The Arcade1Up PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table, Full Home Machine, Black Series Edition offers a classic gaming experience right in the comfort of your home. For retro gaming enthusiasts and those looking to relive the glory days of the arcade, this table promises to bring back memories of the golden age of gaming with a modern twist. But how does it stack up in terms of design, performance, ease of use, and overall value? Let’s dive deep into the features, pros, cons, and everything you need to know about this exciting product.
Overview of the Arcade1Up Brand
Arcade1Up has made a name for itself by bringing full-size arcade cabinets and tables to the home market. Known for producing retro-themed gaming machines with modern features, the company aims to recreate the nostalgia of the 1980s arcade scene. Their products, including the PAC-MAN series, come in various forms—mini arcade machines, counter-cades, and now, a full arcade table that features a multi-game setup and a sleek design meant to mimic the high-end home furnishings of today.
The PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table from the Black Series Edition sits at the top of their line of offerings, providing an authentic arcade feel with updated hardware and a polished, upscale design.
Design and Build Quality
Appearance
One of the standout features of the PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table is its sleek, modern design. The Black Series edition uses a black, glossy finish that gives the cabinet a refined and sophisticated look. The table’s top is a vibrant, well-lit display that shows off the colorful graphics of PAC-MAN and other classic games in high resolution. This edition is intended not just as a gaming machine, but also as an elegant piece of furniture that can blend seamlessly with most living rooms or game rooms.
The game table has a distinctive rectangular shape, sitting on a sturdy frame with four legs. The legs themselves are solid, and the overall build is robust enough to provide long-lasting durability. While the table’s exterior is visually appealing, it’s important to note that its design is a bit bulky, which may make it less suited for very small spaces. However, for those with larger rooms or dedicated game areas, the table’s size and presence are undoubtedly a plus.
Dimensions
- Width: 40 inches
- Height: 30 inches
- Depth: 25 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds (approx.)
It’s worth noting that the table is designed for seated play, so it’s not too high, making it comfortable to use while sitting at a couch or in a chair. That being said, this isn’t a "bar-height" style table, and you won’t be able to comfortably stand and play on it for long stretches.
Build Quality
Arcade1Up has clearly invested in higher-quality materials for the Black Series edition. The cabinet is solid and well-built, featuring MDF (medium-density fiberboard) construction with a glossy laminate coating for an upscale appearance. The controls, including the joystick and buttons, feel solid and responsive—critical for an authentic arcade experience.
The table’s display is a 17-inch LCD screen with an LED backlight, offering clear, bright visuals even in well-lit rooms. The screen’s clarity is excellent, and the colors pop without looking too saturated, which can sometimes be a problem in cheaper arcade reproductions. The controls feel very much like the original arcade game, with the joystick and buttons providing satisfying tactile feedback that many users appreciate.
Features and Games
Games Included
The PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table doesn’t just offer the classic PAC-MAN experience—it’s a multi-game machine. In addition to PAC-MAN, the machine comes with several other beloved titles from the same era, including:
- PAC-MAN
- PAC-MAN Plus
- Super PAC-MAN
- PAC & PAL
- Dig Dug
- Galaga
Having multiple games built into the table increases its replay value and ensures that users of all ages can find something fun to play. While PAC-MAN is the main attraction, the inclusion of Dig Dug and Galaga—two other timeless arcade hits—adds significant value for those seeking variety in their retro gaming experience.
All games are true to their arcade origins, preserving the look and feel of the original titles. The emulation is flawless, and there’s no noticeable lag or performance hiccups during gameplay.
Controls and User Experience
The PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table uses a joystick-and-button setup for gameplay, mimicking the controls of the original arcade cabinets. The joystick is an 8-way, micro-switched stick, which feels responsive and provides a satisfying tactile feedback when moving PAC-MAN around the screen or navigating through menus. The buttons are equally responsive, with a satisfying "click" when pressed.
One notable feature is the fact that the table has a rotating control deck, which allows you to play in either portrait or landscape orientation depending on the game. For example, PAC-MAN and Galaga are designed to be played in portrait mode, while Dig Dug and Super PAC-MAN are optimized for landscape. This rotating feature is a clever design choice that enhances the overall experience and lets you easily switch between games without compromising on comfort.
The controls are also designed to be durable, and users have reported minimal issues with sticking buttons or unresponsive joysticks. This should provide a sense of reliability over long-term use.
Sound
The Black Series edition features high-quality, built-in speakers that deliver the iconic arcade sound effects and music from the games. PAC-MAN’s chomping, the ghosts’ sound effects, and the winning jingles are reproduced crisply and loudly enough to be heard from a distance. The volume controls are easily accessible and allow for a full range of sound, from subtle background music to the unmistakable arcade noise that fills the room when you score big.
Performance
The performance of the PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table is one of its strongest selling points. The gameplay is smooth, and the games load quickly, with no noticeable lag. The graphics, while not cutting-edge by today’s standards, are sharp and crisp, making the whole experience feel authentic. The game emulations are faithful to the original arcade machines, so even purists will appreciate the care taken in ensuring that each title feels like the real deal.
The responsive joystick and buttons mean that players can rely on precise controls, whether they’re dodging ghosts in PAC-MAN or shooting enemies in Galaga. Overall, the machine performs as expected—offering an arcade-quality experience without any technical glitches or issues.
Ease of Setup
Setting up the PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table is fairly straightforward, especially when compared to full-size arcade cabinets. The table comes partially assembled, and users only need to attach the legs, the control panel, and connect the necessary wiring. The instructions are clear, and most users report being able to set up the machine in about 30 minutes to an hour.
One minor drawback is that it’s relatively heavy, so if you’re planning to move it after setup, you’ll need help or a dolly to avoid straining yourself.
Value for Money
Compared to traditional arcade cabinets or full-sized gaming setups, the Arcade1Up PAC-MAN table offers a more compact and cost-effective option that doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of quality. It’s an excellent way to enjoy some of the best arcade games from the past, and it can also serve as a conversation piece or centerpiece in a game room or living area.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Multiple classic games included – Enjoy PAC-MAN, Dig Dug, Galaga, and others.
- Sleek, modern design – Looks great in any room as a piece of furniture.
- Rotating control deck – Supports portrait and landscape orientations.
- Authentic arcade experience – Solid controls, high-quality sound, and faithful emulations.
- Easy to set up – Assembly takes about an hour, and the machine is user-friendly.
- Great for social play – Perfect for friends and family gatherings.
Cons:
- Size and weight – At 90 pounds, it’s bulky and may be difficult to move.
- Limited game library – While the included games are fantastic, more titles would be appreciated.
- Price – On the higher end compared to other home gaming options, though justified by the quality.
Final Thoughts
The Arcade1Up PAC-MAN Arcade Game Table, Full Home Machine, Black Series Edition is an excellent choice for retro gaming enthusiasts or anyone who wants to relive the joy of arcade classics in their own home. It delivers on its promise of nostalgia with high-quality emulations of PAC-MAN and other arcade staples, all in a stylish, well-built package.
While it’s not a budget option, its build quality, range of included games, and attractive design make it worth the investment for those who want to capture the essence of the arcade era without leaving home. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, this table brings an iconic slice of gaming history into a new, more polished form.
