Amazon has recently reduced the price of the Arcade1Up Class of `81 Countercade to $150, returning it to its original launch price after a period of selling for $168. This popular tabletop arcade machine, which combines Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, was restocked in late August following its unavailability since the previous holiday season. Additionally, the Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade became available again at Amazon for $150 in late September, having been out of stock since early April.
Both of these compact arcade units come equipped with three classic Namco games, 7-inch vertically oriented screens, and full-sized arcade controls. Anticipated to be hot items this holiday season, similar to last year, these budget-friendly machines offer a nostalgic gaming experience. The same applies to Arcade1Up`s new Classic Special Edition Arcade Cabinets, themed around Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat, which present a more economical alternative to their Deluxe series counterparts.
Below, you`ll find more detailed information on the Class of `81 and Pac-Man Countercades. We`ve also compiled a comprehensive list of all currently available Arcade1Up machines, including the aforementioned Classic Special Editions, Deluxe Cabinets, Head-to-Head Tables, and other models.
Arcade1Up Class of `81 Pac-Man & Galaga Countercade
The Class of `81 Countercade boasts a 7-inch, vertical LCD display, flanked by distinct Ms. Pac-Man art on the left and Galaga art on the right. Despite its tabletop format, this Arcade1Up Countercade features authentic, full-sized controls, including a red ball-top joystick, two yellow buttons, one red button, and power/volume switches. Its marquee, side panels, and control deck are decorated with Class of `81 themed artwork and logos.
Included Games:
- Ms. Pac-Man
- Galaga
- Dig Dug
With dimensions of 8.7 x 9.4 x 13.11 inches and a weight of just 6.3 pounds, it’s perfect for placement on a desk or countertop, and light enough to be comfortably played on your lap. It can be powered by the included Micro-USB cable or, for portable use, four AA batteries (not included), removing the need for a nearby power outlet.
Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade
In contrast to the Class of `81 edition, the Pac-Man Countercade has maintained its original Manufacturer`s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $150 since its last restock approximately one month ago.
First released last November, the Pac-Man Countercade shares the core design of the Class of `81 model but is distinctively themed around classic Pac-Man, offering a collection of three Pac-Man titles:
- Pac-Man
- Super Pac-Man
- Pac-Mania
While Arcade1Up`s Countercades are commendable small machines, those seeking a premium countertop arcade experience might prefer the Evercade Alpha Bartop Arcade. While its Mega Man and Street Fighter versions are no longer available, Blaze Entertainment is set to release an Evercade Alpha Taito Edition on November 12. Although considerably more expensive at $260, the Alpha is a higher-quality unit featuring 10 built-in games and support for Evercade`s extensive cartridge library. Our Evercade Alpha review from the previous year provides further insights into this impressive arcade system.
Arcade1Up Classic Special Edition Cabinets
The Classic Special Editions harken back to Arcade1Up`s original cabinet designs, often displayed in major retail stores. Priced at $334, these 4-foot tall cabinets include 15.6-inch screens and 13 preloaded games. For adult players, it is advisable to consider an adjustable barstool or the separately sold $59 riser. Even with the addition of a riser, these Classic Special Editions are priced at $393, offering a saving of approximately $100 to $200 compared to the Deluxe Editions.
Featured Classic Special Edition models:
- Mortal Kombat II (13 Games) — $334
- Ms. Pac-Man (13 Games) — $334
- Pac-Man (13 Games) — $334
- Arcade1UP Riser — $59 (sold separately)
Arcade1Up Deluxe Arcade Cabinets
Arcade1Up`s Deluxe Cabinets are designed to be full-height, typically standing at 61 inches (over 5 feet), thus eliminating the need for an additional riser. These enhanced models boast 17-inch displays, illuminated marquees, and decorative faux coin doors. Deluxe Cabinets generally cost between $500 and $600. As of October 27, several models are available for $500, including Golden Tee 3D, NBA Jam, and Class of `81. The $600 cabinets include special features like light guns (Big Buck Hunter Pro, Terminator 2) or a racing wheel (The Fast & the Furious).
Current Deluxe Cabinet options:
- Class of `81: Ms. Pac-Man & Galaga (12 Games) — $499
- Pac-Man (14 Games) — $500
- Golden Tee 3D (8 Games) — $500
- Mortal Kombat II (14 Games) — $500
- NBA Jam (3 Games) — $500
- Galaga (14 Games) — $514
- Big Buck Hunter Pro (4 Games, 2 Light Guns) — $599
- The Fast & the Furious (2 Games, Racing Wheel & Pedals) — $600
- Terminator 2 (2 Light Guns) — $600
- Wheel of Fortune Casinocade (4 Games) — $500
- Full-Size Claw Machine — $550
Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Head-to-Head Arcade Table
Arcade1Up recently unveiled a new Ms. Pac-Man unit for its Head-to-Head Arcade Table collection. This table features an illuminated control deck with joysticks and buttons positioned on opposing sides of its 17-inch LCD screen. The $600 Ms. Pac-Man Arcade Table is loaded with 12 games:
- Ms. Pac-Man
- Pac-Mania
- Dig Dug
- Dig Dug II
- Galaxian
- Galaga
- Galaga `88
- Mappy
- Rolling Thunder
- Tower of Druaga
- Rompers
- New Rally X
For those interested in other Namco arcade classics, consider the upcoming Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition Console Bundle. This special-edition console is compatible with original Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges, and it includes a yellow wireless joystick along with “Pac-Man: Double Feature”—a cartridge featuring both a newly developed Pac-Man version and the original 2600 release. Separate preorders are available for additional Ghost Gang-themed joysticks and three more Namco classic cartridges, including Galaga and Dig Dug. The Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition is slated for release on October 31.