In the early 1980s, long before the advent of affordable home computers and major game consoles, handheld electronic games were all the rage. These tiny, pocket-sized gadgets were the pinnacle of hi-tech entertainment for kids and adults alike. From classics like Mattel’s Soccer and Auto Race to the iconic Nintendo Game & Watch series, these electronic wonders ruled the Argos winter catalog.
Among these early electronic designs, tabletop games held a special place in the hearts of many. Games like Astro Wars, Caveman, and Tron were designed to mimic miniature arcade machines, complete with tiny joysticks, buttons, and intricate artwork. What set them apart was their built-in vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs), which could emit light and color, offering a more vibrant visual experience compared to the monochrome screens found on LCD-based electronic games like Game & Watch. While these tabletop games were notorious battery hogs, they were mainly meant for home use, so they could often be plugged in for extended gameplay sessions.
Game designer Rhod Broadbent fondly remembers the excitement of having these miniature arcade cabinets at home, with their digital startup sounds and futuristic intro animations. Each device’s controls were thoughtfully tailored to the gameplay, creating a seamless and immersive gaming experience.
At the time, there were consoles like the ColecoVision and the Atari 2600, which also allowed you to play arcade-style games at home. However, one limitation in many households of the early ’80s was the scarcity of televisions. “Often there may have been only one TV in the house, or even if there was a second smaller portable TV, it might have been shared with siblings,” says Paul Andrews, MD of Retro Games, a company known for retro consoles like the C64 and A500 Mini, which owns the rights to classic game brands Grandstand and Quickshot. This is where handheld and tabletop games came to the rescue, offering kids the opportunity to enjoy arcade-style gaming in their bedrooms or on the go with friends.
Some of the best tabletop games were crafted by Japanese companies like Tomy, Epoch, and Bandai, while U.S. manufacturers such as Coleco and Entex also made impressive contributions. Many of these tabletop devices featured clever adaptations of popular arcade titles, making classics like Scramble, Zaxxon, and Donkey Kong accessible to gamers at home. Some even introduced dual-screen competitive games, like Tomy’s Alien Chase and Bandai’s anime-inspired Space Guardian Gundam. In the UK, Grandstand Games was the go-to distributor for these excellent devices.
Now, fast forward to the present, and we’re witnessing a remarkable resurgence of tabletop arcade gaming. About five years ago, SNK released the Neo Geo Mini, a self-contained micro cabinet packed with 40 classic titles. It capitalized on SNK’s arcade legacy and offered modern features such as game saves and HDMI output, akin to the Nintendo Mini NES. Sega followed suit with the Astro City Mini, a reproduction of its iconic Astro City arcade cabinet, offering 37 built-in titles, screen filtering options, and 720p output when connected to a TV.
As new devices continue to emerge, the design of these mini coin-op machines has become more diverse. Sega’s Astro City Mini V, for instance, boasts a larger display and an aspect ratio optimized for vertically scrolling games. Taito released the Egret II Mini, featuring a 5-inch display that can be rotated 90 degrees, allowing players to enjoy both vertical and horizontal scrolling games in their original aspect ratios.
So, why are legacy video game brands so interested in reviving tabletop arcade gaming? Tech writer and broadcaster Ewan Spence suggests that they’ve found a niche in the retro hardware sector, as they can’t compete with larger markets dominated by Nintendo. These tabletop devices offer small volumes, guaranteed sales, and the ability to leverage existing games, all while utilizing readily available components.
The revival of tabletop arcade gaming has even given rise to a cottage industry. Manufacturers like Arcade1Up create “countercades,” which are smaller versions of popular arcade games, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and NBA Jam. These machines run emulated versions of the games and are more affordable than purchasing full-sized arcade cabinets. Moreover, a growing online community has emerged around modifying these machines to run various console and arcade emulators. Additionally, the Pimorini Picade, a Raspberry Pi-based mini arcade machine, has gained popularity for its versatility and ability to run open-source emulators.
However, the resurgence of tabletop arcade gaming isn’t just about playing the games; it’s about celebrating the aesthetics of these nostalgic objects. The original machines featured intricate designs, beautiful decals, and VFD screens surrounded by illustrations that enhanced the gaming experience. Just as vinyl records are appreciated for their visual and tactile appeal, tabletop arcade games are cherished as ornaments as much as for their gameplay. Some of these classic devices have even found their way into prestigious collections, such as the V&A museum, which proudly displays an Astro Wars machine.
Looking at the Sega Astro City Mini or other modern tabletop arcade games, it’s easy to be transported back to the 1980s when flipping the ‘on’ switch felt like a gateway to a futuristic world. Today, tabletop arcade games offer a distilled dream of having a full arcade experience right on your table, combining nostalgia with a renewed appreciation for classic gaming.