The quest to recapture the glory days of the coin-operated amusement center continues, and for many enthusiasts, the answer lies in the meticulously crafted, three-quarter scale replicas offered by Arcade1Up. This dedication to home nostalgia has just become significantly more accessible. For the first time since their introduction, the highly sought-after Arcade1Up Classic Special Edition (SE) home arcade cabinets are receiving substantial discounts, establishing a new baseline for affordable retro gaming ownership.
The Classic Special Edition: Balancing Nostalgia and Budget
Arcade1Up’s strategy has always hinged on delivering authenticity without requiring a dedicated warehouse. The Classic Special Edition cabinets — focusing on heavy hitters like Mortal Kombat II, Pac-Man, and Ms. Pac-Man — represent a streamlined version of their larger Deluxe offerings. Originally priced at $334, these cabinets are now available for an impressive $284, a welcome correction that acknowledges the consumer demand for value.
These models are specifically designed to return to the core mechanics of the arcade experience. Each Classic SE machine boasts 13 preloaded games, dual speakers, and responsive controls that align with the brand’s quality standard. Critically, these cabinets introduce online functionalities that elevate the experience beyond simple emulation. The Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man units allow players to compete for high scores on global leaderboards, while the Mortal Kombat II cabinet enables competitive online multiplayer—a modern amenity for a decisively retro fight.
The appeal of the Classic SE line is its ability to deliver a comprehensive retro library—13 games per cabinet—at a price point typically reserved for much smaller tabletop units.
Mortal Kombat II: The Defining Midway Collection
For fans of digitized brutality and competitive fighting, the Mortal Kombat II Classic SE cabinet is a technical showcase. It packages the first four foundational games in the franchise—Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, and the expanded Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3—providing a historical tour of the series` evolution. Beyond the Kombat titles, the cabinet smartly includes nine other iconic Midway releases, such as Rampage, Joust, Gauntlet, and Paperboy. This diverse offering solidifies the Mortal Kombat II cabinet as arguably the most versatile collection in the Classic SE lineup.
Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man: The Golden Era of Namco
The Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man Classic SE machines appeal to those who favor mazes, dots, and strategic dodging. These collections are rich in Namco history, featuring multiple entries from the Pac-Man saga (including Pac-Mania and Super Pac-Man) alongside essential classics like Galaga, Galaxian, Dig Dug, and Mappy. The minor distinction between the two versions involves swapping the titular character and one peripheral game title, maintaining the same high standard of early 80s arcade excellence.
The Height Requirement: A Practical Consideration
A technical specification often noted by experienced collectors is the height. The Classic Special Edition cabinets stand just under four feet tall, making them slightly shorter than the five-foot Deluxe models. This design choice, while suitable for younger players, often necessitates an adjustment for adult users. Recognizing this practical reality, Arcade1Up has simultaneously discounted the universal Classic SE Riser, dropping its price from $60 to a manageable $39. Purchasing the riser corrects the cabinet height, allowing the machine to stand at the full 61-62 inches, matching the dimensions of the premium Deluxe models.
This combined discount effectively means that a full-height, multi-game arcade cabinet can now be acquired for less than the original retail price of the cabinet alone. For anyone concerned about the long-term comfort of playing while standing, the Riser has transitioned from an optional extra to a highly recommended necessity, now available at a justifiable cost.
Beyond the Classics: Deluxe and Countercade Options
While the Classic SE discounts are the headlining news, other Arcade1Up lines are also seeing competitive pricing, catering to varying space and budget constraints:
- Deluxe Cabinets: Larger, standing at five feet, and featuring light-up marquees and 17-inch displays. Notable current deals include the four-player NBA Jam Deluxe and the specialized The Fast & the Furious Deluxe Cabinet, which includes a racing wheel and pedals.
- Countercades: For minimalists or those severely constrained by space, the countertop versions, such as the Ms. Pac-Man / Galaga and Pac-Man units, are available for $130. These portable units offer a quick fix of nostalgia, powered by a 7-inch vertical screen.
The current market environment offers a rare convergence of significant discounts across the Arcade1Up portfolio. Whether seeking the competitive glory of online Mortal Kombat or the timeless simplicity of dot-munching in Pac-Man, the current promotional period provides the most compelling case yet for integrating a genuine piece of arcade history into the modern home.
Ellis Thorne