Arcade1Up Class of 81 Ms. PAC-Man/Galaga Countercade - Retro 3-Game

Our review of the Arcade1Up Class of 81 Ms. PAC-Man/Galaga Countercade finds it best for casual players and collectors seeking an authentic, compact arcade feel without the fuss of assembly. The single biggest reason to buy is its faithful recreation of classic gameplay on a built-in 7 in LCD screen with full-size, real-feel arcade controls, delivering recognizable cabinet action in a tabletop package that works straight out of the box.

Key Features

• 7 in LCD Screen: A bright, built-in display that presents the three classic games clearly for close-up tabletop play.
• Full-Size Real-Feel Controls: Full-size joystick and buttons give a tactile experience closer to original cabinets for more authentic play.
• Coinless Operation: Play sessions without tokens or coins so kids and adults can jump straight into the action.
• Adjustable Variable Volume: Volume control lets you tune sound to suit a game room or shared space without disturbance.
• No Assembly Required: Ready to play out of the box, so setup is fast and simple for gift-giving or casual use.

Who It's For

This Countercade is ideal for nostalgia seekers who want a small, self-contained way to replay Ms. PAC-Man, Galaga and one other classic without restoring a full cabinet. It suits families looking for a plug-and-play console for a game room, dorm, or kids' area where portability and immediate play matter.

It is less ideal for players who expect a full-size upright cabinet experience or those who need a large shared-screen display; opinions on size and joystick feel are mixed, so enthusiasts demanding professional-quality controls may prefer a larger dedicated machine or custom rebuild.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authentic arcade gameplay with games that play like the originals, offering strong nostalgia value.
• Well-built and ready out of the box, delivering good value for money and straightforward use.
• Adjustable volume and coinless play make it convenient for family or shared spaces.

Cons

• Size is compact and may feel very small to some users compared to a full cabinet, which limits viewing distance.
• Joystick quality receives mixed feedback, so control feel may not satisfy all arcade purists.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Arcade1Up Class of 81 Countercade is a compact, well-made plug-and-play option for casual players and retro fans who want faithful versions of Ms. PAC-Man and Galaga without setup hassle. It represents solid value for a tabletop arcade experience, though those seeking a larger screen or premium joystick may want a different model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it need assembly?
No, the console requires no assembly and is ready to play out of the box.

Can multiple people play at once?
It is designed primarily for single-player sessions on the built-in screen; multiplayer options depend on the included game modes.

Is the screen bright enough for a game room?
The 7 in LCD is clear and bright for close-up tabletop gaming but is small for large rooms or distant viewing.