The Super Everdrive X5 and Super Everdrive X6 sit close enough in name that it is fair to wonder how different they really are. With about $30 between them, the question is simple: is the X6 a meaningful step up, or are most players just as well served by the X5?
First, the basics. The Super Everdrive is built for people who want their personally backed-up SNES or Super Famicom library available from one cartridge. You load those backups onto a microSD card, place the card into the Super Everdrive, then use the cartridge in a Super Nintendo or Super Famicom to browse and play your games from a list.
Both versions also share a helpful physical detail: the cartridge uses a custom multi-region shell. That means it is made to fit American systems as well as European and Japanese hardware. For retro players with mixed consoles on the shelf, that kind of practical compatibility matters more than a fancy label.
The comparison comes down to value. Both carts have advantages and trade-offs, but the X6 appears to make the strongest case for players who care about specific games such as Super Mario Kart or Pilotwings. If those are favorites, the higher model can feel worth it. If not, the average player may have a harder time seeing the extra cost pay off.
There is also a higher rung above the X6. Anyone who wants more from a top-of-the-line SNES flash cart may want to look at the FX Pak Pro instead. For the X5 versus X6 decision, though, the warmer takeaway is pretty old-school: buy for the games you truly play, not just the slightly bigger model number.
Disclosure: a free product was provided by the manufacturer for the review this article is based on.
