It was the dream of every child who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s to have an arcade machine in their room, just like the ones at the video arcade. Thanks to Arcade1Up, a company that makes arcade machines, this dream can be a reality, with upright and tabletop versions of classic arcade titles readily available for home use.
The top pick is the NBA Jam Home Arcade Machine because it includes multiple versions of a classic sports title with massive replay value and allows for up to four players to participate at the same time. There are not only many different games available from Arcade1Up, but many styles and sizes, so even if you’re skittish about purchasing an upright machine, you might find the brand has something that’s perfect for you.
What to know before you buy an Arcade1Up machine
Video game choices
Obviously, the first thing you’ll need to think about when shopping for an arcade machine is which arcade game you want to buy. While Arcade1Up does offer home versions of many classic games, it isn’t just about choosing one specific game you’ll want to play again and again. While the old coin-op versions usually only allowed you to play one game, many of Arcade1Up’s machines offer multiple games in one cabinet. In some cases, this means a few different versions of the same title, while in others it can mean several completely different games. Fully understanding the different game eras and styles will help you to figure out which machine will provide you with the most value in terms of a consistent challenge that you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Size and orientation
Most of Arcade1Up’s machines are not “full size” in that they aren’t the size of the machines you remember from when you were a kid. The brand’s upright machines are about four feet high, so in order to play them standing up, you might need a riser that may or may not be included. Beyond upright machines, there are mini versions that are lighter and easier to move around and can even be placed on a table. These are not to be confused with “tabletop” video games, which are horizontal in orientation and are played by looking down at the machine while seated. In general, mini arcade machines are the cheapest, while tabletop machines are often the most expensive, and not every game is available in every size.
Number of players
While you may have fond memories of a certain game, after a period of playing it at home, you might find you’ve mastered all the computer’s moves and it becomes a bit repetitive. That’s why machines that allow for two or four players to play at the same time provide more replay value; you can challenge your friends/opponents and allow everyone to play at once instead of taking turns. Certain games, like the NBA Jam series, have cabinets that can come in either two-player or four-player versions, so if you see one that only allows two people to play at the same time, don’t just assume that’s all that’s available.
Arcade1Up machine features
Online multiplayer
Though not available on every machine, certain Arcade1Up cabinets can connect to the Internet through your home WiFi and allow you to play others online. In order to team up with your friends, each would need to have their own system, but if you’ve got a lot of buddies who live all over the world, this can be a way for you to go up against each other in your favorite classic video games without needing to all be in the same place.
Touchscreens
While some people enjoy old-fashioned games with joysticks and buttons, others prefer to take advantage of newer technology. One of Arcade1Up’s options, available in several sizes, is a tabletop machine featuring a touchscreen that can be operated like a giant tablet. You can play electronic versions of board games or complete puzzles in a group with a screen that responds to your fingers.
Digital pinball
Fans of pinball may find themselves frustrated by the lack of options out there in terms of home machines, as well as the fact that purchasing one means you’re locked into a single game that can’t easily be altered. Arcade1Up’s solution is digital pinball, which is played on a unit that has buttons just like a real pinball machine, but the gameplay is entirely on a screen, meaning you can cycle through several different games in a single machine. It’s not quite real pinball, but it allows for much more variety, and you won’t have to worry about a bunch of mechanical moving parts that could break down easily.
Arcade1Up machine cost
Having a home arcade machine isn’t cheap, but Arcade1Up does have some machines that are a real bargain at under $300. More expensive titles and machine configurations can cost $800 or more, but the majority of the brand’s upright machines are around $500-$600. That’s pricey compared to a cartridge played on your TV, but not when compared to original machines that are collector’s items and can fetch a high price.
Arcade1Up machine FAQ
Do Arcade1Up’s arcade machines use original boards or emulators?
A. For the most part, any arcade machine you get through a standard online retailer will use an emulator, and Arcade1Up’s machines are no exception. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, since emulators are cheaper and allow the company to include multiple games in one unit. There are original machines with the real game boards out there, but depending on the game you’re after, they can cost quite a lot of money because collectors have already scooped up many of the best ones.
Do Arcade1Up machines require quarters?
A. While they may look like classic coin-op machines, Arcade1Up’s offerings don’t have slots for you to put in tokens and don’t require any. If you’re struggling to figure out whether a machine you’re looking at is an actual used classic machine or a newer one that uses an emulator, a good place to look is the bottom front of the cabinet, since older machines will have coin slots and require you to add credits in order to play.
Which Arcade1Up machine should I get?
Best of the best Arcade1Up machine
NBA Jam Home Arcade Machine: available at Amazon, Kohl’s and Home Depot
Our take: This cabinet features three versions of the classic two-on-two basketball game with controls for four players, meaning you can invite some friends over and hold a full-scale tournament.
What we like: The riser is included, bringing the cabinet to almost five feet tall. There is also a stool with the game logo. Wi-Fi connectivity means you can challenge others online.
What we dislike: Some assembly is required, and the machine is quite heavy, so putting it together without a friend to help can be tricky.
Best bang for your buck Arcade1Up machine
Ms. Pac-Man Counter-cade: available at Amazon, Macy’s, Kohl’s and Home Depot
Our take: Those who enjoy classic games but don’t want to devote an entire paycheck or corner of the room to a full-size cabinet can take advantage of this smaller version that sits on a tabletop and features an eight-inch screen.
What we like: There are four games, including Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. Because it’s so lightweight, it won’t take up permanent counter space – just store it in a closet and take it out when you want to play. Rubberized feet hold the machine in place to prevent it from wobbling when moving the joystick back and forth.
What we dislike: It’s only designed for one player to use at a time.
Honorable mention Arcade1Up machine
Star Wars Digital Pinball II: available at Amazon, Macy’s, Kohl’s and Home Depot
Our take: Die-hard “Star Wars” fans will appreciate the 11 different pinball games available on this all-in-one machine that features a 23.8-inch playfield screen as well as a 7.5-inch score screen.
What we like: The haptic touch flippers and plunger respond just like you remember from your days at the video arcade. There are two speakers to provide sound to match the gameplay. The sturdy metal legs are adjustable so you can get them at just the right height.
What we dislike: To be clear, although it looks and plays like a pinball machine, this is an electronic video game version of pinball, and doesn’t actually involve a rolling ball or mechanical parts, removing part of the retro-cool factor of having it in the home.
Gregg Parker is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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