Evercade Tate Grip Review: Elevating Vertical Gaming Comfort

As a retro gaming enthusiast, I’m always exploring new ways to breathe fresh life into the classics I grew up loving. One of my favorite handhelds lately has been the Evercade EXP, a system designed with retro gamers in mind and packed with nostalgia-rich titles. Among its standout features is TATE mode, allowing players to rotate the screen for a vertical display—a must for old-school arcade shooters. But while the feature itself is brilliant, using it for extended gaming sessions wasn’t entirely comfortable. That’s when I stumbled upon the Evercade Tate Grip. In this evercade tate grip review, I’ll share my honest impressions after using it extensively, and why it’s now a permanent fixture in my setup.

Why the Evercade EXP Needed This Accessory

When the EXP first launched, I was thrilled about the inclusion of TATE mode. It opened up possibilities for playing arcade hits like Xevious, 1943, and Tiger-Heli in the orientation they were meant to be enjoyed. However, holding the device vertically quickly became a chore. Unlike horizontal mode, where ergonomics had clearly been considered, portrait orientation left my hands feeling strained after just 15 minutes.

The edges pressed into my palms awkwardly, and the weight distribution felt off. That’s not something I expect from a modern handheld, especially one so well-crafted otherwise. It became obvious that TATE mode needed a dedicated grip. Thankfully, the developers heard the same complaints and released the solution: the Evercade Tate Grip.

First Impressions and Setup

Simple Yet Effective Construction

The moment I unboxed the grip, it struck me as incredibly minimalistic—but I could tell it was built with purpose. It’s shaped specifically for the bottom half of the Evercade EXP when held vertically. The material feels like high-quality molded plastic, textured just enough to offer extra grip without adding weight. Rubber padding on the inside edges ensures the EXP doesn’t get scratched, and the curved design molds naturally to the hand.

I was also pleased to see that it didn’t require any screws, clips, or mechanical fasteners. You just slide it into place and you’re good to go. During this evercade tate grip review, I tested how firmly it held the console in place. Even during intense sessions of Gunbird, the EXP didn’t budge once.

Lightweight and Travel-Friendly

One thing I immediately appreciated was how little bulk the grip added. I expected it to feel clunky or make the handheld harder to slip into a travel bag, but it’s surprisingly slim and light. That made it easy to bring along on trips or carry in a small pouch. Evercade fans who like to game on the go will love how little this grip interferes with portability.

Gameplay Impact: It’s More Than Just Comfort

Better Control, Less Fatigue

Once I started using the grip regularly, I noticed an immediate difference—not just in comfort, but in gameplay performance. With the grip installed, I didn’t have to fidget or reposition my hands mid-game. This made a huge difference when I was navigating tight bullet patterns or weaving between enemy fire in shooters like Slap Fight.

In previous sessions without the grip, I would often lose focus during difficult levels simply because my hands were cramping. That problem disappeared with the Tate Grip. I was able to concentrate fully on gameplay, and my scores noticeably improved.

Secure Feel Improves Immersion

Another benefit worth highlighting in this evercade tate grip review is how much more immersive gameplay feels when you’re not distracted by the device slipping in your hands. The grip offers enough friction and surface area that I no longer feel like I need to “clutch” the device tightly. That relaxed grip helped me enjoy longer sessions and feel more engaged in each title’s atmosphere.

Build Quality and Aesthetic Integration

Looks Like It Belongs

One of my initial worries was whether the grip would look out of place. Fortunately, the design blends in nicely with the EXP’s clean lines. It doesn’t clash with the white shell or the overall aesthetic. It’s subtle, matching the design language while delivering utility.

Even the placement ensures that it doesn’t block important elements like the charging port, speaker grilles, or volume buttons. I’ve tested third-party accessories before that ruin the usability of a handheld—they’re often bulky or obstructive. The Evercade Tate Grip gets it right by doing its job quietly.

Built to Last

I’ve been using the grip for a few months now, attaching and detaching it frequently, and it’s held up better than expected. There’s no loosening, no fading, and no wear on the textured surfaces. It seems like the kind of accessory that will last as long as the console itself.

Considering how affordably priced it is, the build quality feels like a major win. For a small plastic add-on, it has made a big impression.

How It Complements the Evercade Ecosystem

Unlocking the Full Potential of TATE Mode

Evercade has clearly put effort into optimizing its arcade library for vertical play, and this grip allows players to finally take full advantage of that effort. In this evercade tate grip review, I can’t overstate how critical that comfort element becomes when you’re exploring deeper cuts from arcade history.

Without the grip, TATE mode felt like an afterthought—cool, but impractical. With the grip, it becomes a flagship feature. Titles like DoDonPachi and Mercs transform into genuinely enjoyable experiences that rival the feel of original arcade cabinets.

A Thoughtful Add-On for Dedicated Gamers

The grip also speaks to Evercade’s approach as a brand. They don’t just pump out hardware—they listen to feedback and refine the experience. That level of attention to user needs is rare in the retro gaming space, where accessories often feel like cash grabs. This, by contrast, feels like a thoughtful solution to a real problem.

I can easily see this becoming a must-have item bundled with future handheld editions or included in special collector’s sets. It elevates the Evercade from a niche curiosity to a robust platform for serious retro gaming.

Final Verdict

More Than Just a Plastic Shell

To conclude this evercade tate grip review, I have to admit I underestimated how much of a difference a small, inexpensive accessory could make. I’ve tested a lot of retro hardware and accessories over the years, and most of them fall into the category of “nice to have, but not essential.” The Evercade Tate Grip breaks that mold.

It turns a clever feature into a truly usable one. It fixes ergonomic issues, enhances performance, and improves immersion—all while being easy to install, lightweight, and affordable. For the price of a couple of lattes, you get a major quality-of-life improvement for your handheld.

Who Should Buy It?

If you’re someone who primarily uses TATE mode or enjoys vertically oriented arcade games, then this is a no-brainer. It’ll completely change how you engage with those titles. Even if you’re only an occasional vertical shooter fan, the added comfort and control are still worth the modest investment.

Whether you’re diving into classics or discovering lesser-known gems in the Evercade library, this grip makes sure your focus stays on the game—not on sore fingers or awkward angles. It’s now one of those accessories I can’t imagine going without.