Spoiler alert: We’re in love with the Evercade Alpha!
After enthusiastically unpacking the Evercade Alpha – Mega Man Edition Bartop ArcadeWe spent the first few hours setting it up and delving into what it offers. Right out of the box, the unit itself looks fantastic – the Mega Man theme is vibrant, retro and instantly nostalgic.
Configuration and updates
Before getting into the game, the firmware needed to be updated (and the marquee artwork changed too!). The upgrade process was easy and it didn’t take long to get the system running the latest version. Along the way, we also unlock the 9 secret gameswhich was a fun bonus! (Pro tip: definitely take a moment to check out those additional titles; they’re a great addition to the already solid list.)
First order of business, change the illuminated marquee.
Day 1 Firmware Update
Gribbly’s Day Out is one of the 9 secret games that can be unlocked
Initial gameplay
Capcom’s six built-in classics play beautifully and the controls feel solid and responsive, perfect for an arcade experience. Games, particularly final fight and MosquitoIt immediately brought back memories of classic Capcom arcades. We also briefly explored other games like Mega Man. The battle of power and The power fighterswhich worked without problems.
Of course Final Fight was going to be the first game we played!
First impressions
Overall, our initial impression of the Evercade Alpha is very positive. It nails the nostalgia factor while offering a modern and reliable experience. The build quality feels sturdy, the screen is sharp, and the game selection is excellent, especially with the unlockable games.
We look forward to spending more time with Alpha and exploring the rest of its capabilities (and huge compatibility with the Evercade cart library). This is shaping up to be a must-have for retro gaming fans!
PS: This is an Arcade1Up killer!
The control panel is better than expected.
The built-in games are great for us: shmups and beat’em ups!
You unlocked all 9 secret games, bringing the total to 15 games in Alpha.
I can’t wait to explore all the Evercade cars in Alpha
