ArcadeCore launches handheld with modular cartridges and secures $30M Series A

Gaming · 4 min read

ArcadeCore’s new handheld features a base unit with a high-refresh OLED, swappable cartridges that contain additional SoCs or specialized hardware (audio DSPs, physics accelerators), and an open firmware stack for indie developers. The company highlights a developer SDK that allows games to detect and leverage cartridge capabilities dynamically.

The $30 million Series A was led by Northgate Ventures with participation from several gaming-focused funds and a consortium of retro-hardware collectors turned investors. Funds will go toward scaling manufacturing, developer outreach, and retailer partnerships worldwide.

ArcadeCore positions the product as both a collector’s item and a developer-friendly platform, with a curated store for cartridges and a community marketplace for custom hardware extensions. The company says launch titles will include both remastered classics and exclusive indie games optimized for the modular architecture.