Arcade1Up Countercades offer an excellent solution for those with limited space or a reluctance to spend $500 on a full-sized standing home arcade machine. Regrettably, it seemed Arcade1Up had ceased production of its compact series, with all Countercade models being discontinued. Up until recently, these units hadn`t been seen in stock since the previous holiday season. Consequently, it came as a pleasant surprise this week to discover the Arcade1Up Class of `81 Countercade back in stock at Amazon.
The Class of `81 Countercade unit features themes from Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, along with the inclusion of Dig Dug. This cabinet originally launched last October for $150 but vanished from retailers before Christmas. Its surprisingly brief market presence has been followed by an equally unexpected return to stock. Currently sold and shipped by Amazon, the Class of `81 Countercade is priced at $167.16. This represents only a $17 increase above its initial MSRP, which was considered quite low and likely contributed to its rapid sell-out.
If you`re eager to acquire this classic, act fast! On platforms like StockX, resellers are currently listing the Arcade1Up Class of `81 Countercade for as much as $299. This compact arcade machine is one of only about a dozen Arcade1Up cabinets presently available on Amazon.
The Class of `81 Countercade boasts a 7-inch, vertically oriented LCD screen, flanked by Ms. Pac-Man artwork on the left and Galaga artwork on the right. Despite its portable form factor, Arcade1Up Countercades provide full-sized controls. This particular model features a red ball-top arcade stick, two yellow buttons, one red button, and dedicated switches for power and volume. The marquee, side panels, and control deck are adorned with iconic Class of `81 art and logos.
As highlighted, this machine includes three timeless arcade classics developed by Namco:
- Ms. Pac-Man
- Galaga
- Dig Dug
Measuring 8.7 x 9.4 x 13.11 inches, the machine weighs a mere 6.3 pounds (approximately 2.8 kg). While designed for use on flat surfaces like desks or countertops, its lightweight nature makes it comfortable enough to rest on your lap while lounging on the couch. Powering the Class of `81 Countercade is convenient, either via the included Micro-USB cable or four AA batteries (not supplied), eliminating the need to be near an electrical outlet.
The preceding Pac-Man Countercade model was originally retailed at $200. Amazon`s product page now suggests that the $167.16 price point for the Class of `81 is its effective MSRP. Such pricing anomalies sometimes occur when Amazon restocks discontinued items, as the retailer occasionally applies unexpected prices to products that have become exclusive to its platform.