Evercade Unveils Neo Geo Arcade 4 and Activision Collection 3, Blending Nostalgia with Modern Retro Gaming

Evercade, the retro gaming hardware company known for its cartridge-based systems, has announced the release of two new game collections: the Neo Geo Arcade 4 and Activision Collection 3. The cartridges, set to launch on June 15, 2024, aim to cater to both long-time fans of classic arcade games and newer audiences seeking accessible retro experiences. According to Evercade’s official website, the collections feature a mix of restored titles and curated selections from iconic developers.

The Neo Geo Arcade 4 includes 10 titles from the SNK library, including the rarely seen Baseball Stars 2, which has garnered praise for its detailed gameplay mechanics despite limited international exposure. A spokesperson for Evercade stated, “We’ve prioritized games that balance historical significance with technical polish, ensuring each title feels both nostalgic and refined.”

Meanwhile, the Activision Collection 3 expands on the company’s previous retro releases, featuring 12 games from the 1980s and early 1990s. Titles such as Gauntlet and Centipede are included, alongside less mainstream entries like Robotron: 2084. Activision’s press release emphasized the collection’s “educational value,” noting that it provides insight into the evolution of arcade gaming during the industry’s formative years.

What’s Included in the Neo Geo Arcade 4?

The Neo Geo Arcade 4 cartridge focuses on the SNK platform, a 1990s arcade system renowned for its high-quality 2D graphics and competitive fighting games. The collection features 10 titles, including Samurai Shodown, King of Fighters ’94, and Art of Fighting. According to Evercade’s product page, the cartridge also includes Baseball Stars 2, a baseball simulation game developed by SNK in 1995. While the title has not been widely released outside Japan, it has received positive feedback from retro gaming communities for its realistic physics engine and team management mechanics.

“Baseball Stars 2 is a hidden gem,” said Alex Carter, a contributor to the gaming website RetroGamer.net. “Its blend of strategy and fast-paced action makes it stand out even among SNK’s other titles.”

The cartridge also includes Ikki Tousen: Great Battle, a fighting game based on the popular anime series, and Blazing Star, a side-scrolling shooter known for its challenging boss battles. Evercade’s CEO, John Mariani, highlighted the selection’s diversity: “We’re not just rehashing the same old titles. These games represent the breadth of what the Neo Geo system was capable of.”

Activision Collection 3: A Trip Down Memory Lane

The Activision Collection 3 marks the third installment in Evercade’s partnership with the historic game publisher. The collection includes 12 titles from Activision’s archives, spanning from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. Notable inclusions are Adventure (1976), one of the first graphical adventure games, and Super Bug (1980), a racing title that influenced the genre’s development.

Among the highlights is Robotron: 2084, a 1982 shooter praised for its fast-paced action and difficulty. The collection also features Defender (1981), a space shooter that introduced the concept of horizontal scrolling in arcade games. Activision’s original press release stated that the cartridge “captures the essence of early arcade culture,” with a focus on games that “pushed the boundaries of what was technologically possible at the time.”

“Activision’s early titles were foundational to the industry,” said Dr. Laura Nguyen, a gaming historian at the University of California, Los Angeles. “These games laid the groundwork for modern game design, and their inclusion in the collection is a nod to their legacy.”

Why This Matters for Retro Gaming Enthusiasts

The release of these cartridges comes at a time when retro gaming is experiencing a resurgence. According to a 2023 report by the NPD Group