. Fans eager to secure the new Evercade EXP-R Solo or VS-R Solo can find pre-order details on the official Funstock online store and participating retailers.

As always, Evercade remains focused on delivering quality retro gaming experiences on dedicated hardware, now with even more accessibility and choice for its audience.

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