Evercade’s Alpha is a pre-assembled bartop arcade cabinet with an 8-inch screen, arcade controls and two slots for Evercade cartridges. It offers a more cabinet-like setup than a handheld or TV-connected Evercade system, but “compact” still means a machine that needs a dedicated, stable counter or table: it measures 410 × 244 × 316 mm. The best edition for you depends on its built-in games, whether you want the Deluxe hardware, and how much you value playing cartridges on an arcade control panel.
What the Evercade Alpha is—and what it isn’t
The Alpha is a ready-to-use bartop arcade machine, not a handheld, full-sized stand-up cabinet or TV-connected console. Its defining appeal is the combination of a dedicated arcade control panel and an integrated display with access to both built-in games and Evercade cartridges. Blaze’s product announcement describes it as Evercade’s first compatible bartop arcade. Evercade Alpha product announcement
Its footprint is 410 × 244 × 316 mm, with an 8-inch IPS display in a 4:3 aspect ratio. That makes it small compared with a full-size arcade cabinet, but it is not something to tuck away like a handheld: plan for a stable surface and room to use the joystick and buttons comfortably. TechRadar’s review lists the same dimensions and display format. TechRadar review
What comes with the cabinet
The Alpha’s core hardware includes an eight-direction joystick, six action buttons and three additional buttons for credits, game start and menu access. It has stereo speakers, a headphone jack, Wi-Fi, two USB ports and two Evercade cartridge slots. These are cabinet controls and built-in audio, rather than a setup that requires a separate controller or television.
#1 Best Overall
- Pre-built bartop arcade unit in officially licensed Capcom Street Fighter design
- 6 built-in games per arcade - Compatible with all Evercade cartridges (500+)
- Includes: STREET FIGHTER II CHAMPION EDITION, SUPER STREET FIGHTER II TURBO, SUPER PUZZLE FIGHTER II TURBO, STREET FIGHTER ALPHA – WARRIORS’ DREAMS, STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 2, and STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 3
- 2 USB Controller ports for 2P local multiplayer (controllers sold separately), USB-C cable and plug included, and built-in WiFi for updates and features
- Light-up marquee bar with swappable marquees (3 included)
There is no HDMI output in TechRadar’s specification table, so the Alpha is not the right choice if your main goal is to play its games on a larger TV. TechRadar review
Which Alpha edition should you choose?
The cabinet form is shared, but the built-in game selection varies by themed edition. Pick the version whose included games you are most likely to play; the theme alone does not change the basic cabinet proposition.
Rank #2
- Pre-built bartop arcade unit in officially licensed Taito design.
- Dual Evercade Cartridge slot built-in.
- 10 built-in games per arcade including Bubble Bobble, Space Invaders and many more!
- Competition-Grade Arcade Controls
- 2 USB Controller ports for 2P local multiplayer (controllers sold separately)
| Edition | Built-in games | Lineup source |
|---|---|---|
| Street Fighter | Street Fighter II’ Champion Edition; Super Street Fighter II Turbo; Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo; Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams; Street Fighter Alpha 2; Street Fighter Alpha 3 | Evercade announcement and edition reference |
| Mega Man | Mega Man: The Power Battle; Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters; Carrier Air Wing; Final Fight; Knights of the Round; Strider | Evercade announcement and edition reference |
| Taito | Bubble Bobble; Cadash; Elevator Action; The Fairyland Story; Growl; The Legend of Kage; The NewZealand Story; Puzzle Bobble; Rastan; Space Invaders | Evercade Info product listing |
The Taito lineup is listed by Evercade Info, a secondary reference; the two other lineups are described in the product announcement. Evercade Info Alpha reference
Standard or Deluxe?
The announcement says Deluxe editions have Sanwa controls installed and include an Alpha-branded USB controller. Those are Deluxe-specific inclusions, not standard-box contents to assume across every edition. If those hardware or controller details matter to your choice, check the exact edition listing before buying. Evercade Alpha product announcement
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Relive the Arcade Era: Celebrate the legacy of Street Fighter with a 9/10 scale cabinet that captures the look, feel, and excitement of the iconic 90s arcade experience.
- Precision Gameplay: Perform your favorite combos with responsive joysticks and buttons, delivering authentic arcade-style control you know and love.
- 15+ *Legendary Games: Choose from *15+ classic Capcom titles, including Street Fighter favorites, for endless hours of competitive and nostalgic gameplay.
- Modern Performance, Retro Feel: Officially Powered by Raspberry Pi 5 hardware, enjoy seamless gameplay with HDMI Out for streaming or recording your battles.
- Effortless Assembly and Instant Play: Assembly is easy; Plug-in for exciting Street Fighter battles; Gather friends online for competitive multiplayer showdowns
Can the Alpha play Evercade cartridges?
Yes. The two cartridge slots let you expand beyond the games built into the edition you buy. Blaze’s announcement said the slots provide access to the Evercade catalogue, describing it at announcement time as “50+ cartridges and 500+ arcade, console and home computer games.” Those are announcement-era counts, not verified current totals. Evercade Alpha product announcement
Cartridges are separate purchases, and catalogue availability changes. Evercade support says all Evercade cartridge categories work across current Evercade systems running the latest firmware. A broad cartridge library does not mean every game is equally suited to the Alpha’s joystick-and-button layout, so match a cartridge to the way you want to play as well as to its games. Evercade cartridge compatibility reference
Rank #4
- 14 Classic Games Included: Play PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, Pac-Land, Mappy, and more—14 built-in titles deliver hours of iconic retro arcade fun at home
- Authentic Arcade Experience: Real-feel joystick and buttons let you dodge ghosts, eat pellets, and chase high scores just like you did in the arcade
- Crisp 17-Inch Display: BOE color monitor brings every glowing maze and character to life with sharp visuals that stay true to the original arcade look
- Wi-Fi Leaderboards: Compete with players across the country by posting high scores online using built-in Wi-Fi—no quarters required
- Deluxe Cabinet Design: Over 5 feet tall with a light-up marquee, molded faux coin door, and sleek cabinet that adds retro style to any game room or space
Controllers, multiplayer and connectivity
The product announcement says the two USB ports accept Evercade-compatible controllers and suitable third-party arcade sticks. This gives you a route to controller-oriented play or another player, but compatibility depends on the specific controller and game. Verify the model before purchasing rather than assuming any USB pad or stick will work. Evercade Alpha product announcement
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Alpha versus Evercade VS-R
The choice is mainly about where and how you want to play. The Alpha is built around a self-contained bartop cabinet experience: integrated 8-inch screen, arcade controls and a defined countertop footprint. The VS-R is a different, TV-connected form factor. Choose the Alpha for the dedicated cabinet feel; choose a TV-connected system if using a larger display is central to your setup. TechRadar also notes the Alpha’s space requirement and the added cost of cartridges for buyers without an existing Evercade collection. TechRadar review
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Best Value
- Includes GHOST PILOTS (1991), SUPER SIDEKICKS (1992), SAMURAI SHODOWN II (1994), TWINKLE STAR SPRITES (1996), THE KING OF FIGHTERS '97 (1997) and METAL SLUG 3 (2000).
- Full colour manual included.
- Genres included: shoot 'em up, action, fighting and sports.
- Compatible with all Evercade hardware (Handheld, Evercade VS, Evercade VS-R, Evercade EXP, Evercade EXP-R, Evercade Alpha) and Super Pocket consoles.
Price and whether it is worth it
TechRadar reports a November 28, 2024 launch at $249.99 / £229.99, following preorder pricing of $229.99 / £199.99. These are historical launch figures, not a statement of today’s price or a current offer. Check retailers for live pricing and stock. TechRadar review
The Alpha is easiest to justify if you specifically want an arcade cabinet on a counter and expect to play its built-in games or cartridges regularly. It is a less obvious fit if you mainly want a TV-connected Evercade, have little interest in arcade controls, or would need to buy many cartridges to build a library. Factor both the surface it will occupy and any cartridge purchases into the decision.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
