Krikzz has brought out a selection of Everdrive flash carts for most systems between the 8-bit and 64-bit eras. For some systems, Krikzz has released multiple carts, each with unique features and released at different prices. Some of these follow a number naming pattern. For example, the Everdrive X3, X5, and X7 for Game Boy Color. The X7 is the best of that range and includes features such as save states, and cheats, (and more advanced technical options). For the Genesis/Megadrive, we now have two premium Everdrive releases. These are the Mega Everdrive Pro and the Mega Everdrive Core. Read on for a review and comparison of these two products.

The Mega Everdrive Pro costs $199, while the Mega Everdrive Core is close to half that price at $99. The biggest difference between the Pro and the Core is that the Pro can play Sega Mega CD games without the Mega CD attachment. The Core can’t play Mega CD games. I couldn’t find a definitive answer of whether it can play Sega CD games with the disk tray attachment installed but I think the answer is no. The Mega Everdrive Pro and Mega Everdrive Core can also play Sega Master System ROMs and Sega 32X ROMs (the attachment needs to be installed for both the Pro and Core), and the Pro plays MegaCD. The Pro requires BIOS and Rom to play Mega CD. 32X roms can be played on both Core and Pro but require the add-on. Both can play Master System Roms without add-ons.

So, is it worth the extra money just to play a few Sega CD games? Well, for me, as I’m not a computing expert, messing around with BIOS files AND ROM files just to play a thirty-five-year-old game is too much effort. However, there are some games, such as Star Wars Arcade that I really want to try. Star Wars Arcade runs on the Sega 32X and unfortunately, the 32X needs to be plugged into the MegaDrive for the 32X ROMs to work. If the developer could manage to get 32X games to work without the add-on, it would be great.

Since receiving the Everdrive Pro and Everdrive Core, I’ve put a selection of games on each cart and have been playing each sporadically. Phantasy Star 4 is the big RPG/adventure game that I’ve chosen. Save states are very useful with this game. The graphics and world-building of Phantasy Star 4 are impressive to this day. I’ll work towards finishing it since it is a 40 or 50-hour game, and I’m having fun so far. The game loads quickly and easily. The save states are easy to use. One issue is that the music gets distorted when you open up the save state menu. The error doesn’t interrupt the experience too much. However, it has crashed at that point twice since I’ve been playing through it. That’s the Mega Everdrive Core. I haven’t experienced any crashes with the Pro as of yet. The music distortion when opening the save state menu is present in both the Core and the Pro.

Both systems support save states. The save state feature is important in terms of how useful a flash cart is, especially for making progress in difficult games. It makes accessing games and moments in games so much easier. Worthy of note is that the Mega Everdrive X5 does not have the save state feature. The Mega Everdrive Core is really good value for money in this regard and is the Everdrive one level up from the X5. I also have Master System games in the form of R-Type and Golden Axe Warrior (a decent Zelda clone) on the micro SD card. Interestingly, I can’t seem to access save states for Master System games. It’s possible the Everdrive Core only supports save states for Master System games. Either that or I’m too illiterate to find the save state option.

In terms of the operating systems and setting up your flash carts, the Mega Evrdrive Core comes with the OS already installed into the flash cart. All you need to do is put a ROM folder onto a micro SD card (in other words, with games), and then manually install the efc file from the flash cart menu. The Mega Everdrive Pro requires you to install an operating system, but this is quick and easy. All of the info and files will be on Krikzz.com. I would advise following or at least referring to a guide as you install and setup your flash carts. I can imagine some people being disappointed if they fail to set up the flash cart properly. Reddit is a good resource and usually, there are posts of common issues with Everdrive installation that can help you.

Conclusion- Both Great Choices

Overall, the Mega Everdrive Core is far from a basic flash cart, and is great value at $99. The Core can play Sega Master System, Sega Genesis/Megadrive, ad 32X games. The main difference between the Core and the Pro is that the Pro can play Sega CD games without the need of the add on. If playing Sega CD games is important to you, then I’d say go for the Mega Everdrive Pro. Both the Pro and Core can play 32X games, but they need a 32X installed on the /Genesis Megadrive system

Both the Core and Pro have save state features. This means the player can save at any point during gameplay which means tough moments can be repeated until the player can overcome the enemy or crucial moment. The core is the better option because it is cheap with high-quality build and features. For the price of the Pro, you could buy a Core and a Sega Genesis/ Megadrive system. That is one reason of many, why the Core is the better option.

BongoBongo123

BongoBongo123 is an avid Zelda fan who also likes the odd game of Smash. His interests in gaming are broad but he loves a good Metroidvania or action RPGs.