Capcom & Taito Super Pocket Review: Evercade On a Budget

[@chfgn]

I hadn’t really paid much attention to Evercade before, but at $60 in a Game Boy Pocket form factor that Taito edition is a no-brainer. That’s worth it for Bust-a-Move alone. And now that I’m in, I’m in. 😆 I preordered the Sunsoft cartridge so I can squeeze in some Blaster Master Boy in between rounds of Liquid Kids and Don Doko Don. Can’t wait! Thanks for the preview, keep up the good work!

[@KeenRetroGames]

A player after my own heart!

[@richardmullens4707]

Ummm.... Errr... Bust-A-Move isn't on there though...?

[@waggy79]

​@@richardmullens470706:43

[@NinjaPhooka]

​@@richardmullens4707I guess he means OG Bubble Bobble?! 😅

[@mechaknuckle]

@@richardmullens4707it is, it’s just listed as puzzle bobble instead of bust a move. Some websites also list there being 17 games instead of 18, this is because bust a move was a last minute addition

[@trevorblachly2854]

Just got my Taito Version this morning. I am impressed with the feel and love that there are so many games on this one. Thanks for the review.

[@heatherfryling4868]

Blaze is really great at providing high value for low money.

[@andogamer1]

I definitely want both versions. I am building my evercade carts and it's cool they will play on this handheld 😊 . Sure not all games will be great on this handheld but most are. $60 is a nice price.

[@EirkenElite]

It's like the fully realized tiger electronics games

[@sherekhangamedev]

Sweet, those could be mid-low budget, but I'm impressed with the build quality, even on camera they don't look cheap and sound and screen is really solid. Good game selection too, and the option to use the cartridges, really they nail it with their products. About no autoloading the cartridge, I see it in the other way, maybe I'm traveling and want all packed inside the console, but not want to play right away a cartridge title, but a build in, and removing the cartridge will be a bit unpractical, it's more on the line of the Nintendo Switch, I don't remember if DS also have this feature. I don' t have one right now. Thanks for sharing, John!

[@RetroGamePlayers]

Honestly I dig the blue and yellow, reminiscent of the Capcom big blue cabinet!

[@smog-097]

That screen looks pretty good at this price point. If I didn't already have an EXP and VS, I'd be picking up the Taito one.

[@darthwiizius]

Great, I saw these listed at Argos and am seriously interested in buying one (thinking Taito because Bubble Bobble is a big fave of mine). 50 quid for a retro collection machine that accepts a load of carts? Sign me up. Now, I'll watch the review.

[@adfury]

Got the Taito one because I got the EXP which I love. I think I still like the EXP more, but this is cool

[@willrobinson7599]

I've ordered the taito one as I have the capcom ones on evercade exp. Shame no chase hq

[@RetroNB]

I cannot wait to get the capcom version

[@marccaselle8108]

The slapcom version. 🙂

[@KeenRetroGames]

The Taito one is a killer deal.

[@sleepytwiggaming]

So is Capcom for forgotten world and bionic commando arcade edition

[@tomflanagan3889]

I just got the capcom one for Christmas. I have always been curious about Evercade. This is a great way for me to dip my toe in the water.

[@TheActs2021]

Sweet little device... just don't know which one I want, leaning towards the Taito one b/c I have most of the Capcom games already.

[@johnriddlebaugh7436]

If I buy the Super Pocket, I'll go with the Taito version since many of the Capcom games I already have on several physical compilations.

[@marccaselle8108]

Maybe blaze will do a neogeo one with baseball stars, neo turf masters, samurai showdown, king of fighters, art of fighting, street hoop, blazing star and footbal frenzy and windjammers.

[@CornyPuddle]

Thank you for the review! I'm really excited for these. I might order one of each. But the capcom is a must for me

[@johnhancockretro]

Good choice!

[@gustavolopez2599]

Nice I pre ordered the Capcom version. A gateway to introduce myself to more game ones.. look forward to checking it out

[@johnhancockretro]

Have fun!

[@braddl9442]

I Orders them cause I honestly wanted this form factor for my evercade games.

[@tyeohno]

A $60 "stocking stuffer?" I guess my Christmas budget is still living in 1991. 😄

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

Just purchased 3x of the capcom edition ;) After testing one I purchased 2 more ! To me the best graphic setting is to set the scan lines half way and the screen in normal mode, the 50% scan lines will ad a slight CRT effect and make a denser / darker picture with more contrast

[@jengelenm]

Thanks for the review! Would be cool if they’d come out with a dockable version of their handheld, with 3rd party controllers to sync.

[@johnhancockretro]

yes

[@Evercade_Effect]

Great video, thanks for covering this!

[@johnhancockretro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thinkingwisedawg2508]

The Speaker is awesome, it's not average way louder than any nintendo portable system.

[@loganjorgensen]

Looks good, I don't dislike the Evercade but the Super Pocket definitely gets me a lot more interested in that platform.🙂

[@Machovelli]

This is also an ethical and price friendly alternative to a shady profitariat piracy economy where you support the original developers without going bankrupt or resort to callous piracy

[@randomwrestlingarchive3937]

Got the Taito one for my birthday today and I love it

[@captaincommando2602]

As a CAPCOM fan... I definitely want it.

[@sb-17927]

I can tell you firsthand that these are worth every penny

[@kjhoskins]

Neat little devices with great games. Thanks for the video, John!

[@Serpsss]

One of my kids is just starting to take an interest in gaming. If I get them one of these then they can experience some of the same pain & frustration I did growing up playing some of these titles 😂

[@markderoller7645]

Is the Taito Rastan the arcade version?

[@johnhancockretro]

Yes

[@KeenRetroGames]

Super Space Invaders is the only home game on the Taito one.

[@TaeKwonMoe]

I wouldn't want it to automatically go to the cartridge it just adds more to the collection. I would just keep the cartridge in on a trip so that I have more choice. This thing is pretty awesome. I just got the Playdate and that is probably 60 dollars worth. I would have paid almost 200 for this thing. Getting one of these today for sure!

[@dschult3]

These are so cool. Are they going to start selling the cartridges in the same retail stores they are selling these?

[@russellj.s.257]

Which stores could I find them?

[@johnhancockretro]

I would hope so

[@quikeism]

Actually the option to select Evercade once the cartridge is inserted is the best option, what if I want to switch and play Street Fighter instead? I would need to remove the cartridge for that and if I’m not at home where would I store it? So yes this is the best way to access the games.

[@Caolan114]

I love how many choices there are to play these same cartridges my inner gameboy fan wants this for indie games on the gameboy but then I could switch and play on the vs

[@jonathont5570]

did not see it but how is the 19XX games on this style of screen... worried since its not vertical.

[@gardyjure118]

Can you do the button mapping on this one? That was a big problem on previous evercade devices.

[@markderoller7645]

Does it have a headphone jack or bluetooth support? Thanks

[@andogamer1]

It's has headphone jack but NO Bluetooth

[@johnhancockretro]

I mention the headphone jack in the video.

[@Chan_Prado]

Is there button remapping like on the VS and EXP?

[@johnhancockretro]

I don't think so.

[@johnnyrenkiewicz2789]

Good review, looks rad!

[@johnhancockretro]

It is!

[@Machovelli]

Aesthetically I like the Capcom version better. But the Taito games appeal to me more. Darn it, I hope there will be a Taito Evercade card. Maybe just buy the two then if not...

[@Cynbel_Terreus]

I don't think having to menu to swap to the cart is a bad thing. This does mean you could have a cart you like playing in at all times but still like to swap to the included games. Also this is similar to the DS, so again, not really an issue to me.

[@Cool_Retro]

Which one has the best games included?

[@johnhancockretro]

Ghouls n ghosts for Capcom, Rastan for Taito. Personal picks

[@KeenRetroGames]

The Taito one has a lot more games and some real classics. If you want Capcom the EXP is a better deal.

[@Jeffrey01Altra]

I'm getting one. I like the idea

[@scottblackadder2910]

my local argos UK store sells both these at £50 tempted

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

Whoa, awesome. Thanks, John!

[@ettinsoft]

Oooooo that's rad! If we could get Circus Interstellar on the Evercade you'd totally be able to play it on that! Super cool 😎

[@SpeccyHorace]

Got the Taito one on pre-order, looks good.

[@sesa2984]

I'm so torn because I really want to get into an evercade, I want the VS mostly cause I like consoles and it frankly is just perfect for me aesthetically and practically, but I'm paycheck to paycheck or less. So I COULD grab one of these, having had a gameboy and never a gamegear etc. I enjoy this styling better. However, I can't play it WITH my fiancee and the other handheld can be used as another controller for added value if I do get a vs eventually. I think I'm just gonna have to wish for some VS money to drop out of the sky!

[@sechmascm]

They learned from Namco that even if they want to license it for handheld only, people will be able to use the physical cartridge on other systems if they really want to

[@bobroberts7924]

Backlight?

[@johnhancockretro]

Hmm I think so yes. Was able to see it clearly in a dark room.

[@bobroberts7924]

@@johnhancockretro What about daylight?

[@danthegamingmanYT]

Good to see the games in action, I've already asked Santa for one!

[@ZootLives]

I'm considering getting these for my nieces and nephews along with some Evercade carts. Any carts that are NOT compatible that I should avoid?

[@johnhancockretro]

Not that I know of.

[@ZootLives]

@@johnhancockretro how do native 16:9 games like the Cathedral port look on the device? I know it's a 4:3 screen but how would a game with a 16:9 ratio look aside from black bars on the top and bottom?

[@flexonswole]

Am getting one just for the Evercade support

[@joesshows6793]

Looks pretty good.

[@Sinn0100]

Can you connect it to a TV?

[@johnhancockretro]

Nope

[@SinisterSally]

No multiplayer is a deal killer, maybe they can update firmware to do it over usbc.

[@stephenrowland5933]

Nit picking here.? I wished it was SF Champion instead of Turbo... But... Its got Strider on it too so.. swings and roundabouts...? Its still awesome... and Take my money!!

[@josspe4342]

Thank you for the size comparison, you were the first one.

[@johnhancockretro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@baroncalamityplus]

Having to own and carry around multiple evercade systems just to have access to all the games is a deal breaker. I’m done with buying any more evercade hardware. Probably done buying the carts as well.

[@Htbaa]

I’m not done with buying carts, but I’m not getting more hardware to play these games. Already own the Evercade, VS and Exp.

[@fearlessfreep]

Does the cartridge protector from either unit fit the EXP as well?

[@KeenRetroGames]

It should

[@andrewdavidscott8731]

What upsets me is that the Taito line up is strong but we're stuck with a home port of Super Space Invaders. Not a deal breaker, but still...

[@mumfnah]

Gutted that i heard Forgotten Worlds controls are awkward and lame, using the shoulders for rotate. I was keen to get the Capcom for that and Strider. Now i think I'll pick up the Taito one instead, j prefer colour scheme of that one. Love that can play all my Everdrive cartridges. ... Now I just need Blaze to do what they do to get license for some ZX Spectrum versions of my favourites; Chuckie Egg, Project Future, 180, Jack the Nipper 2, Agent X, Xenon, Wizball... and that would be just perfect, pretty please Blaze 👌

[@krantzbucks]

Why Doesnt taito ever include "mat mania" with any of their collections. I would buy this hand held if it was.

[@mikewitts1333]

Mat Mania was made by Technos, it's on the Technos Arcade Vol 1 Evercade cart, although it's listed as Mania Challenge on there.

[@nolandderlugner1351]

Wait evercade games fit in here??

[@johnhancockretro]

Yes

[@johnnycage8950]

Le cartucce taito e capcom sono compatibili con evercade vs e exp?????

[@Sneakers8b]

Should have had a lot of those capcom games on a cart, like GnG, Megaman, 1942, is great… but the multiplayer games, should be on a cart so you can pop it in your vs.

[@johnhancockretro]

There was probably a licensing issue preventing this.

[@Sneakers8b]

@@johnhancockretro yeah that’s too bad, that blinking player two press start on captain commando. That’s okay just offer that collection on cart down the road.

[@Kraken54321]

My limited editions arrived today. 🇬🇧👍

[@jeanlucpetard]

Got tons of evercade gear so not for me - looks great though!

[@johnhancockretro]

Fair enough!

[@craigsmart1986]

Imagine a Pokémon cart with all the 8-16bit Pokémon games

[@MIKandJEAN]

Sounded like a nasty cold or flu. Have a thumbs up for surviving the making of this video! 🙂👍

[@johnhancockretro]

Allergies

[@MIKandJEAN]

@@johnhancockretro Ah, sometimes almost as bad when your suffering. Take it easy!

[@tigheklory]

DAMN IT JOHN HANCOCK YOU DIDN'T SHOW RASTAN GAMEPLAY!! 😂🤣

[@-Jamie]

Will the eversd work in this

[@johnhancockretro]

I do not know

[@TheOnlyOneStanding8079]

This looks cool just like the arcade 😎👍

[@sooperheep]

If you factor the price of the game into it $40 just for the player ain’t bad

[@Shenanigans0409]

“I would rather steal my games off the internet for the price of free than buy something that supports developers and games I love.” -People that don’t understand this product

[@antonj182]

You don't support developers: there is no one left from the team that made games 30-40 years ago. You are only enriching a lazy copyright holder, who has done nothing to preserve video game heritage. Emulators were written by a group of enthusiasts, even game roms are often used from open "illegal" sources (hello to Nintendo and their virtual console). These corporations would have been happy if emulators didn't exist back in the day, so I see no reason to support them.

[@Technomantics]

I think the Capcom one is pointless with the button layouts. The TAITO seems to have slightly better games for the buttons. Mr. Hancock, "the Bob Ross of game reviews" 8)

[@treedeblue]

This company is doing it right

[@Vulpas]

No multiplayer it seems? That's a necessity for Street Fighter.

[@jacobbaranowski]

Affordable, Evercade I want one

[@steelcurtain187]

Love the Capcom stuff!

[@johnhancockretro]

Me too!

[@rescuecomplex5115]

7 dolars for the GB Pocket?

[@VetsRage]

That D pad looks suspect. haha

[@johnhancockretro]

Its not that bad. Not perfect but above average.

[@dustingd1]

Sunsoft Evercade has no BATMAN?!!

[@johnhancockretro]

People forget how expensive and complex it is to license an IP like that.

[@upyoursenator]

You sound a bit stuffy, hope you get well soon (if you're sick 😷).

[@johnhancockretro]

Allergies

[@mjdf122]

It’s a cool toy

[@uknowmyname007]

I'd rather have a Miyo Mini Plus

[@jasonburke147]

The background music should be removed.

[@marccaselle8108]

Thanks for pronouncing it tai to and not tay to. 🙂

[@THEKLEVER187]

It’s a pass

[@Sinn0100]

Why? It's so cheap. I'm buying both tomorrow. I would have purchased this months ago had I known.

[@keithmyers3027]

Suit yourself. These remind me of tiger electronics, simple, accessible, and a lot easier to find compared to the console

[@antonj182]

Overpriced garbage, like everything from evercade. For $40 you can get Anbernic RG35XX with 3.5" ips screen, hdmi, decent build quality and hardware powerful enough to emulate ps1 library.

[@johnhancockretro]

Comparing apples to oranges. The Evercade offers liscensed games as well as an affordable physical media option.

[@antonj182]

​@@johnhancockretro The idea is that even as a hardware Super Pocket loses in every aspect to other similiar devices. If evercade wants to hook people on buying their physical media they should make their hardware's price tag more attractive then competitiors'.

[@johnhancockretro]

@@antonj182lol the price will be fine for the audience they are targeting.

[@antonj182]

​@@johnhancockretro The audience are people who don't know about better alternatives?

[@klsts86]

Bro stop saying this

[@oxygeninterface]

yet another worthless, cash grab, novelty item for me to wipe my butt with.

[@septoandklepto]

The color scheme is horrible

[@septoandklepto]

The green one looks alright

[@johnhancockretro]

I personally like it. I am sure they will make different colors.