I can't believe I'm saying this, but it seems like the true winner of the 9th generation console war is the fucking Evercade (Steam devices will never count; they're specialized gaming PCs).
* Actually affordable by most people right now
* Actually has games even if most are re-releases
* Physical media is main focus
* Games actually come with manuals as a standard
* Fully playable offline
* Games are released as finished products
* The EXP and Super Pocket models are the only traditional handhelds (having an exclusive library and being able to fit in your pocket) on the market right now (Playdate is a shitty gimmick and doesn't count)
* Literally has an arcade cabinet variant
* Some Evercade ports are actually the definitive official versions of their respective games (Duke Nukem and Banjo Kazooie being the most notable)
* Supports indies but isn't trying to be saturated with shovelware indie titles
* Native ports show that the system is capable of more demanding games. I bet they could even port Dreamcast and GameCube games via the original or decomp source code
* And most importantly, it is the only console/handheld this gen that is guaranteed to offer the exact same experience 10/20+ years from now as it does in the present day
And I remember when the thing first came out, I thought it was the most pointless console ever. I mean who wants to buy a system that only plays emulated re-releases of decades-old games? Though this is before indies arrived on it, but I disregarded it as a cheap cash-in on the success of systems like the NES Classic. However, they have probably become the most vindicated console as time goes on.
@xianc78 it seems cool, it's just that with a lot of these things i can never see a reason for me to buy one. it's like, i really want one, but i know for sure i'll never play it.
@beardalaxy They're intended for the "casual retro-gamer" crowd that the NES and SNES Classic were marketed towards. The only difference is that the constant stream of new releases via cartridges keep people coming back to the system. It's also meant to get you to play games that you wouldn't have tried otherwise. That's why the cartridges have multiple games on them.
Though honestly, I think the system is perfect for kids, especially if you really don't feel like giving them the latest mainstream console or gaming PC. I recently bought an Evercade Super Pocket for my niece as her first system and she loves it. I'm glad I gave her that instead of a Switch Lite or something like that.
Oh yeah, there is also no built-in camera or microphone constantly recording everything you say or do.