If you’ve ever wished you could bottle the feeling of a buzzing 80s or 90s arcade and bring it straight into your living room, Arcade1Up is basically built on that dream. Since launching in 2018, the company has made a name for itself by turning legendary arcade games into affordable, home-friendly cabinets that look, feel, and play like the originals—just without needing a warehouse (or a pocket full of coins).
Arcade1Up was created as a subsidiary of Tastemakers, Inc., with the simple idea that classic arcade machines were amazing, but way too big, heavy, and expensive for most people. Their solution? 3/4-scale arcade cabinets that capture the spirit of the originals while fitting comfortably into modern homes. That core idea has stayed at the heart of everything they’ve done since.
What Makes Arcade1Up Cabinets Special?
At first glance, an Arcade1Up cabinet looks like a miniature version of the real thing—and that’s exactly the point. Each machine usually stands around four feet tall and comes as a flat-pack kit you assemble yourself. Inside, you’ll find a modern LCD screen (typically 17 inches on standard models), authentic-style control panels, and built-in emulation hardware running officially licensed games.
Most cabinets don’t just include a single title either. Instead, Arcade1Up bundles multiple games from the same franchise or era, so a Pac-Man cabinet might include several Pac-Man variations, while a fighting cabinet could feature a whole lineup of classic brawlers. The controls are designed to match the original games, whether that’s joysticks, buttons, trackballs, or even light guns for shooting games.
Because the cabinets are shorter than their full-size arcade counterparts, Arcade1Up also offers optional risers to bring them up to a more traditional standing height—perfect if you want that authentic arcade posture.
Big Names, Big Nostalgia
One of Arcade1Up’s biggest strengths is its licensing. Over the years, the company has partnered with major names like Namco, Midway, Atari, and Capcom, allowing them to recreate some of the most iconic cabinets ever made. We’re talking Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and plenty more.
As the brand grew, so did the ambition. Four-player cabinets were introduced for games like TMNT, complete with wider control decks so everyone has room to play. Many newer cabinets also include Wi-Fi features, letting players compete online and climb global leaderboards—something the original arcades could only dream of.
More Than Just Arcade Cabinets
Arcade1Up hasn’t limited itself to stand-up machines. Over time, the lineup has expanded to include:
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Countercades – Smaller cabinets designed to sit on tables or bars
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Head-to-head cocktail tables – Great for competitive classics
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Sit-down driving cabinets – Complete with steering wheels and pedals
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Digital pinball machines – Featuring licensed tables from franchises like Marvel and Star Wars
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Infinity Game Table – A touchscreen table packed with classic board and card games
This wider range shows that Arcade1Up isn’t just chasing nostalgia—they’re experimenting with new ways to make retro-style gaming social and accessible at home.
From Niche Hobby to Mainstream Hit
The timing couldn’t have been better. With a growing interest in retro gaming and a huge surge in at-home entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Arcade1Up’s popularity exploded. By 2020, the company had already sold over a million units, and sales continued climbing in the years that followed.
They’ve even pushed further into premium territory with full-size “Pro” cabinets, featuring larger screens and higher-end controls for enthusiasts who want something even closer to the original arcade experience.
The Bottom Line
Arcade1Up sits in a sweet spot between hardcore collectors and casual fans. Their machines aren’t exact museum replicas, but they don’t try to be. Instead, they focus on fun, nostalgia, and accessibility, letting people relive classic arcade moments without the hassle or cost of original cabinets.
Whether you grew up pumping coins into machines at your local arcade or you’re discovering these games for the first time, Arcade1Up has made it easier than ever to bring a slice of gaming history home—and that’s exactly why they’ve become such a big deal in the retro gaming world.
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