Game Over for Arcade1Up? Home Arcade Cabinet Manufacturer May Be Winding Down, According to Reddit

Arcade1Up, known for its affordable home versions of classic arcade cabinets, faces rumors of imminent closure after a leaked email surfaced on Reddit. The message, sent to the company’s beta team, states operations will end this Friday, though no official confirmation has come from Arcade1Up itself.

Here’s the TL;DR...

• A leaked email claims Arcade1Up is closing operations by week’s end, with the sender unable to comment on the brand’s future.

• Founded in 2018, the company revived arcade gaming at home with 3/4-scale cabinets featuring titles like Pac-Man and Street Fighter II.

• Popular products include deluxe editions, infinity tables, and collaborations with brands like NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat.

• No shutdown notice appears on the official website, which still lists items for sale.

• Community reactions highlight rising prices as a potential factor in the company’s struggles.

Is Arcade1Up Really Shutting Down Operations This Week?

Reports emerged on December 11, 2025, when a screenshot of an email from Arcade1Up circulated online. The note, dated December 10, addresses the beta team and reads, “Arcade1Up is closing operations. For the majority of us, our last day is this coming Friday.” It adds uncertainty about arcade systems and Infinity Tables continuing as normal.

Gaming forums and YouTube channels quickly picked up the story, but Arcade1Up’s website shows no such announcement. Products remain available for purchase, suggesting the closure might affect internal operations rather than immediate product support.

What Sparked Arcade1Up’s Rise in the Home Gaming Market?

Arcade1Up launched in 2018 under Tastemakers LLC, aiming to bring authentic arcade experiences into living rooms without the bulk of original machines. Early cabinets focused on nostalgia, replicating classics at a smaller scale with built-in emulators.

The company tapped into retro gaming trends, partnering with licensors like Atari and Namco to offer legal, pre-loaded games. Initial success came from affordable pricing, starting around $300, which made them accessible for casual collectors.

Which Iconic Games Filled Arcade1Up’s Cabinets Over the Years?

Arcade1Up’s lineup grew to include dozens of titles across various cabinets. Standouts feature Pac-Man, Galaga, Centipede, and Asteroids from Atari packs, alongside fighting games like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat II.

Other hits encompass NBA Jam for basketball fans, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaborations, and Marvel vs. Capcom crossovers. Deluxe editions added modern twists, such as online multiplayer in select models, while the Infinity Game Table expanded to digital board games like Monopoly.

How Did Arcade1Up’s Pricing and Product Strategy Evolve?

Early cabinets hovered at $299 to $399, drawing in buyers with value-packed bundles. Over time, prices climbed to $599 or more for premium versions, incorporating larger screens and better controls.

Community feedback on forums points to repetitive releases and higher costs as pain points, with some users noting the shift reduced appeal. Despite this, innovations like claw machines and pinball tables kept the brand in the conversation through 2025.

What Could This Mean for Arcade1Up Owners and the Retro Scene?

The email hints that existing systems might operate as usual, but details remain unclear. Owners worry about software updates or parts availability, though no changes have hit the market yet.

Rivals like AtGames or custom builders could fill the gap if Arcade1Up winds down. The rumor has sparked clearance sale hopes among fans, even as the company stays silent.

As rumors of Arcade1Up’s closure circulate, the company’s impact on reviving arcade nostalgia stands firm. If confirmed, it marks the end of a seven-year run that brought classics back affordably, potentially pushing enthusiasts toward DIY options or competitors. For now, the situation underscores the challenges in the retro hardware space, leaving collectors to watch for official word.

Hat Tips

• Insider Gaming, “Arcade1Up Reportedly ‘Closing Operations’ Very Soon,” December 11, 2025: https://insider-gaming.com/arcade1up-reportedly-closing-operations-very-soon/

• Arcade1Up Official Website:

https://arcade1up.com/

• Reddit r/Arcade1Up Megathread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Arcade1Up/comments/1pjy92j/megathread_arcade1up_is_shutting_down/

• Awesome Games Wiki on Fandom, “Arcade1up”: https://awesome-games.fandom.com/wiki/Arcade1up

• Red Bull, “Arcade1Up: New classic arcade cabinet games – interview,” April 10, 2019: https://www.redbull.com/us-en/arcade1up-new-arcade-games-for-home

• KNUE, “Arcade1Up’s New Machines are Making My Wallet Nervous,” January 13, 2021: https://knue.com/arcade1ups-new-machines-are-making-my-wallet-nervous/

Article Compiled and Edited by Ivy Adams and Derek Gibbs.