The world of retro gaming just got much more exhilarating as Blaze Entertainment, the brains behind Evercade, has teamed up with the legendary SNK Corporation. This partnership is scheduled to breathe new life into our highly-regarded Neo Geo titles starting in 2025!
So here’s the scoop: Blaze is gearing up to release officially licensed products that celebrate the rich history of the Neo Geo system. Although we’re still waiting for confirmation on whether Neo Geo games will hit our Evercade devices, they teased us with a video featuring that iconic Neo Geo startup sequence alongside their logo. Talk about teasing nostalgia!
The Evercade lineup includes handhelds and consoles explicitly designed for retro gaming enthusiasts if you’re unfamiliar with them. What sets them apart? Each device has a slot for cartridges filled with themed selections of retro and indie games, with 60 cartridges boasting more than 500 officially licensed titles across five decades. That’s a treasure trove right there!
However, let’s be real: fans have been clamoring for SNK and Neo Geo games to make their way onto these cartridges. This gap hasn’t gone unnoticed by players keenly awaiting any sign that they’ll finally relive those classic moments.
And wait, it gets even better! There’s potential for SNK-themed versions of the recently launched Evercade Alpha Bartop arcade machine. Currently, two models come packed with Capcom games but still leave room for those sweet Evercade cartridges.
In an official statement, Blaze CEO Andrew Byatt expressed his excitement about this collaboration: “This partnership isn’t just about adding great games; it’s about celebrating the artistry and legacy of Neo Geo in a way accessible to fans old and new.” His words echo what many gamers are feeling—this could be huge!
But let’s keep our fingers crossed while we wait until 2025! The hope is apparent, but will this move truly satisfy long-time fans? Only time will tell if these nostalgic gems can translate well onto modern platforms without losing their original charm.