Last month SEENIT brought you news of My Arcade’s new line-up of mini-arcade games including a hand-held Pac-Man ‘pocket player’, a 20 game Museum Mini Player and a ‘Micro Player’ range of mini replica arcade cabinets, three of which – Pac-Man, Galaga and Dig Dug – I’ve been testing out.
In an age of evermore complicated gaming platforms and titles with their near-mandatory annual ‘network’ subscriptions, DLCs and, most recently, loot boxes it’s nice to occasionally return to the early days of the video gaming revolution when there were no saved games, no internet guides and success rested entirely on the player’s skill.
Long-time fans of the titles will be pleased to know these Micro Players feature the original arcade versions of the games and that each of the mini cabinets is decorated with decals which replicate the colours and designs of its original full-size counterpart, giving them a satisfyingly authentic look and feel.
But more important than how the cabinets look is how they perform and here there’s nothing but good news – the 2.75” screen is more than up to the task of bringing these classics to life, offering both vibrant colours and sharp graphics, and the in-built speakers deliver good quality sound, the volume of which can be adjusted via a pair of rear-mounted buttons.
Better still, the games run without any hitches, lags or judders, something My Arcade credits to the fact that it’s worked in partnership with Bandai Namco Entertainment, owners of the games, to develop the range.
The good news continues through to the on-console joystick which I found responsive and dependable. For those more used to playing with a keypad, the joystick handle can be unscrewed to convert it into one, though personally I found this a more awkward way to play.
At around 16cm tall and 10 wide & deep, the My Arcade is small enough to stick in your backpack when venturing out for the day or – assuming you’re not the driver – to while away longer car journeys and the inclusion of a headphone jack means you’ll be able to play without disturbing those nearby.
At just under £30 these are not cheap items, but they are well-built, quality products which retro gamers will love and which would make a great stocking filler this Christmas.
The My Arcade Micro Player range can be bought from Amazon.co.uk starting October 26th.