If you’re a gamer over the age of 30 with a decent amount of disposable income, you’ve likely come across Quarter Arcades. This renowned brand offers 1/4-scale reproductions of famous coin-operated arcade machines. Collaborating with industry giants such as Namco, Taito, and Konami, Quarter Arcades has expanded its lineup over the years. Now, with the introduction of Konami’s 1989 classic, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT), the Quarter Arcades family is taking nostalgia to a whole new level.
The Quarter Arcades family includes iconic titles like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Bubble Bobble. These legendary games hold a special place in gaming history and are treasured by enthusiasts. However, the arrival of Konami’s TMNT coin-op arcade cabinet truly raises the stakes for players of a certain age.
Quarter Arcades prides itself on its meticulous attention to detail, and the TMNT replica is no exception. Every aspect of the original cabinet has been faithfully recreated, from the four-player control deck to the illuminated marquee and vibrant side panel artwork. Even the functionality of the 1989 cabinet is replicated, such as the ability to control different turtles based on which coin slot was used. The inclusion of four color-coded stickers, originally used to denote character selection, adds an extra touch of authenticity.
A Digital Journey
Like its predecessors, the TMNT cabinet runs via emulation. The default scanline filter brings a nostalgic feel to the display, but some distortion at the bottom of the screen results in darker lines. Thankfully, Quarter Arcades has included a settings menu that allows users to disable the CRT scanline feature by holding down the attack buttons of Player One and Two during boot. This customization option ensures optimal visual quality.
Packaging Convenience
While the TMNT cabinet boasts four sets of fully functioning controls, gathering four people around such a compact unit can be challenging. Recognizing this, Quarter Arcades has included four concealed USB ports on the front of the cabinet. These ports, cleverly hidden behind flaps that simulate coin storage, allow users to connect USB controllers for multiplayer gameplay. Although Quarter Arcades offers its own two-button NES-style USB pad, the cabinet is compatible with virtually any USB controller, including the popular Switch Pro controller.
One small drawback of the TMNT cabinet is the absence of an HDMI connection option. This means that playing the game with four players can be difficult due to the limited visibility on the small built-in screen. However, considering that Konami’s TMNT arcade game is readily available on modern consoles, such as the Cowabunga Collection, the appeal of investing £250 in a miniature replica may not be universal. Quarter Arcades caters to collectors with a passion for arcade nostalgia who are willing to invest in a unique display piece.
A Collector’s Treasure
Quarter Arcades’ TMNT replica lives up to the brand’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and visually striking design. Whether or not this cabinet is a worthwhile purchase depends on one’s affinity for TMNT and the desire to showcase miniature arcade machines in a personal gaming den. Keep in mind that some external links in this article are affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small percentage of the sale. For additional information, please refer to our FTC Disclosure.
As gaming enthusiasts continue to seek out nostalgic experiences, Quarter Arcades fulfills the desires of collectors looking to bring the magic of classic arcades into their homes. With their ever-expanding lineup of iconic titles and their unwavering dedication to authenticity, Quarter Arcades has firmly established itself as a pioneer in the realm of arcade replicas.
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