Arcade1up Clearance Sale

[leapinlew]

I don't get it.  People (in this hobby) will spend a relatively ridiculous amount of time, effort and money to make a tiny and virtually unplayable cabinet which sits on a desk. Yet when something which is large enough to actually be useful, yet small enough to fit just about anywhere with the whole shebangy-bang of artwork, monitor, controls and licensed roms hits the market, the noses start elevating.

These things are way better than any mass-marketed attempt in the past, and they are helping to bring new people into the fold of this waning community.  They are, for many, the gateway into what we do here.  Once you knock together a store-bought bookshelf, it helps to build confidence so that the next time, you might just try building a better one yourself.  It also offers an incremental approach to the costs involved in making a machine.  The base units work well enough and look good on their own to get started, and parts can be purchased to upgrade them when money is available.  And, when/if the individual decides it's time to move to something better, those parts will be able to follow along.

If for no other reason, these units should be seen as a welcomed development by anyone who wishes to see this community gain more members.  But if you need another reason, they are a fun diversion which won't take up dozens of your free weekends to build and tinker with... unless you want to.

Well said.

[Malenko]

I don't get it.  People (in this hobby) will spend a relatively ridiculous amount of time, effort and money to make a tiny and virtually unplayable cabinet which sits on a desk. Yet when something which is large enough to actually be useful, yet small enough to fit just about anywhere with the whole shebangy-bang of artwork, monitor, controls and licensed roms hits the market, the noses start elevating.

I think the build quality is too low, for $300. For $100-$150 its fine, as a toy for a kid.
I don't agree that they are a good starting point to build a better cabinet with. 
I haven't seen a single new member sign up because they bought an arcade1up.

[opt2not]

I don’t get those virtually unplayable cabinets which sits on a desk too.
While neat, they’re disingenuous to the arcade experience. Just like these boxes.

Bottom line is these Arcade1up cabs are a cash grab on the ever trending retro gaming scene and is made apparent by the creator’s lack of understanding of the arcade quality experience. They cut so many corners that compromises the feel of a real arcade machine.
Whether you deem it worthy to polish a turd, put lipstick on a pig, or whatever colourful euphemism you have that describes trying to make something poorly manufactured into a quality product, it’s entirely up to you.
But at the end of the day you gotta decide for yourself what is “good enough” because there is a ceiling with these things. They’ll never be as quality as a DIY solution. Period.

#makeBYOACgreatAgain
#noobsGottaLearnTheHardWay

[RandyT]

I think the build quality is too low, for $300. For $100-$150 its fine, as a toy for a kid.
I don't agree that they are a good starting point to build a better cabinet with. 
I haven't seen a single new member sign up because they bought an arcade1up.

I think they are decent for beginners with no other real option.  I haven't seen a little kid buy these.
They are a good starting point in that results are immediate, encouraging and de-mystify what's involved.
It's early yet.  We get new members who often have lurked for years.

[leapinlew]

For $100-$150 its fine, as a toy for a kid.

Yeah! Because real adults play games, not toys. Unless you want to play games with your toys, that's ok but then it's not a toy, it's a game and we don't toy with our games

[ark_ader]

For $100-$150 its fine, as a toy for a kid.

Yeah! Because real adults play games, not toys. Unless you want to play games with your toys, that's ok but then it's not a toy, it's a game and we don't toy with our games

Couldn't have said it better myself, even thought it took me a few attempts to read it without coffee.

I have one of these cabinets and I have a proper Stargate that I am working on.  I am more interested in this 1UpArcade than the Stargate, as the 1Up Arcade intrigues and provokes me to better it.  Change the CP, add my consoles to it, put a mini fridge in it.  The sky is the limit.  Yet I do not covet it.  It has its place and is part of the furniture, and that is the appeal, not a old beat up Stargate cab, but a fresh new cabaret that can be had for $150.  The decision to keep the Stargate or take a sledge hammer to it, when I move is more practical as the aesthetic has been diverted to the 1Up Arcade.

[Osirus23]

Change the CP, add my consoles to it, put a mini fridge in it.  The sky is the limit.

They should just call these the Cabinet of Theseus.

[Nephasth]

Newflash, nobody gives a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- about licensing.

[Malenko]

Yeah! Because real adults play games, not toys. Unless you want to play games with your toys, that's ok but then it's not a toy, it's a game and we don't toy with our games

This has to do with the quality of the product. It's quality is that of a toy. It's like a zizzle pinball machine. A toy approximation of the real deal. Your entire reply makes absolutely zero sense. 

[wp34]

Isn't any game not on a money making route a toy?

[leapinlew]

Yeah! Because real adults play games, not toys. Unless you want to play games with your toys, that's ok but then it's not a toy, it's a game and we don't toy with our games

This has to do with the quality of the product. It's quality is that of a toy. It's like a zizzle pinball machine. A toy approximation of the real deal. Your entire reply makes absolutely zero sense.

What doesn't make sense is the badgering of people who want to play with their "toys".

Guess what, I don't like candy cabs. That's not what an arcade game looks like to me. Instead of popping into candy cab threads and proclaiming what junk that style of cabinet is, I usually choose to not even read them. It's literally that easy. You should try it. 

If I was an arcade1up owner logging into BYOAC and I saw the Old Guard on flame patrol duty, I wouldn't post either.

[leapinlew]

Yeah! Because real adults play games, not toys. Unless you want to play games with your toys, that's ok but then it's not a toy, it's a game and we don't toy with our games

This has to do with the quality of the product. It's quality is that of a toy. It's like a zizzle pinball machine. A toy approximation of the real deal. Your entire reply makes absolutely zero sense.

Since you got swooshed (even though you'll claim you didn't and it was somehow my fault), my reply wasn't supposed to make sense - just like you calling them toys. Hilarious. 

[opt2not]

Some of the “old guard” here have forgotten this forum is called Build Your Own Arcade Controls. And  these cash-grab-trash-cabs are not even in the same dimension of candy cabs. That argument is fallacious at best. It’s not about like. It’s about quality. These don’t even satisfy the bare minimum of quality,..made apparent by the amount of talk around replacing practically everything.
Wake up sheeple! 

[wp34]

Some of the “old guard” here have forgotten this forum is called Build Your Own Arcade Controls. And  these cash-grab-trash-cabs are not even in the same dimension of candy cabs. That argument is fallacious at best. It’s not about like. It’s about quality. These don’t even satisfy the bare minimum of quality,..made apparent by the amount of talk around replacing practically everything.
Wake up sheeple! 

I don't get your point about "Build your own".  You started the original Arcade 1Up thread.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,157888.0.html

[leapinlew]

Some of the “old guard” here have forgotten this forum is called Build Your Own Arcade Controls. And  these cash-grab-trash-cabs are not even in the same dimension of candy cabs. That argument is fallacious at best. It’s not about like. It’s about quality. These don’t even satisfy the bare minimum of quality,..made apparent by the amount of talk around replacing practically everything.
Wake up sheeple! 

When the forum was started, it was a "Build Your Own" world when it came to Arcades. We all take conveniences when possible, right? I haven't built an encoder or spinner in a long time, and I prefer it that way. If someone buys a Arcade1up and installs new controls and a new PCB, that's just as much "building" as anyone using some bartop kit and the almost countless "build" threads in Project Announcement.

The retro-fad is in full swing - and I think it's cool. It doesn't bother me one bit what you, or anyone else, does with their money so why are some of you guys so worked up about people buying and liking their Arcade1ups?

You don't like them, you think they are trash. Got it. Now, move on.

[leapinlew]

FWIW - I still think you guys are kinda groovy. Sometimes cranky, but mostly you're alright. 

[opt2not]

As long as this thread gets bumped by people praising how wonderful of a shortcut these cabs are, I will not move on.

And to be clear, I started that other thread before we found out the quality of these. Once reviews got out, and I got to see and play these in person, I saw the err of my ways. It’s a shame some of the old guard here are more concerned about holding on to their opinions rather than reality.

LOL, these are now being posted for $50 locally. Even at that price it’s still not worth the hassle. Or maybe to some of our old guard, it is?

[wp34]

As long as this thread gets bumped by people praising how wonderful of a shortcut these cabs are, I will not move on.

And to be clear, I started that other thread before we found out the quality of these. Once reviews got out, and I got to see and play these in person, I saw the err of my ways. It’s a shame some of the old guard here are more concerned about holding on to their opinions rather than reality.

LOL, these are now being posted for $50 locally. Even at that price it’s still not worth the hassle. Or maybe to some of our old guard, it is?

So if the quality would have been acceptable it would be okay to buy one even though this site is all about building?

[opt2not]

I still like you too lew, though in your later years you’ve gotten a bit wacky. 

Though I get what you’re saying about conveniences, especially back then when the hobby was younger, but where’s the line, man? If you’re replacing everything on these things, how much can you call that convenience?

[leapinlew]

To me, it's about playing the games in an acceptable fashion. Everyone has a different idea of when the experience is not "arcadey" enough. LCD vs CRT, Emulation vs PCB, etc. To me, the A1UP's are as acceptable of an arcade experience as a bartop is.

The A1UP release has been a little different though. The disdain for these cabinets came before some people even saw them. It was like telling Android phone users about a yet to be released iPhone. They already hated it.

[Nephasth]

To me, it's about playing the games in an acceptable fashion.

Sitting down to play like you're sitting on a Squatty-Potty is not acceptable.

[Malenko]

I didn't get swooshed.  My comparison of these being toys is apt. Won't get into a troll fight with you, sorry.

[wp34]

To me, it's about playing the games in an acceptable fashion. Everyone has a different idea of when the experience is not "arcadey" enough. LCD vs CRT, Emulation vs PCB, etc. To me, the A1UP's are as acceptable of an arcade experience as a bartop is.

The A1UP release has been a little different though. The disdain for these cabinets came before some people even saw them. It was like telling Android phone users about a yet to be released iPhone. They already hated it.

Not liking them...heck even hating them is fine.  Coming into this thread multiple times to say how/why you don't like them is a bit bizarre.  Even sillier is the idea that the greater good is being served by continuing to bash the 1UP's. 

If you don't like the 1UP's simply ignore the thread.  Better yet start your own build thread and show people how you think it should be done.

[opt2not]

What’s even more bizarre is continuing to tell people how great these are, when they clearly are not.

It’s like someone coming to you and asking directions to a place, then you telling them you can get there by climbing that mountain instead of pointing them to the well paved road that goes around the mountain. Sure, going up the mountain might get you there quicker than going around, but you’ll have less scrapes and bruises taking the road around, and in the end have a more enjoyable time when you get there.

Like I said, as long as people keep praising these things, I won’t stop, can’t stop, posting my distain for them.

Feel free to ignore this thread yourself, or heck, hit that ignore button on me, no skin off my back. I’d be proud to shut down this government.

[Nephasth]

Coming into this thread multiple times to say how/why you don't like them is a bit bizarre.

That's basically the whole premise of the internet today. Telling complete strangers your opinion that they really don't care about.

[yotsuya]

I saw a guy at Frys today sitting in a chair playing the 12-1 game on a riser. I also saw a woman hunched over uncomfortably trying to play Rampage that wasn’t on a riser. Neither looked like they were having fun.

I was there buying parts to fix my full-sized Multipede and my Missile Command.  Both are up and running now, and I couldn’t be more chuffed.

[leapinlew]

I also saw a woman hunched over uncomfortably trying to play

Funny.... you could be describing a cocktail cabinet.

I never liked cocktails. I've owned 3 - Joust, Ms. Pacman, and a Space Invaders. I finally gave up and realized the ergonomics didn't work for me. I could see the ergonomics of the A1UP's being problematic for some, but I've seen quite a few happy with the overall size and weight.

[Howard_Casto]

I don't get it.  People (in this hobby) will spend a relatively ridiculous amount of time, effort and money to make a tiny and virtually unplayable cabinet which sits on a desk. Yet when something which is large enough to actually be useful, yet small enough to fit just about anywhere with the whole shebangy-bang of artwork, monitor, controls and licensed roms hits the market, the noses start elevating.

I think the build quality is too low, for $300. For $100-$150 its fine, as a toy for a kid.
I don't agree that they are a good starting point to build a better cabinet with. 
I haven't seen a single new member sign up because they bought an arcade1up.

I mostly agree with this sentiment.  They aren't even hobby grade and that is OK so long as you don't get carried away and spend too much and/or do expensive upgrades on them.  They are fun, they have a nice design and there is hacking potential to get more value out of them.  That's about the extent of it though. 


That being said I think we will eventually get some new members from them, assuming someone steers them in this direction.  Right now people are still playing with their new toys, but eventually they will either lose interest and throw it on Craig's list or want something more serious and turn to sites like this for help.  It's just too early right now. 

[negative1]

I also saw a woman hunched over uncomfortably trying to play

Funny.... you could be describing a cocktail cabinet.

I never liked cocktails. I've owned 3 - Joust, Ms. Pacman, and a Space Invaders. I finally gave up and realized the ergonomics didn't work for me. I could see the ergonomics of the A1UP's being problematic for some, but I've seen quite a few happy with the overall size and weight.

I've owned 2 cocktail cabinets, Ms. Pac-man, and Gyruss. As bad as that format is.
The next project that's coming up for me is just that. A muticade cocktail, with
different controls on both sides.

So yes, I will put up with the neck strain, and hopefully the control panels will be at a decent angle, so the wrist strain won't be there.

Arcade 1UP content - Their models aren't coming out until the fall of 2019. Also, who knows how much they will cost,
or how much more flimsy they will be.



I can't wait. So i'm getting my kit from someone already selling them here. I already sent off the diagrams for the controls,
and still waiting to hear back if it's possible or not.

later
-1

[yotsuya]

I also saw a woman hunched over uncomfortably trying to play

Funny.... you could be describing a cocktail cabinet.

I never liked cocktails. I've owned 3 - Joust, Ms. Pacman, and a Space Invaders. I finally gave up and realized the ergonomics didn't work for me. I could see the ergonomics of the A1UP's being problematic for some, but I've seen quite a few happy with the overall size and weight.

Well, that lady was standing. No one tries to play a cocktail standing.

[ark_ader]

I saw a guy at Frys today sitting in a chair playing the 12-1 game on a riser. I also saw a woman hunched over uncomfortably trying to play Rampage that wasn’t on a riser. Neither looked like they were having fun.

I was there buying parts to fix my full-sized Multipede and my Missile Command.  Both are up and running now, and I couldn’t be more chuffed.

I cannot just see you going to Frys to buy arcade parts.  The only arcade parts are those crappy push buttons for $5.  So I think you were there to play those 1Up Arcade machines,,,,  Admit it!

[RandyT]

Right now people are still playing with their new toys, but eventually they will either lose interest and throw it on Craig's list or want something more serious and turn to sites like this for help.  It's just too early right now.

Just to provide some perspective, the very same scenario happens with many things, including VR.  Over a year ago, I bought a cheap, used PSVR, which could be considered "toy grade" VR, because I wasn't sure if I cared for the whole idea.  It worked well enough to peak my interest, so I started playing with the hacks, which led me to buy a high-end gaming PC.  Once the possibilities were exhausted from that angle, I realized that combo wasn't going to get me where I wanted to be, based on my interest in the technology.  So I pre-ordered the Samsung Odyssey and while waiting for it's release, found a deal on a used VIVE setup. I now have all of that in a dedicated space in my home.  I also frequent forums dedicated to VR, and have made at least one major contribution to that community, which has even prompted more than one prominent YouTuber in that field to make a video devoted to it.  And that from someone who 2 years ago thought he couldn't be convinced anything was worth gaming with something strapped to your face .

The same can be said for my racing rig, which started with a cheap and flimsy plastic wheel peripheral, clamped to a table and connected to a video game console. 3K and a couple of years later, I have something unique which would keep driving game aficionados grinning ear-to-ear from the moment they sat down in it.

It's a natural progression that is human in nature and very old to the point that we even have idioms for it.  "Dipping a toe", "getting your feet wet", etc.  The thing is, this doesn't happen with people who aren't sure they even want to "enter the waters", so having an option which is the least daunting will be the most effective in coaxing them in.  Sure, some will jump back out almost immediately, but many will enjoy the experience and go farther, and a few may even go on to become Olympic swimmers .   

[chrisdfw]

You know what I hate?

Whether in business or hobbies, I hate when someone bashes something without providing a better solution. 

It appears 1up did the best they could and ultimately it will show as a failed gamble.  In order to sell it retail, they had to make their own cheaper joysticks and buttons and keep the weight and materials to a minimum to hit that price point.  Unfortunately, at $250 or $300 they sold only a few units during black Friday and barely a trickle after.  I know that for a fact because I see the same quantity online and in store.  People could get a ps4 or xbox cheaper.

I appreciate their effort and it's a shame the demand for nostalgia isn't higher.  I hope the failure isnt so bad that it makes future attempts unlikely but that is probably it. 

So for those bashing these units, what is the alternative for someone that has little time, little room, no real woodworking tools or skills, and only $200 to $300 to spend on bringing back something similar to what they remember from 35 to 40 years ago?

What could 1up have done differently?

[yotsuya]

I saw a guy at Frys today sitting in a chair playing the 12-1 game on a riser. I also saw a woman hunched over uncomfortably trying to play Rampage that wasn’t on a riser. Neither looked like they were having fun.

I was there buying parts to fix my full-sized Multipede and my Missile Command.  Both are up and running now, and I couldn’t be more chuffed.

I cannot just see you going to Frys to buy arcade parts.  The only arcade parts are those crappy push buttons for $5.  So I think you were there to play those 1Up Arcade machines,,,,  Admit it!

I was there to buy an LS257 chip and some sockets, dolt.

[pbj]

Enjoy Frys while you can, that's clearly a chain on its way out. I do enjoy the increasingly desperate promotional emails they're sending me. Now it's down to coupons to get a disgusting turkey sandwich for $2.  A $9 value, they assure me.

[Malenko]

You know what I hate?

Whether in business or hobbies, I hate when someone bashes something without providing a better solution. 

It appears 1up did the best they could and ultimately it will show as a failed gamble.  In order to sell it retail, they had to make their own cheaper joysticks and buttons and keep the weight and materials to a minimum to hit that price point.  Unfortunately, at $250 or $300 they sold only a few units during black Friday and barely a trickle after.  I know that for a fact because I see the same quantity online and in store.  People could get a ps4 or xbox cheaper.

I appreciate their effort and it's a shame the demand for nostalgia isn't higher.  I hope the failure isnt so bad that it makes future attempts unlikely but that is probably it. 

So for those bashing these units, what is the alternative for someone that has little time, little room, no real woodworking tools or skills, and only $200 to $300 to spend on bringing back something similar to what they remember from 35 to 40 years ago?

What could 1up have done differently?

I think its fair to complain about the product even if Im not going to think of a better business venture. Im judging them as a consumer, not a business competitor.
They should have used better components instead of buying the cheapest to manufacture stuff. The parts were not made in house and likely would have cost more if they did.
The art being printed on unprotected sticker paper was a joke.

I do have an issue with this though:
"So for those bashing these units, what is the alternative for someone that has little time, little room, no real woodworking tools or skills, and only $200 to $300 to spend on bringing back something similar to what they remember from 35 to 40 years ago? "

First off you are paring it down way too far. If the market is only for people with no room, skills, time or money....that's a terrible demographic to aim for.

Honestly, I think they should have made "JAKKS Style" controllers that plug into the TV, but not little cheap plastic pieces of ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- but like Fight Stick sized with actual arcade hardware. A Happ Comp stick and 10 buttons is like $20 retail. Buy a million and you get a price break.  They could be prebuilt and still take up less space than an unbuilt mini cab.  I'd drop $100 on a fight stick sized box with a trackball and 12 trackball games. I still love me some Crystal Castles.

What could 1up have done differently? Let's start with not using deceptive marketing practices. All of the promo material makes it look like an average sized adult male is slightly taller than the cab. They could also take pictures of the people playing all the different cabs instead of crudely photoshopping the control panel under their hands. The asteroids cover is unintentionally hilarious.

[pbj]

You can already not buy fight sticks with games built into them....

[Nephasth]

You can already not buy fight sticks with games built into them....

Now a company just needs to offer a riser so they can easily be played as pedestals...

[pbj]

I got you, fam.

[yotsuya]

Enjoy Frys while you can, that's clearly a chain on its way out. I do enjoy the increasingly desperate promotional emails they're sending me. Now it's down to coupons to get a disgusting turkey sandwich for $2.  A $9 value, they assure me.

Yeah, they used to have a ton of Molex connectors and wire... now it’s like they stock that stuff yearly. It’s a ghost town.