The quest to recapture the glory days of the 1980s and 90s arcade has become an established fixture in modern home entertainment. For those who yearn for the pixelated perfection of their youth, the company Arcade1Up has been the primary purveyor of this accessible nostalgia, delivering three-quarter-scale cabinet replicas. Now, for the first time since their launch, the critically acclaimed Classic Special Edition (SE) line has received a significant price reduction, marking a crucial moment for budget-conscious collectors.
This event signals a favorable market shift, making the entry point into home arcade ownership considerably more palatable. The featured titles—Mortal Kombat II, Pac-Man, and Ms. Pac-Man—are not merely discounted; they represent cornerstone IP of the golden age of gaming.
The Special Edition Advantage: Nostalgia, Refined
The Classic Special Edition line was designed to offer the core arcade experience in a streamlined package. While these models are slightly shorter than their Deluxe counterparts—standing just under four feet tall—they maintain the quality controls (joysticks, buttons, dual speakers) that define the Arcade1Up experience. Critically, these cabinets are loaded with extensive game libraries—a generous 13 titles per machine.
The current pricing sees these Classic SE units dropping from $334 to a compelling $284. This $50 saving immediately addresses the common barrier to entry for many potential buyers.
The Riser Conundrum: A Technical Necessity
We must address the elephant in the living room, or rather, the height of the cabinet. For any enthusiast over the age of ten, the 4-foot stature of the SE units necessitates an upgrade. Arcade1Up, perhaps acknowledging this universal truth, has also discounted the official Classic SE Riser, dropping its price from $60 to just $39. Integrating this accessory increases the cabinet height to 61–62 inches, effectively matching the height of the pricier Deluxe editions. When purchasing the cabinet and riser together at these new discounted rates, the combined savings become impossible to ignore.
Featured Classic Special Edition Breakdowns
The appeal of these cabinets lies not just in their hardware, but in the curated collections of classic titles they host. Each unit offers a deep dive into its respective franchise`s history:
Mortal Kombat II: Get Over Here (and Get Online)
The Mortal Kombat II Classic Special Edition is arguably the most feature-rich in the SE lineup. It provides two sets of controls, enabling crucial head-to-head local multiplayer—an essential component for any fighting game cabinet. Beyond the impressive Raiden character art adorning the sides, the machine boasts online multiplayer capabilities for its key titles.
- Core Fighting Games: Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
- Midway Classics: Rampage, Joust, Gauntlet, Paperboy, Defender, Klax, and more.
For collectors, the inclusion of *Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3*, widely regarded as a pinnacle entry in the franchise, makes this cabinet a strategic acquisition.
Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man: The Maze Maestros
The yellow and blue cabinets, dedicated to Namco`s enduring maze franchises, offer slightly differing but equally nostalgic game lists. Both Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man models include online leaderboards, adding a competitive, modern layer to these 1980s time capsules.
- Common Highlights: Galaga, Galaxian, Galaga `88, Dig Dug, Dig Dug 2, Mappy, Rompers.
- Ms. Pac-Man SE Unique Titles: Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Mania, The Tower of Druaga.
- Pac-Man SE Unique Titles: Pac-Man, King & Balloon.
Beyond the Classics: Deluxe and Countercade Discounts
The sale extends beyond the SE line, offering competitive pricing on several larger format and counter-top machines. This is particularly noteworthy as several deals currently surpass the price cuts seen during major holiday sale events, such as Black Friday.
Deluxe Edition Sale Highlights: Power and Presence
Deluxe cabinets typically feature larger 17-inch screens, light-up marquees, and a taller 5-foot stance from the outset. Key discounts include:
- NBA Jam Deluxe: Discounted to $350 (Original Price: $500). A must-have for four-player sports action.
- The Fast & the Furious Deluxe: Down to $500 (Original Price: $600). This model includes specialized racing controls (wheel and pedals) and two major racing titles.
Countercades: The Compact Solution
For those severely limited by space, the countertop units—the Countercades—offer maximum retro impact with minimal footprint. These compact units are ideal for desks, bars, or kitchen counters.
- Ms. Pac-Man / Galaga Countercade: Available for $130 (Original Price: $150).
- Pac-Man Countercade: Also priced at $130 (Original Price: $150).
A Technical Conclusion
The current markdown on the Arcade1Up Classic Special Edition machines—especially when paired with the discounted Riser—offers the most economically efficient path to owning a multi-game home arcade unit to date. For the dedicated enthusiast, this sale represents an opportunity to secure essential retro gaming hardware at a price point that moves beyond mere novelty and enters the realm of essential collector value. Given the history of rapid inventory depletion for popular models, prospective buyers are advised to act with the efficiency of a Pac-Man clearing a maze.
Callum Darby 
Oliver Brampton