Not everything is brand new games at E3. There are also those that dedicate their work to keeping old gaming traditions and retro favorites alive for those who grew up playing those games or those who are serious game collectors in general. One such company is My Arcade. At their booth at E3, they had several full-sized, fully functioning arcade cabinets for attendees to enjoy (you could even buy one from them, I’m sure), including the classics Pac-Man, Galaga, and the much-requested title being launched at E3... Space Invaders! But My Arcade doesn’t just make regular arcade games, they make mini cabinets, portable consoles, and even pocket players with nostalgic retro games too! So, of course, we played with all of them!
About My Arcade
My Arcade makes licensed classic gaming collectibles like miniature, fully functioning arcade cabinets that can have from one to several games in one and pocket players with multiple titles as well. Some of their existing titles are the full Data East roster of games, all the Namco Museum games, Bubble Bobble, Dig Dug, Burger Time, all the Pac-Mans, Galaga, and more. My Arcade revealed its E3 2019 lineup which includes an expanded partnership with Taito Corporation to release a Space Invaders Micro Player and City Connection International to produce two new Pocket Players featuring classic Jaleco sports titles.
In addition to the collectibles, the final version of My Arcade’s Retro Champ was also available to demo before launch! The Retro Champ allows for handheld play of NES and Famicom cartridges and can be played using the integrated screen or by connecting it to the TV and controllers and using it as a console.
Mini and Micro Players
My Arcade’s roster of games only keeps expanding and the best way to share that is through mini arcade machines that can sometimes house literally hundreds of games that each used to require a big blocky cartridge. They have two types:
Mini Player: 10” tall, usually have a collection of various games like the Data East and Namco Museum Mini Player (pictured above), both of which contain hundreds of titles from their respective companies. These must be plugged in using the included AC adapter.
authorMicro Player: Just under 7” tall, the adorable micro arcades feature only one game each and are perfect for putting together your own mini arcade! (Or just showing off) Some titles they carry are Bad Dudes, Burger Time, Galaxian, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Contra, Bubble Bobble and more. Micros can be battery operated or used with the AC adapter. The smaller size and ability to take batteries makes them a bit more portable than the Minis.
Pocket Players
While tiny arcade machines are awesome, they aren’t as portable as something you can fit in your pocket. My Arcade also makes licensed ergonomic, pocket-sized players with a 2.75” display which all house more than just the title game. The Ms. Pac-Man game, for example, comes with Ms. Pac-Man, Sky Kid, and Mappy.
New at E3!
Retro Champ: The Retro Champ is My Arcade’s portable console that plays NES and Famicom cartridges and also supports HDMI output for home play. The console boasts a 7” screen, 3-5 hour battery life, and a built-in cartridge cleaning kit.
Space Invaders Micro Player: After many fan requests, My Arcade unveiled the latest product created in collaboration Taito: the Space Invaders Micro Player! This miniature Space Invaders arcade cabinet is 6.75” tall with a 2.75” screen, and iconic artwork from the original cabinet. Meant to be a replica, they’ve even added in the 80s mirrored screen!
Jaleco Pocket Player: My Arcade debuts its new partnership with City Connection International with a Pocket Player packed with Jaleco classic sports games: All-Star Stadium Edition (a mix of sports games) and Bases Loaded Edition (baseball games).
Contra: A slew of Contra players will also be launched soon by popular request, including pocket players you can connect to battle your friends, a micro player
Final Thoughts
Owning a couple of Micro Players ourselves, we’re excited to see My Arcade grow and expand their repertoire of games. Some have already started building a mini arcade with their consoles! And now with more game titles for the pocket players, we can travel anywhere and not use up all our phone’s battery life.
Keep an eye on My Arcade, they definitely cater to an older crowd or at least those into retro gaming but retro is kind of in now so, why the heck not!? Do you own any of My Arcade’s wares? Were you clamoring for Space Invaders? Share your thoughts on this and any other arcade-related topics in the comments! Oh, and check out our other E3 impressions!
Nya~!
Author: Lizzy Nyanko