New Jakks Retro Arcade

[deadpool18]

I just saw this at Target for like $19.99

It looks much better than the old ones.  The joystick feels better, it saves high scores, and it has 12 retro arcade games built in.

http://www.geek.com/articles/games/jakks-pacific-brings-arcade-games-home-with-authentic-controller-20090116/

http://gadget.blogdig.net/archives/articles/January2009/08/Retro_Arcade_Brings_Pac_Man_To_Living_Room.html

It makes me want to try to hack it!   

[Blanka]

http://www.geek.com/articles/games/jakks-pacific-brings-arcade-games-home-with-authentic-controller-20090116/
Better post the link like this.
I have a hosts-filter for annoying ads and that one blocks 2mdn.net links.

[Grasshopper]

The main flaw of the original was the tinny sound. Can you tell me what the sound is like on this new version?

It certainly looks nicer. However, I'm disappointed to note that once again Jakks have put the buttons on the wrong side of the joystick. 

[Blanka]

Hi,

Unfortunately, we do not have any recommendations available as we do not support tampering with the game.

Thank you,

Michelle Venegas | Consumer Relations | JAKKS Pacific Inc.

I asked them how to open the game.... as no screws were visible  

[Kevin Mullins]

Looks like they just combined two of their existing units as far as game titles go.
More detail on the controller artwork, but that's about it.

[Ummon]

Nice UI - quick and smooth. Interesting coin drop. Wonder how many it holds.  Pac definitely looked arcade, whereas I think before it was a console port. However, the port didn't stretch or display full screen, but did like Mame does with default settings.....ohhh....looks like they hacked the rom to display score, pacs, and fruit on the side. Still looks like authentic sprites, though. I wonder if all the games are 4-way? In the video, the stick didn't seem restricted. And, yeah, buttons are on the wrong side. What is this, a return to the thinking of the 70s?

[Blanka]

The games are used in the table-top layout, and are original. Only thing missing from the first attempts are the coin credits. Maybe they even included authentic credit display in this one.

[specialmoose]

I don't know why they insist on putting the sticks on the left side and the buttons on the right. Irritates the hell out of me!

[Ginsu Victim]

I don't know why they insist on putting the sticks on the left side and the buttons on the right. Irritates the hell out of me!

Probably because that's how Atari 2600 controllers were and those of us who were around for that era are more than likely their target.

[Minwah]

I don't know why they insist on putting the sticks on the left side and the buttons on the right. Irritates the hell out of me!

Other way around surely?!

Probably because that's how Atari 2600 controllers were and those of us who were around for that era are more than likely their target.

Yeah for home computers etc I always used my right hand for the stick, even on those joysticks with a button on each side. Not sure why actually 

[RayB]

The games are used in the table-top layout, and are original.

What does that mean?

[shardian]

I asked them how to open the game.... as no screws were visible  

If they are like the originals, the screws are on the sides underneath the artwork. You have to feel around, and poke through the art to get at the screws.

[benjammin]

I can't find this for sale yet. 
Found 1 old ebay listing and that's it.
Definitely not at Target.com yet.

[Jack Burton]

The games are used in the table-top layout, and are original.

What does that mean?

Yeah, do you mean like there was an official 4:3 aspect ratio release of Pac-Man or something?  Cause that would be pretty badass.

[Turnarcades]

Much better with a design and components more akin to a genuine arcade, but to suggest it as a serious alternative to building your own emulation cabinet as the article describes is a little ambitious...

That said, if the games are an emulation/hack of arcade hardware and roms as opposed to the NES/Megadrive etc. sources used on previous plug and play units, and the thing is easy enough to take apart, this could make a great buy for a simple bar-top build or basic full-size cabinet - with the controls the right way round of course!

[danny_galaga]

Hi,

Unfortunately, we do not have any recommendations available as we do not support tampering with the game.

Thank you,

Michelle Venegas | Consumer Relations | JAKKS Pacific Inc.

I asked them how to open the game.... as no screws were visible  

   in australia we call that 'trying it on'

[benjammin]

Still looking to get one of these hopefully before Valentines Day or the wife's B-day (March 29) so if anyone has a lead......

cheers

[knave]

If I saw one I'd pick it up...I like the other Pac unit. The version appears to be the same though...

[severdhed]

they have these at our local walmarts, you may want to check there if you are trying to find one.

[benjammin]

they have these at our local walmarts, you may want to check there if you are trying to find one.

Are you sure it's the new one in the video? 
I've played 2 sucky versions (original? and gold) from the local walsmart.

[severdhed]

i'm not 100 percent sure...what is the difference between them?  the one i saw looked like that one, with two white buttons on the left side of the joystick, and it had 12 games.  i'll look more closely the next time i am there

[benjammin]

i'm not 100 percent sure...what is the difference between them?  the one i saw looked like that one, with two white buttons on the left side of the joystick, and it had 12 games.

Yep, sounds like the new one.


I've got one of these:  that was played one night.

and played the other: just as worthless.

[rlemmon]

Amazon has them.


http://www.amazon.com/Jakks-Pac-man-Retro-Arcade-Game/dp/B001Q3XE4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1233221659&sr=1-1


I wonder if they use a 4 way stick, It wold be pointless if not.

[Blanka]

Pac Man and others had a 4:3 landscape layout for table-tops. Those versions are used. The sticks are 4-way, but for Bosconian, it means weird play, as that game was 8-way.
The Blue Miss Pacman version had a stick that also is an analog steer for Pole Position. You can turn it 90 degrees left and right, and it jumps back to center position with a spring. Pretty nifty made.

[Ginsu Victim]

Pac Man and others had a 4:3 landscape layout for table-tops.

Huh? 

[stan2323]

I've got one of these:  that was played one night.

I have seen this one for $10 what makes it worthless?

[benjammin]

Thanks for the link rlemmeon.  I ordered one, I'll let y'all know what I think of it.

stan2323:  The joystick is not very "true" especially down and left.  I have played 2 of that model and both of the joysticks were too frustrating while playing Ms Pacman.  Galaga and Pole Position are not so bad but I'd still rather player Galaga and Ms Pacman with a keyboard than that thing.

[Blanka]

stan2323:  The joystick is not very "true" especially down and left. 

That's because of the Pole Position analog rotary steering incorporated into the 4way stick. The Mr. Pacman version is working much better on the labyrinth.

Found this today:

Anybody played this one?

[deadpool18]

The new version also has the pole position twist function.  I wonder if it is 4-way or 8-way.  When I messed with it in the store it seemed like a 4 way, but then why would xevious be included?  It's bad enough that Bosconian plays weird (no diagonals) but that's pushing it!

[Ummon]

That's because of the Pole Position analog rotary steering incorporated into the 4way stick. The Mr. Pacman version is working much better on the labyrinth.

It's not analog. It's optical.

Pac Man and others had a 4:3 landscape layout for table-tops. Those versions are used. The sticks are 4-way, but for Bosconian, it means weird play, as that game was 8-way.

Bosconian is actually 4-way, which is one reason it bites.

[Blanka]

Bosconion is 8-way!
And the joystick is not optical. It is a potmeter inside the 4-way stick.

[Ginsu Victim]

Bosconian is actually 4-way, which is one reason it bites.

No it isn't.

[councilface]

stan2323:  The joystick is not very "true" especially down and left. 

That's because of the Pole Position analog rotary steering incorporated into the 4way stick. The Mr. Pacman version is working much better on the labyrinth.

Found this today:

Anybody played this one?

I had something similar. I think its probably a NES hack jobby. They were all over the UK a few years back.

[specialmoose]

I don't know why they insist on putting the sticks on the left side and the buttons on the right. Irritates the hell out of me!

Other way around surely?!

Whoops, didn't read what I wrote! I meant sticks on the right and buttons on the left. It's a ---gosh-darn--- standard having sticks on the right and buttons on the left!


Anyone know how well the new Jakks Retro Arcade work on HDTV's? I have a couple of the older joystick games which look horrible.

[deadpool18]

These were on sale at my local target today for $15.09
 They only had one left though



Weird price!

[Blanka]

Did you buy it?

[deadpool18]

No, tight budget now!

I have so many of these laying around that I figure I'll mess with those first, and if I get good at soldering I'll buy the new one and use that for a project.

[_JMFR]

I've got one of these:  that was played one night.

I bought one of these a few years back. a buddy of mine came and visited me for a weekend, and we played Galaga for 9 straight hours! After the intense battle the button broke, and was unfixable. it was worth it though.. besides the fact that my last score was 150,200, and his was 150,800. i was so pissed! 

[RandyT]

I saw one of the new versions at the local Walmart.  It definitely has a more classic overall look to it and the stick seemed to feel a bit more authentic.  But the buttons are on the wrong side if you want to set it on a table while you play.  Is there really any value in "arcade style buttons" when players have to press them with their thumbs?  They should add $2 worth of plastic to these things and make a true mini-table top controller.  As it is, it's probably an improvement to the first units, but outside of any advancements in the actual circuitry (I don't know about that part...didn't buy one), it doesn't seem to be a huge step up.

RandyT

[Ummon]

Bosconion is 8-way!

Oh oh oh, you're right. Sort of. It isn't true 8-way, which is why it's so clunky and bites.

And the joystick is not optical. It is a potmeter inside the 4-way stick.

Joystick on Pole Position? OH OH OH OH, on that special mspac thing you mentioned. Ah, sorry.