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As anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m a bit obsessed with arcades. I drag my friends to gaming bars any chance I get and am quick to talk-trash about my Galaga scores even if they’re not that great. After recently getting my hands on a few tiny arcade toys for my desk, I inevitably found my way to Arcade1Up, a company that makes replica machines that mostly look and feel the way you remember from the sticky-floored amusement centers of old.
I’ve since spent months in an Arcade1Up rabbit hole, watching hours of YouTube videos of middle-aged dudes showing off their game rooms while feverishly refreshing retailers every day in search of deals. So, when I spotted this huge Black Friday deal on a Ms. Pac-Man Class of 1981 countercade, I jumped on it right away.
This countertop game comes with five arcade classics including Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. It’s no longer at its lowest-ever Black Friday price and is going out of stock, but the standard Pac-Man edition is currently available for $20 off.
Arcade1Up is perhaps best known for its 3/4 scale machines, which stand around five feet tall and more or less resemble the real thing at a quick glance. And while I’d love to have a full-on NFL Blitz or Marvel vs. Capcom 2 cabinet in my home someday, I live in a one-bedroom apartment in New York City, and also don’t want to shell out $400 to $600 just for an occasional hit of nostalgia. That’s why the company’s countercades are perfect for me.
These scaled-down machines are designed to fit pretty much anywhere you have a few feet of space. I recently picked up the Marvel Super Heroes edition on sale for $100, and its full-size controls and vibrant screen have made it a delight to have at my kitchen counter or desk — even if it’s absolutely hampered my productivity. I knew I’d want to get another one eventually, and considering how much I love trying to be good at Galaga, the Class of ’81 cab was too good to pass up.
This mini-machine gets you Ms. Pac-Man, Dig Dug and Galaga (all bonafide classics) as well as Galaxian and Galaga ’88 (which you may be less familiar with). And despite its small size, it’s a pretty faithful-looking replica of the actual Class of 1981 cabinet that came out in 2000, complete with the same iconic side panel artwork and instructions for each game around the bezel.
This 44% off deal is one of the steepest I’ve seen for an Arcade1Up countercade — and the first I’ve seen on this particular model — which made it easy to pull the trigger. Unfortunately, a deal this sweet was too good to last long, and as of our last check, the Class of 1981 Ms. Pac Man countercade is out of stock with a sale price of $150. You can still nab the Pac-Man version for $20 off or check out this older $100 Ms. Pac-Man countercade from Target that has a different game lineup.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other great cabs of all sizes on sale for this busy shopping season, and I’ve done all the obsessive research on them to find the best deals so you don’t have to. See my top picks below.
The best Arcade1Up Black Friday deals still live
One of the most popular countercades, this 3-in-1 NBA Jam machine makes a great gift for the sports lover in your life — especially at this lowest-ever sale price.
If you want to introduce your little one to the joys of arcade gaming (and possibly keep your own cabinet safe from destructive kid hands), this child-friendly machine will let them play Pac-Man, Galaga and Dig Dug for a great price.
Instantly get a game of Pong going on your kitchen table (or play one of five other Atari classics) with this compact and vintage-looking tabletop machine. This one has been on my personal wish list and also comes in a Ms. Pac-Man variation.
These head-to-head tables recreate the classic sit-down arcade experience, just without the ashtray. This model features 8 Marvel fighting games (most of which are great) and is one of the most sharply discounted at 59% off. Also available in Pong and Mortal Kombat variations.
If you want a stand-up Pac-Man machine and are cool with a loud-looking cabinet, the 14-game Pac-Mania edition is just about the best value out there at this lowest-ever price.
Arcade1Up’s Deluxe cabinets feature a more seamless, arcade-accurate look that stand tall without the need for a riser. Other deluxe models like Class of ’81, Street Fighter 2 and Mortal Kombat 2 are also on sale.
One of my personal dream machines, this NFL Blitz cab brings over-the-top football action right to your living room. It’s currently at the lowest price I’ve ever seen online for it.
If you’re like me and have fond memories of blasting away at light gun games at the arcade, this Time Crisis machine may be for you. It’s one of Arcade1Up’s newest and most expensive cabs, making this 11% discount a compelling one.
