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An Arcade1Up machine is a home arcade cabinet: a smaller, ready-to-assemble version of a classic arcade machine with one or more preloaded games. The important catch is that there is not one universal Arcade1Up game list. The games you get depend on the exact cabinet name, the revision, and sometimes even the bundle sold by a specific retailer.
If you are trying to figure out whether a cabinet is worth buying, the real questions are simple: how big is it, which games are actually included, and can it do what you want without extra modding? Below, I’ll cover the common cabinet types, the game families people most often look for, and the few details that matter before you spend money.
What an Arcade1Up machine actually is
Arcade1Up cabinets are officially licensed home arcade machines built to give you the look and feel of a classic upright cabinet without needing the full commercial-sized arcade setup. Most are designed for home assembly, use a joystick and buttons, and include built-in software with the games already loaded.
The original idea was straightforward: make a cabinet that fits in a game room, basement, office, or den, while still looking close enough to the real thing to scratch the nostalgia itch. That is why you will see familiar cabinet art, marquees, control panels, and game-specific themes like Pac-Man, Galaga, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Golden Tee, and Final Fight.
Which games do Arcade1Up machines have?
The short answer is that it depends on the cabinet. Arcade1Up does not ship one giant library across every machine. Instead, each cabinet is built around a specific theme or collection of games.
Common examples that collectors and buyers run into include:
| Cabinet family | Example games | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pac-Man-style cabinets | Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus, Ms. Pac-Man | Players who want the most recognizable arcade icons |
| Space shooter cabinets | Galaga, Galaxian, Asteroids, Tempest, Lunar Lander | Fans of score-chasing classics and fixed-shooter games |
| Fighting game cabinets | Street Fighter II variants, Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 | Two-player head-to-head play |
| Capcom-style bundles | Final Fight, Ghosts ‘n Goblins, 1944, Strider | Beat-’em-up and action fans |
| Sports cabinets | Golden Tee, Golden Tee ’98, Golden Tee ’99, Golden Tee 2K | Players who want trackball gameplay |
| Mixed classic bundles | Centipede, Millipede, Missile Command, Crystal Castles | People who want variety in one cabinet |
That list is not exhaustive, but it gives you the basic pattern: one cabinet usually means one theme, and that theme decides the game lineup. If you are comparing two cabinets that both say “Arcade1Up,” do not assume they play the same games.
One good example is the Galaga family. If you want a quick refresher on how similar classics differ, the breakdown of Galaga vs. Galaxian helps explain why these cabinets are often grouped together even though the games are not identical.
Why the exact cabinet name matters
Two cabinets can look similar on a store shelf and still ship with different games, different artwork, or different extras. Community collectors regularly point out that retailer bundles can differ, so the same cabinet title may include different add-ons depending on where it is sold.
That is why the safest buying habit is to check the exact product listing, not just the headline title. Look for the full game list, cabinet art, screen size, whether a riser is included, and whether the bundle comes with extras like a stool, light-up marquee, or deck protector.
Common Arcade1Up form factors
Arcade1Up cabinets have also shown up in more than one size family over time. Buyers often talk about the original riser cabinets, newer updated riser versions, Deluxe cabinets, and XL cabinets. The names matter because the size and feel are different enough that one version may suit your space much better than another.
| Form factor | What it is like | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|
| Original riser cabinet | Smaller home cabinet with a riser added for height | Good for tighter spaces and classic home setups |
| Updated riser cabinet | Similar idea, but with later revisions and bundle changes | For buyers who want the classic Arcade1Up look |
| Deluxe | More fully built cabinet style, usually with a more substantial presence | Good if you want a less “mini” feel |
| XL | Larger format that gets closer to real arcade proportions | Best if you care most about scale and comfort |
What to check before buying one
If you are buying new or used, these are the checks that matter most:
- Exact game list: confirm the cabinet title and revision, not just the series name.
- Included extras: riser, stool, marquee, light-up effects, and deck protector can vary.
- Space: measure floor space and ceiling height before you buy, especially if you want a riser or XL cabinet.
- Player count: some cabinets are great for one player, while others are built around two-player competition.
- Controls: trackball cabinets feel very different from joystick-and-button cabinets, so buy based on the games you actually play.
- Used condition: check the screen, joystick response, button feel, speaker output, and whether the power brick is included.
If you are shopping secondhand, it also helps to assume some older cabinets may be hard to find in the exact same form again. Community owners often report that once a title leaves the catalog, it may not return in that same package, even if a later revision shows up.
Can you add more games to Arcade1Up cabinets?
Sometimes, but not always in a simple or official way. Community modders report that some cabinets are easier to expand than others, especially when the board or software family is more flexible. Other cabinets are much less straightforward.
The practical takeaway is simple: do not buy one expecting easy expansion unless that is already part of the plan. If all you want is the bundled games, stick with the stock cabinet. If you want a machine you can heavily modify, research the exact model first, because the answer changes from cabinet to cabinet.
Common problems owners run into
Most Arcade1Up cabinets are plug-and-play, but used units and older releases can still develop the usual arcade-hardware headaches. Community reports commonly mention joystick dead zones, stiff buttons, monitor issues, audio glitches, and control-panel wear.
If a cabinet will not power on, the usual troubleshooting order is:
- Check the wall outlet or power strip.
- Confirm the power adapter is the correct one and fully seated.
- Inspect the cable for damage.
- Try a known-good power supply if you have one.
- Then consider the PCB or internal board as the next likely failure point.
That same step-by-step approach is useful on other coin-op gear too, including a pinball machine keeps resetting issue, where power and board checks come before anything more complicated. If you are dealing with power problems on a cabinet, start simple before assuming the worst.
So, are Arcade1Up machines worth it?
They make sense if you want a compact home arcade cabinet with a familiar look and a curated game list. They are especially appealing if you want an easy way to bring back one specific arcade memory, like Pac-Man, Galaga, Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, or Golden Tee.
They make less sense if you want one cabinet to do everything. The bundled game set is the whole point, but it also means you should shop carefully. In other words: buy the cabinet theme you actually want, not the brand name alone.
Frequently asked questions
Do Arcade1Up machines save high scores?
Some cabinets do, but the behavior varies by game and revision. A few titles keep the high-score table on the cabinet, while others reset more often or track scores differently. If high-score saving matters to you, check the exact cabinet before buying.
Are all Arcade1Up cabinets the same height?
No. Height can vary depending on whether the cabinet uses a riser and which form factor it uses. Original riser cabinets, Deluxe models, and XL cabinets all feel different in person.
Can you still buy older Arcade1Up machines?
Sometimes, but many older releases are easier to find used than new. If a specific title disappears from the catalog, the used market may be the only realistic way to get that exact version.
Do all Arcade1Up cabinets include the same games?
No. The game list is tied to the cabinet theme and revision. Always verify the included games on the exact listing before you buy.
What is the safest next step if I am deciding between two cabinets?
Compare the exact game list, cabinet size, included extras, and whether the control layout matches the games you actually plan to play. That tells you more than the brand name ever will.