Here is our review of the My Arcade Micro Player Retro Games.

My Arcade products are shipping now to selected retailers across Europe. The My Arcade range consists of staggeringly authentic table-top arcade machines and portable devices, allowing gamers to play the classics they love in the way they remember. With real, working arcade sticks and action buttons, long lasting battery operation and authentic arcade marque artwork, the range is a must for any and all arcade and gadget fans.

First amongst the products to ship will be the Micro Player arcades, officially licensed from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., and including PAC-MAN, GALAGA and DIG DUG, enduring classics that are sure to appeal to gamers of all ages.

The Micro Player arcades feature artwork inspired by the original cabinets, large full-colored screens, backlit coin traps, plus a removable joystick for those who prefer to use a directional pad to play. 

There are currently 10 different arcade classics listed, and we managed to get our hands on three of them.

DigDug

Fygars and Pookas and falling rocks, oh my! Join DIG DUG on the ultimate adventure to vanquish underground monsters! Making his first appearance in Japan in 1982, the air-pump wielding hero has since become an arcade legend.

Features
• Features artwork inspired by the original DIG DUG arcade cabinet.
• Full color, 2.75” screen.
• Removable joystick.
• Perfect for any game room, office, or display case!
• Volume control and 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Power with a Micro-USB cable or 4 AA batteries (not included).
• 6.75 inches tall.

Galaga

Get ready to face off against bug-like aliens again in this sequel to GALAXIAN. GALAGA was first released in 1981 and is just as popular and beloved as its predecessor but kicks it up a notch with even more awesome space-tastic features.

Features
• Features artwork inspired by the original GALAGA arcade cabinet.
• Full color, 2.75” screen.
• Removable joystick.
• Perfect for any game room, office, or display case!
• Volume control and 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Power with a Micro-USB cable or 4 AA batteries (not included).
• 6.75 inches tall.

Pac-Man

Collect all the Pac-Dots and fruits, but watch out for ghosts! Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde are out to get one of gaming’s most iconic characters, PAC-MAN. Originally released in 1980, PAC-MAN is often regarded as one of the most famous arcade games and is still a staple in arcades across the world.

Features
• Features artwork inspired by the original PAC-MAN arcade cabinet.
• Full color, 2.75” screen.
• Removable joystick.
• Perfect for any game room, office, or display case!
• Volume control and 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Power with a Micro-USB cable or 4 AA batteries (not included).
• 6.75 inches tall.

Final Thoughts

The first thing you notice is how cool each of the cabinets actually look. They have the same artwork as the original cabinets which adds a nice little touch.

They are fairly lightweight and can be easily carried. You need to peel the sticker off that is protecting the screen then you have to either put 4 batteries into the back, or you can use a micro-USB cable to power it – the choice is yours. Neither batteries or the cable come with them though so make sure you have one or the other to hand.

Switching them on involves you pressing the power button, which is where the coin slot is, which is also a nice little touch.

Then the familiar music starts playing the and screen comes alive and you are back in that arcade again playing your favourite game!

Both the sound, video and gameplay is excellent, with the controls being easy to use. Each game is a perfect replica of the arcade original.

I spent many MANY hours in arcades as a kid, playing games like Galaga and Pac-Man and getting to play these again on the mini cabinets really brought a smile to my face and made me relive a little part of my youth.

Available now priced around £34.95, these are a must for any retro gaming fan and will make an excellent Christmas gift for the gamer in your family. I can’t wait to get my hands on the others!

For more information on My Arcade and its wide array of retro gaming products, please visit myarcadegaming.com and facebook.com/MyArcadeRetro and follow on Twitter @MyArcadeRetro.