Evercade EXP-R Handheld Tomb Raider Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Looking for a retro gaming experience on-the-go? We recently got our hands on the Evercade EXP-R Handheld with Tomb Raider 1, 2 & 3, and we have to say, we’re impressed.

The EXP-R comes bundled with the Tomb Raider Collection 1 physical cartridge, featuring three legendary games all in one. Plus, the new charcoal grey colour scheme with turquoise accents gives it a sleek look.

One of the standout features of this handheld console is the TATE mode, which allows for seamless and comfortable vertical gaming using dedicated buttons. The 800×480 IPS high resolution screen also provides greater viewing angles and better quality.

We were pleased to find that the Evercade EXP-R also has built-in WiFi for easy updates and supports the entire Evercade cartridge library. With a battery life of 4-5 hours and USB-C charging, it’s perfect for gaming on-the-go. Click here to view the product while following the review!

Overview of the Evercade EXP-R Handheld

We recently got our hands on the Evercade EXP-R, a retro gaming handheld that comes bundled with three classic Tomb Raider games on one cartridge. The EXP-R is compatible with all Evercade cartridges and features a new charcoal grey colour scheme with turquoise accents.

One of the standout features of the EXP-R is the high resolution IPS screen, which provides greater viewing angles and better quality. The built-in WiFi makes it easy to update the device, and the brand-new TATE mode allows for seamless and comfortable vertical gaming using dedicated buttons.

We were impressed by the 4-5 hours of battery life offered by the EXP-R, which can be charged using USB-C. Overall, the Evercade EXP-R delivers classic retro gaming on the go with a sleek and stylish design.

Tomb Raider Collection: A Retro Gaming Revival

We were thrilled to see the Evercade EXP-R Handheld bundled with the legendary Tomb Raider Collection 1 physical cartridge. As fans of classic retro gaming, we were excited to relive Lara Croft’s earlier adventures on a portable device.

The EXP-R’s new charcoal grey colour scheme with turquoise accents gives it a fresh and modern look. The high resolution IPS screen provides greater viewing angles and better quality, making the gameplay experience more enjoyable. The TATE mode for vertical screen play with dedicated buttons is a great addition, allowing for seamless and comfortable gaming.

We found the Evercade EXP-R to be a reliable and convenient device, with built-in WiFi for easy updates and a battery life of 4-5 hours with USB-C charging. It also supports the entire Evercade cartridge library, making it a versatile option for retro gaming enthusiasts.

TATE Mode: Vertical Gaming Revolutionised

One of the most exciting features of the Evercade EXP-R is the TATE mode. This new feature allows for seamless and comfortable vertical gaming using dedicated buttons. We found this mode to be a real game-changer, particularly for classic arcade games that were originally designed for vertical screens. The high resolution IPS screen and TATE mode make playing games like Donkey Kong and Galaga feel like you’re playing on an original arcade cabinet.

The dedicated buttons for TATE mode are a welcome addition, as they make it easy to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations without having to adjust the device. We also appreciated the improved viewing angles and better quality of the screen, which made playing games for extended periods more comfortable.

Stylish and Portable Design

When it comes to the design of the Evercade EXP-R, we were impressed with its stylish and portable build. The charcoal grey colour scheme with turquoise accents gives it a unique and modern look that stands out from other handheld gaming devices.

The EXP-R is also incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around with you on the go. Whether you’re on a long commute or travelling, the Evercade EXP-R won’t weigh you down.

We particularly loved the high resolution IPS screen, which offered greater viewing angles and better quality. The TATE mode is also a great addition, allowing for seamless and comfortable vertical gaming using dedicated buttons.

High-Resolution IPS Screen

We were impressed by the high-resolution IPS screen on the Evercade EXP-R Handheld. The screen was bright, clear, and provided excellent viewing angles, making it easy to play games from any position. The colours were vibrant and the contrast was sharp, which made the graphics pop and the games more enjoyable to play.

We appreciated the large size of the screen, which made it easy to see all the details in the games. The screen was also responsive to touch, which made navigating through the menus and selecting games a breeze.

Pros and Cons

After spending some time with the Evercade EXP-R Handheld with Tomb Raider 1, 2 & 3, we’ve come up with a list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

  • Classic retro gaming on the go: The Evercade EXP-R is perfect for those who want to relive their childhood memories of playing classic games. With over 260 games available on cartridges, you’ll never run out of options.
  • Bundled with Tomb Raider Collection 1 physical cartridge: The inclusion of the Tomb Raider Collection 1 cartridge is a nice touch. It’s great to see that Evercade is bundling some of the most popular games with their handheld console.
  • TATE mode for vertical screen play with dedicated buttons: The TATE mode is a unique feature that allows you to play games in vertical screen mode, just like in the arcade. The dedicated buttons make it easy to switch between modes.
  • 800×480 IPS High Resolution Screen: The high-resolution screen is a significant improvement over the original Evercade. It’s crisp and clear, making it easy to see all the details in your games.
  • Built-in WiFi: The built-in WiFi makes it easy to download new games and updates. You can also connect to the Evercade community and share your high scores.
  • 4-5 hours battery life with USB-C Charging: The battery life is impressive, and the USB-C charging makes it easy to charge the console on the go.

Cons

  • Limited game library: While the Evercade has an extensive library of games, it’s still limited to what’s available on cartridges. There’s no way to download new games, and some of the more popular titles are missing.
  • No built-in storage: The Evercade EXP-R doesn’t come with any built-in storage, so you’ll need to purchase a separate SD card to store your games.
  • Limited multiplayer options: The Evercade EXP-R only supports local multiplayer, so you’ll need to be in the same room as your friends to play together. There’s no online multiplayer option available.
  • No touchscreen: The lack of a touchscreen can be frustrating when navigating menus. You’ll need to use the directional pad and buttons to select options, which can be time-consuming.

Ease of Updates with Built-In WiFi

Updating the Evercade EXP-R Handheld with Tomb Raider 1, 2 & 3 is a breeze thanks to its built-in WiFi. We found it easy to connect to the internet and download the latest firmware updates. The process was quick and painless, which is always a plus in our book.

One thing we particularly liked was the ability to update the system without having to connect it to a computer. This made it much more convenient for us to keep our handheld up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

Battery Life and USB-C Charging

We were impressed with the battery life of the Evercade EXP-R Handheld with Tomb Raider 1, 2 & 3. After a full charge, we were able to play for several hours without needing to recharge. This is great for gaming on the go, as you won’t have to worry about running out of battery in the middle of a game.

The USB-C charging is a nice touch, as it allows for faster and more efficient charging. We found that the device charged quickly and was ready to go in no time.

Customer Reviews

When it comes to making a purchase, customer reviews can be a valuable resource for getting an idea of what to expect from a product. We took a look at the customer reviews for the Evercade EXP-R Handheld with Tomb Raider 1, 2 & 3, and found that they were generally positive. Customers praised the device’s portability and ease of use, as well as the selection of classic Tomb Raider games included. Some reviewers did note that the screen could be a bit small for some users, but overall, the feedback was quite positive.

If you’re considering purchasing the Evercade EXP-R Handheld, we recommend taking a look at the customer reviews to get a sense of what other users have experienced. While everyone’s experience may be different, reading through the reviews can give you a good idea of the device’s strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

After spending some time with the Evercade EXP-R Handheld with Tomb Raider 1, 2 & 3, we can confidently say that it’s a great device for retro gaming enthusiasts. The handheld is well-built, feels comfortable in the hand, and the screen is bright and clear.

The inclusion of the three Tomb Raider games is a great bonus, and they play smoothly on the device. We also appreciate the ability to purchase additional game cartridges to expand our game library.

One downside is that the battery life is not as long as we would have hoped, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Overall, we highly recommend the Evercade EXP-R Handheld to anyone who loves retro gaming on-the-go.

Evercade EXP-R Handheld

Evercade EXP-R delivers classic retro gaming on the go. 800×480 IPS High Resolution Screen, Built-in WiFi, 4-5 hours battery life with USB-C Charging. Bundled with Tomb Raider Collection 1 physical cartridge.