In the ephemeral world of retail, where products appear, flourish, and then vanish into the digital ether, certain resurrections captivate the imagination. Such is the recent tale of the Arcade1Up Class of `81 Countercade, a compact shrine to retro gaming that, despite being officially discontinued, mysteriously reappeared on the virtual shelves of Amazon. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this isn`t merely a restock; it`s a digital ghost story, a serendipitous second chance at owning a piece of arcade history.
The Legend of the Class of `81 Countercade
The Arcade1Up Countercade series carved out a unique niche in the home arcade market. Unlike their larger, imposing cabinet counterparts, Countercades were designed for the space-conscious retro gamer. They promised the authentic arcade experience, complete with full-size controls and crisp displays, all packed into a form factor small enough to grace a desk, countertop, or even a lap. The Class of `81 model was a particular standout, themed around the iconic titles of Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, and notably included the subterranean classic Dig Dug.
Launched last October, this compact machine was an instant hit. Its relatively low MSRP of $150, combined with its undeniable charm and classic game lineup, ensured it sold out swiftly, disappearing from retail before the holiday rush. Its lifecycle was, in a word, brief. Discontinued shortly thereafter, many assumed this was the final curtain for the Class of `81. Until now.
The Great Un-Discontinuation: Amazon`s Peculiar Reappearance
Imagine the surprise, then, when this supposedly defunct Countercade resurfaced on Amazon. It wasn`t a third-party reseller offering a marked-up relic, but the e-commerce giant itself, selling and shipping the unit. The price tag of $167.16, while a slight premium over its original MSRP, is a pittance compared to the nearly $300 often demanded by resellers on platforms like StockX. This peculiar pricing behavior for discontinued products on Amazon is, dare we say, a consistent inconsistency – sometimes offering astonishing value, other times baffling markups. In this instance, it presents a golden opportunity.
For those unacquainted with its specifics, the Class of `81 Countercade features a 7-inch, vertically oriented LCD screen, perfectly suited for the classic arcade aspect ratios. Its control deck is adorned with vibrant Class of `81 artwork, boasting a tactile red ball-top arcade stick, two yellow buttons, and a red button. Convenience is baked into its design: measuring just 8.7 x 9.4 x 13.11 inches and weighing a mere 6.3 pounds, it is eminently portable. Power options are equally flexible, supporting either the included Micro-USB cable or four AA batteries, liberating players from the tyranny of power outlets.
The trio of games included are:
- Ms. Pac-Man: The beloved maze-chasing sequel, featuring new mazes and colorful ghosts.
- Galaga: The timeless fixed shooter, challenging players to capture and retrieve their ships for double firepower.
- Dig Dug: A unique action-puzzle game where players tunnel through earth, inflating enemies or crushing them with rocks.
Why Countercades Capture Hearts (and Countertops)
The enduring appeal of Arcade1Up Countercades lies in their harmonious blend of nostalgia and practicality. They distill the essence of the arcade into a manageable form factor, allowing enthusiasts to relive cherished childhood memories without sacrificing an entire room to a full-sized cabinet. While Arcade1Up continues to produce larger, more elaborate machines—including the new Ms. Pac-Man Head-to-Head Arcade Table ($600) and various Deluxe Edition Cabinets—the Countercades offer an accessible entry point to home arcade ownership.
They represent a democratization of retro gaming, making the joy of a perfect Ms. Pac-Man run or a high score in Galaga attainable for a broader audience. This surprise restock, therefore, isn`t just about a product; it`s about the preservation of gaming heritage and the unexpected opportunity for new generations, or simply those with limited space, to connect with these pixelated masterpieces.
Beyond the Box: The Enduring Legacy of Pixelated Gold
The enthusiasm for classic Namco arcade titles extends beyond Arcade1Up`s offerings. The upcoming Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition Console Bundle, for instance, signals a broader industry trend: the relentless pursuit of retro authenticity. This system not only plays original Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges but comes bundled with a yellow wireless joystick and a special “Pac-Man: Double Feature” cart. It`s a testament to the timeless appeal of these games that they continue to inspire new hardware, new collections, and surprising reappearances.
The Collector`s Conundrum
In the realm of collectibles, scarcity often dictates value. A discontinued item, especially one with a loyal following, typically sees its price skyrocket on the secondary market. This Amazon restock of the Class of `81 Countercade thus presents a fascinating market anomaly. It’s a moment where mainstream retail unexpectedly undercuts the speculative market, offering a fleeting window for genuine enthusiasts to acquire a prized possession without paying exorbitant reseller premiums. The lesson, as always, is that in the unpredictable world of retro gaming deals, opportunity often knocks quietly, and only for a brief moment.
For those who missed out the first time, or for anyone seeking to add a compact piece of arcade lore to their collection, this digital ghost has indeed brought a tangible treat. The question is, how long will it linger before fading back into the digital mists?
Callum Darby