Customers that ordered a Limited Edition Evercade EXP handheld retro-console will have to wait longer to get their hardware. According to developer Blaze Entertainment, they were stolen. The company said that much of the stock of the Evercade EXP Limited Edition was stolen in “a suspected targeted robbery.”
On the Evercade official website, Blaze Entertainment CEO Andrew Byatt informed customers of the theft, which reportedly took place on early on December 7, 2022. He said that no one was hurt in the robbery, but much of the Evercade EXP Limited Edition stock destined for the UK, USA, and other global customers was taken. EU stock arrived successfully at the European warehouse for distributor Funstock.
The Evercade EXP is a handheld retro gaming console designed to play classic games. It comes with 18 Capcom games built-in, and takes special cartridge-based game collections. It costs $149.99 USD and went on sale on November 24, 2022.
Byatt said that Blaze Entertainment is working with UK police and creating a plan of action to compensate for the loss. He expressed sympathy for fans and customers “who are the victims of his theft.” Though they hope to recover the stolen stock, Blaze has “immediately started production on replacements” and get them into customers’ hands. Sales for the Evercade EXP Limited Edition, which were exclusive to the Funstock website, have been discontinued. Byatt said that any other sources “are likely stolen goods”.
It will take some time for replacement units to be manufactured, though. To recognize the patience of customers affected by the theft, Blaze is creating a list of “Heroes” to be added to the EXP console credits. The replacement units will also have a free screen protector set included, alongside a 20% off voucher on a future order.
Funstock will contact customers whose orders were affected and instruct them on the next step. Orders of the Evercade EXP Limited Edition from EU countries are not affected, as the stock was not stolen. The standard white edition of the Evercade EXP is also not affected, so orders placed will ship as planned.
Byatt closed the message by encouraging fans to contact Blaze if they see “suspicious stock” and reiterated that any third-party listings of the Limited Edition may qualify, as orders are exclusive to Funstock.
