Arcade1Up Countercades, prized for their compact design and affordability compared to full-sized home arcade machines, were largely believed to be out of production. However, much to the surprise of retro gaming enthusiasts, the Arcade1Up Class of `81 Countercade has made an unexpected reappearance on Amazon`s digital shelves.
Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga Countercade
Details of the Surprise Restock
This particular compact arcade unit, featuring classic titles like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug, originally debuted last October with a price tag of $150. It quickly sold out and was unavailable before the Christmas season. Now, it`s back in stock for $167.16. While a slight increase from its initial MSRP, this price remains highly competitive, especially when considering that resellers on platforms such as StockX have been listing it for significantly higher amounts, often around $299. This unexpected pricing for a discontinued item highlights Amazon`s sometimes unique approach to inventory, where such products can effectively become platform exclusives.
Key Features of the Class of `81 Countercade
The Class of `81 Countercade offers an authentic arcade experience in a small package:
- Display: Equipped with a 7-inch vertically oriented LCD screen, perfect for classic arcade aspect ratios.
- Artwork: The cabinet is beautifully adorned with iconic Ms. Pac-Man artwork on the left and Galaga artwork on the right, along with “Class of `81” art icons and logos on the marquee, side panels, and control deck.
- Controls: Despite its compact size, it features full-sized arcade controls, including a responsive red ball-top joystick, two yellow buttons, one red button, and convenient switches for power and volume.
- Included Games: Relive the golden age of arcade gaming with three beloved Namco classics: Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug.
Portability and Power Options
Measuring a mere 8.7 x 9.4 x 13.11 inches and weighing just 6.3 pounds, this Countercade is exceptionally portable. It`s perfectly suited for placement on a desk, kitchen countertop, or even comfortably on your lap while relaxing on the couch. For power, it offers flexibility: it can be operated using the included Micro-USB cable or four AA batteries (not included), meaning you`re not always tied to an electrical outlet, enhancing its versatility.
Other Arcade1Up Offerings
While the Countercade line is largely discontinued, Arcade1Up continues to innovate with other arcade products. For instance, the Ms. Pac-Man Head-to-Head Arcade Table is available for $600 and includes a robust collection of 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
Furthermore, Arcade1Up still actively produces its traditional standing Deluxe Edition Cabinets. These larger machines, often priced between $500 and $600, bring the full arcade experience home with popular titles such as Pac-Man, NBA Jam, and Mortal Kombat, among others.
Alternatives for Classic Gaming Enthusiasts
For those passionate about retro gaming, another exciting option on the horizon is the upcoming Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition Console Bundle. This special edition system is designed to play original Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges. It comes complete with a yellow wireless joystick and the “Pac-Man: Double Feature” cartridge, which includes a newly developed version of Pac-Man alongside the original 2600 release. Separately available for preorder are additional joysticks themed after the Ghost Gang, as well as three more classic Namco titles on cartridge, including Galaga and Dig Dug.