The emphasis seems to be on moving upmarket in terms of manufacturing, with enhanced display quality and specifications designed to offer performance equivalent to that of the living room model, namely the EVERCADE VS. In addition to the presence of a 1.5 Ghz processor and 4 GB of integrated memory, this model will have a 4.3 inch IPS (800×400) screen, covered with a tempered glass protection to ensure robust protection. . This EXP model will also have a “Tate” feature to hold the machine at 90°, and take advantage of the shoot-them-ups of the time and their vertical scrollings. The console has two buttons on the left side to ensure a proper grip – two L2 and R2 buttons on the triggers are also added to ensure maximum compatibility.
The manufacturer also assures that the updates will be much easier to carry out now that the console integrates Wi-Fi, while charging is moving to the USB-C standard; the machine incorporates a 3000mA battery for approximately 4 to 5 hours of play. On the other hand, we are talking about a mini-HDMI connection to display games in 720p on your favorite monitor, a bit like the Neo Geo Mini in its day, which is anything but practical these days; the cable will not be included in the box, unlike the cord for charging.
Note that this EXP model will automatically include a cartridge from the “Arcade” collection in the pack, a tasteful compilation since it is dedicated to Irem. Six games from the Japanese developer are on the cartridge, namely R-Type and In The Hunt, Moon Patrol and 10 Yard Fight, not to mention Mr. Heli and Lightning Swords. Obviously, the machine is compatible with all the compilations marketed for several months, which bring the catalog beyond the 300 classics.
More announcements are expected to take place later around the machine, starting with additional content unveiled in September. It is in the course of the same month that pre-orders will open at the main retailers.
Blaze Entertainment has finally announced the arrival of a next cartridge dedicated to the Toaplan legend, for a Toaplan Arcade 1 Collection which will include Flying Shark, Alcon (Slap Fight), Tiger-Heli, Truxton and the no less legendary Zero Wing, as well as platform games Guardian and Snow Bros., not to mention the puzzle Teki-Paki. The whole thing will be packaged in a physical box, along with a cartridge and a full-color manual featuring exclusive interviews with developers Masahiro Yuge and Tatsuya Uemura. This cartridge, like the one devoted to Irem, will be available for individual purchase.