Retro gaming has seen a huge resurgence in recent years through the accessibility of download services such as Xbox Live, Steam, Wii Channel and the App store, but even with the extensive collection of titles available, the true ‘arcade feel’ has been hard to recreate without sacrificing the money and space needed for a full-blown cabinet set up.
Recognising retro gamers desire for a more authentic experience, there have been a number of companies including Analogue Interactive and Ion Audio that have recently released products on to the market which hope to bridge the gap between home and arcade.
Analogue Interactive’s ‘Consolised’ NEO GEO MVS
Widely regarded as one of Japan’s leading arcade game developers throughout the 90’s, NEO GEO originally released the MVS as a hub allowing arcade owners to play all of the company’s releases as cartridges in a standard cabinet set up. In a strictly limited run, retro-inspired design house Analogue Interactive have taken the MVS’ components and re-housed them in a beautiful hand made walnut case. Offering all of the digital ‘outs’ needed to run through the composite of any HD t.v, the CMVS is compatible with all of NEO GEO’s controllers and arcade sticks.
Whilst both the console and cartridges are way out of most game enthusiasts reach (the CMVS retails at $650, with game cartridges running between $40-$1000), the CMVS offers a truly authentic arcade experience for those short on space.
Samurai Showdown, Metal Slug and King of Fighters, 3 of NEO GEO’s flagship creations.
Ion Audio’s iCade iPad Cabinet
Apple’s App store has proven to be one of the most successful sources for retro gaming classics in recent years, with compilations from the likes of Elite, Capcom and Atari catering for most nostalgic gamers needs. Whilst most of the apps available offer loyal re-creations of our favourite coin-eaters, the touch screen controls often let the experience down, offering none of the feedback of a robust arcade stick and button.
Peripheral company Ion Audio have recently released a solution to this problem in the form of the iCade, a cabinet-like stand which can hold any iPad, offering authentic arcade controls for an ever growing collection of App store games including Atari’s Greatest Hits, Ironstar Arena and Mos Speedrun. Based on the sturdy JAMMA arcade cabinet controls, the 8 buttons and stick have been knowingly designed using tough materials for the inevitable abuse they will receive.
The iCade is available now through Firebox at £89.99.
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