One reason to invest in the best mini arcade machine is its portability and playability. The retro arcade games are not only entertaining but educative to young minds.
When space or circumstances doesn’t allow for a standard-size arcade machine, the mini portable version is the next best option.
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You can then play the classic arcade games (think of Pac-man or Galaga) almost anywhere; home, office, or when out camping!
Read below our list of the top mini arcade machines.
Top 9 Arcade Machines
1. My Arcade Micro Player Mini Arcade Machine: Pac-Man Video Game, Fully Playable, 6.75 Inch Collectible, Color Display, Speaker, Volume Buttons, Headphone Jack, Battery or Micro USB Powered
Top Features
Screen size: 2.75 inches
Cabinet height: 6.75 inches
Power: micro USB cable or dry cells
The mini arcade machine boasts a 2.75 inch full-color TFT screen and high-quality original artwork. Therefore, it presents both a captivating look and premium quality.
You can control the game using the directional pad or the joystick. When you don’t need the joystick, simply remove it and get along with the D-pad.
Besides the original artworks, the game has dual front speakers and volume. When in a noisy room, the headphone jack lets you enjoy the nostalgic soundtrack of the Pac-man game.
You can power the 6.75 inches mini arcade machine using either 4 AA batteries or a micro USB cable. Although it features only a single game, Pac-man enthusiasts will find it very hard to put down.
What We Like About It:
- Premium look from the original artwork on the cabinet
- Dual power supply; micro USB or Size AA batteries
- Detachable joystick
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Features a single game
2. My Arcade Retro Machine Playable Mini Arcade: 200 Retro Style Games Built-In, 5.75 Inch Tall, Powered by AA Batteries, 2.5 Inch Color Display, Speaker, Volume Control
Top Features
Screen size: 2.5 inches
Cabinet size: 5.75 inches
Power: 3 dry cells, AA size
200 games
Its cabinet stands only 5.75 inches and so it fits even small spaces. You can easily put it in your bag when traveling. Its compact size allows you to hold it in your hands without any trouble.
Despite its tiny size, the handheld mini arcade machine has a total of 200 built-in retro-style video games. And for convenience, the games cover different themes such as racing, sports, puzzles, shooting running, and educational themes. So besides passing time it educates and sharpens the young minds.
At the same time, it employs a 2.5-inch screen that provides full color and hence a better gaming platform than a black and white display. As for power, it requires 3 size AA batteries.
Its two speakers produce ample sound to match the colorful display. Volume control lets you dictate the right sound level for your ears. But if you don’t like the sound you can turn it off.
What We Like About It:
- Numerous games of various genres
- Full-color screen
- Fits into even small bags when traveling
- Wide spaced control buttons
- Pocket friendly
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Some of the games aren’t interesting
3. GBD Retro Kids Mini Arcade Game Consoles Machine
Top Features
Screen size: 2.5 inches
Cabinet size: 7 inches
Power: rechargeable dry cells, AAA
200 games
If you need the mini arcade game console that supports numerous thrilling games the GBD retro kids counts among the best mini arcade machines.
It features 200 built-in retro video games of different genres. That include action, puzzle, sports, table, adventure, and educational games.
So it isn’t just for entertainment but educates young minds regarding logical thinking and better eye coordination.
Its 2.5-inch TFT screen and 16-bit quality video give a captivating sight. And whether in a shiny or poorly lit environment, the screen is still visible. That’s because of the enhanced rear light of the screen.
By size, it measures 7 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches and weighs 3.53 ounces. So it’s lightweight and portable. It uses 3-size AAA rechargeable batteries. And on a single charge, the cells drive it for about 3 to 4 hours of gameplay.
What We Like About It:
- Multiple games
- Various genres and educative too
- Lightweight and portable
- Screen visible in even low lit or shinny environment
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- An improvement in battery life could have made it much better
- Few claims of difficulty in using the joystick
4. Golden Security Mini Arcade Game Machine 156 Classic Handheld Games
Screen size: 2.8 inches
Cabinet size: 5.75 inches
Power: internal rechargeable battery or dry cells
A total of 156 games
When looking for the best handheld mini arcade game machine, the Golden security stands out. Though tiny and portable it packs features that support a captivating gameplay.
The mini arcade game has 156 classic retro-styled games of 1990s with varying degrees of fun. On full charging, you can play it for about 2 hours. Alternatively, it also accepts 3 AA batteries.
Its six dedicated buttons and the joystick gives easy to control. Accordingly, that elevates your gaming experience to the next level.
Unlike the previous version, it has a 2.8-inch colorful TFT screen with eye protection. That means you can enjoy gaming even in dark light.
For large pictures, it has a video output that easily connects to a large screen. The built-in games produce
What We Like About It:
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- Colorful screen with eye protection and wide viewing angle
- Multiple Sego games
- Easy to play even in the dark
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Gets slightly warm in the hands after playing for a while
5. My Arcade Space Invaders Micro Player: Fully Playable, 6.75″ Collectible, Backlit Marquee, Original Arcade Game Version
Top Features
Screen size: unspecified
Cabinet size: 6.75 inches
Power: micro USB cable or dry cells, AA
My arcade space invaders machine classic edition measures 6.9 x 5.6 x 8.7 inches and weighs 0.58kg. The lightweight and compact size make it highly portable.
The miniature cabinet construction and the graphics on it vividly replicate the original Space invaders arcade game cabinet. The backlit moonscape and screen further give it a close imitation of the parent cabinet.
Like in the original version, the screen projects to a mirror and therefore giving the space invader an authentic feel. On the other hand, the ample sound from the front speakers and the responsive joystick and buttons.
Its versatile power input includes either 4 AA batteries or a micro USB cable.
What We Like About It:
- Impressive screen projection
- Versatile power input
- Solid construction
- The art on the miniature cabinet simulates the original cabinet perfectly
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Bass lacking in the sound output
6. My Arcade Mini Player 10 Inch Arcade Machine: 20 Built-In Games, Fully Playable, Pac-Man, Galaga, Mappy and
Top Features
Screen size: 4.25 inches
Cabinet size: 10 inches
Power: micro USB power adapter
20 games
My arcade mini-player boasts a 10-inch tall cabinet that fits kids perfectly. It also has a 4.25-Inch full-color display that brings the vivid display of the pictures and hence adds to its thrill.
In total it offers you 20 captivating arcade games of the 1980s. That includes famous games such as Pac-man, Mappy, Galaga, and Galaxian. Hence the player is more likely to get a game that appeals to his taste.
At the front, it has two speakers that unleash ample sound for a more entertaining and hooking experience. Alternatively, you can listen to the soundtrack through the headphone jack.
And to make each play more realistic the mini arcade player machine features a light-up marquee and glowing coin trap. The entire unit powers via a micro USB power adapter that plugs into the wall socket.
When you don’t want to use the joystick, you can detach it and control the game using the direction pad.
What We Like About It:
- Plenty of arcade games to choose
- Detachable joystick
- Appealing design
- Long power adaptor
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- It has no option for batteries.
- Its tiny size fits mainly kids
7. Arcade Classics – Frogger Retro Handheld mini Arcade Game
Top Features
Screen size: unspecified
Cabinet size: 5.75 inches
Power: 3 dry cells of size AA
From the graphics, sound, and gameplay, the mini arcade classics machine rekindles the memories of the arcade games of 80s. The arcade machine measures 4 x 5.75 x 2 inches and weighs 0.6lbs only.
For that reason, a child of 8 years and above can comfortably hold it in his hands. Unlike other arcade machines that power through the wall socket, the Frogger handheld machine uses 3-size AA batteries.
Its bright screen, authentic joystick control, and accompanying sound greatly enhance the gameplay. It shares in many ways with the original game. Although it feels relatively small for an adult, a gamer of 8 or 10 years will find it a great asset.
What We Like About It:
- Lightweight and convenient to hold in the hands
- Easy to use
- Controls are within reach
- Very portable
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- A bigger screen could have been much better
8. BRIO 34017 Pinball Game | A Classic Vintage, Arcade Style Tabletop Game
Top Features
Table top size: 20.5 x 13.5 inches
2 ramps and 2 tunnels and four targets
Power: needs no power
If you enjoy playing Pinball game, then the BRIO 34017 mini Pinball game is for you. The tabletop game measures 20.5 x 13.5 inches. It has a durable construction design that mainly taps on wood material. That way it can withstand the rough play by kids
Whether an adult or a kid of age 6 and above, you can enjoy playing the mini tabletop pinball game. The arcade mini-game requires no batteries. Instead, it uses the spring-loaded wooden launcher to direct the ball to a target.
If the electronic games and the accompanying music isn’t your choice, then most likely you’ll find the pinball game enjoyable. Besides entertainment, the mini tabletop pinball game helps kids in motor skills development, concentration, and hand-eye coordination.
The two ramps, two tunnels, and four targets present real challenges yet are still enjoyable.
What We Like About It:
- Durable construction
- Doesn’t require any power to play
- The rolling off of the ball on wood produces a sound that simulates the real pinball game
- It uses the FSC certified wood
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- It’s easy to misplace the balls
9. Tiny Arcade Tetris arcade machine
Top Features
Screen size: 1.5 inches
Cabinet size: 3.75 inches
Power: 3 dry cells of size AA
It comes in a cabinet of size 3.75 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches and a screen display of 1.5 inches. The display supports full color, of high resolution, and hence intriguing.
For easy gameplay, the tiny arcade Tetris machine has dual control buttons and a joystick. You only require 3 size AA batteries to power up it.
Even the accompanying sounds make the arcade game more interesting to play. Except that it’s the miniature version it almost replicates the original arcade game in all other aspects.
What We Like About It:
- Sharp and bright screen
- Batteries are easy to access or replace
- Tiny and playable
- Replicates the original arcade game in many ways
What We Didn’t Like About It
- It has no mute button or volume control
How to Choose a Good Mini Arcade Machine
Number of Games
Real arcade machines have many games. Although miniature versions can’t compare to the original arcade games, some models give you several built-in video games to play. For a real value for your cash more games are better.
Types of Games
Besides many games, it’s better if the machine offers different genres of games. For example, a mix of Pac-man, asteroids, street fighting, puzzles, and other educational games gives a nice variety to consider.
Power
Consider the type of power the unit uses. Do you have to plug it in the wall socket always? Such design hinders game console mobility. Some models have either an internal rechargeable battery or provision for dry cells. Whichever option, a high capacity battery means long hours of gameplay.
Screen
The display plays an integral role in using the mini arcade machines. A bright and bigger screen provides better gameplay, though at a high price tag. Ideally, the screen should also support a wide viewing angle.
Durability
Don’t forget to consider the durability of the equipment. The unit should be made of materials that can withstand the rough play of kids.
Price
Come up with a budget on the maximum amount of money you wish to invest in the mini arcade equipment. Then consider the brands that fits that budget. Comb through their features, number of games and durability then make your choice.
Conclusion
The best mini arcade machine makes a great investment for both kids and adults. It rekindles the memories of arcade games of the yesteryears. And when you have some time to spare, it gives you time to play, bond, and have some fun with your kids.