Arcade1UP

Arcade1UP is a series of arcade machines, launched in 2018 by Tastemakers. They are intended for home use, lacking coin slots, and were sold in retail stores. Unlike most home machines, however, they are about the same size as a real arcade machine - only being around a foot shorter. Many Pac-Man and Namco Arcade1UPs have been released, with various different game lists and form factors.

Games[]

The following Pac-Man or Namco-related games have been included across various Arcade1UP machines.

• Pac-Man (1980)
• Ms. Pac-Man (1982)
• Pac-Man Plus (1982)
• Super Pac-Man (1982) (Japanese version)
• Pac & Pal (1983)
• Pac-Land (1984) (North American version)
• Pac-Mania (1987)
• Galaxian (1979)
• King & Balloon (1980)
• Rally-X (1980)
• Bosconian (1981)
• Galaga (1981)
• New Rally-X (1981)
• Dig Dug (1982)
• Xevious (1982)
• Mappy (1983)
• Gaplus (1984)
• Grobda (1984)
• Super Xevious (1984)
• The Tower of Druaga (1984)
• Dragon Buster (1985)
• Dig Dug II (1985)
• Motos (1985)
• Hopping Mappy (1986)
• Rolling Thunder (1986)
• Dragon Spirit (1987)
• Galaga '88 (1987)
• Rompers (1989)

Additionally, most Arcade1UP models released from 2021 onward feature the "speed-up chip" versions of their respective games (accessible via the settings menu). Some Arcade1UP machines also feature Gorf (1981), but it is grouped in with the Midway/Williams license instead of with the Namco machines.

List of Namco machines[]

Standard[]

The standard models are the closest in form factor to an actual arcade machine. They are roughly three-fourths the height of an original machine, though additional "Risers" can be used to increase their height. Some models need to be assembled before use, while others are sold pre-built.

"Legacy Edition" series[]

The "Legacy Edition" series is a special line of Arcade1UP cabinets. While differentiated by "series", the difference between a regular and a "legacy" Arcade1UP is not very apparent; though in some cases, the legacy models feature more accurate designs and cabinet shapes to the standard ones.

"Deluxe" series[]

The "Deluxe" series is similar to the aforementioned Legacy line. The most notable difference seen in the Pac-Man "deluxe" machines is that the screen is properly slanted, in the same way as the original arcade machines; whereas previous models featured the screen completely upright.

"XL" series[]

The XL series is a line exclusive to Costco, featuring larger form factors that are closer to an actual arcade machine.

Head-to-Head Tables[]

The Head-to-Head Tables base their form factor on "cocktail table" machine designs, with two sets of joysticks on opposite sides.

Counter-Cades[]

The Counter-Cades are countertop machines; somewhat similar to the 80s Coleco Tabletop series, though much bigger in size. They feature smaller screens than the other models due to their form factor, but still feature full-size joysticks and buttons.

Head-to-Head Counter-Cades[]

Effectively blending the two previous model types together, making a bartop machine with a cocktail table-like design.

Partycades[]

The Partycades are slim, medium-sized models. They come with various pieces of additional hardware: allowing the Partycade to either be displayed like a tabletop machine, hung on a wall, or hung over a door.

Other Arcade1UP Namco devices[]

Trivia[]

• Most of the Arcade1UP releases feature near-identical artwork to their Bally Midway machine counterparts; however, the Pac-Mania machine contains noticeable artwork differences from the original cabinet. It is possible that Arcade1UP could not secure the full American artwork rights for Pac-Mania, presumably as they went through Atari Games rather than Midway.
• In late 2024, an Arcade1UP Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga model was produced solely for in-store displays (i.e. not for retail sale). This model is effectively a "Deluxe" version with the bottom-half cut off, making it act as a large tabletop machine.
• The Arcade1UP Counter-Cade series has had several considerable alterations over the series' run:
  • The original 2019 models were larger in size, and retailed for (approx.) $200 USD. These models were criticized for having a large screen bezel compared to the actual LCD screen.
  • Models released from 2020-2021 are considerably smaller in size, though still feature the same size screen and joystick; this was done (in part) as a faux-solution to the complaints of the screen bezel. These models retailed for around $100-150 depending on the vendor.
  • Models released from 2022-2023 feature more varied cabinet shapes, though are otherwise similar in dimensions to the 2020-21 models.
  • Models released in late 2024 are made even smaller than the previous downscaled variants. These models - despite the MSRP still being around $150 - feature a much smaller screen in the incorrect aspect ratio (16:9 instead of 4:3), with the bottom area merely displaying the selected game's logo rather than gameplay. They have the option to operate on batteries rather than wall power.
• The background image on some TV-based Arcade1UP systems appears to be a blurred screenshot of the fan-made Tandy Color Computer 3 port of Pac-Man, rather than the arcade version included on the consoles.

Gallery[]

The first model of the Pac-Man Arcade1UP.

Pac-Man Collection

Pac-Man Giant Joystick

Pac-Man Projector-Cade

Pac-Man Partycade (version 4, black artwork)

Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga Class of '81

Pac-Man Plus