Arcade1Up, the industry-leading manufacturer of 3/4-scale replica arcade cabinets, has recently become the subject of intense speculation within the gaming community.
Initial reports circulated on social media hinted at the company shutting down, with an internal email suggesting that operations would cease and casting uncertainty on the future of the Arcade1Up brand.
However, new evidence strongly suggests that instead of closure, Arcade1Up is undergoing an acquisition, signaling a significant shift within the retro arcade gaming segment. Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of Tastemakers, Arcade1Up quickly rose to prominence by collaborating with such storied gaming giants as Atari, Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Sega.
The company built its reputation on delivering compact, officially licensed cabinets featuring classics like Time Crisis, Ridge Racer, and Marvel vs.
Capcom for collectors and enthusiasts.
Its success in revitalizing home arcade experiences has made it a beloved brand among retro gaming fans and collectors alike. Recent developments indicate a new chapter for Arcade1Up.
Industry insiders have provided credible reports that Basic Fun—a rival firm with a growing presence in the coin-op replica market—has acquired Arcade1Up, rather than the brand closing outright.
Three months ago, Cyrus Rosenberg, formerly Senior Vice President of Licensing at Arcade1Up, reportedly left the company to join Basic Fun.
Additionally, well-known community commentator Mike Of All Trades published a video addressing widespread rumors about Basic Fun's acquisition of Arcade1Up, further fueling speculation. Amidst these transitions, Code Mystics, a development partner responsible for several of Arcade1Up’s software emulations, released a statement acknowledging the rumors and outlining their contingency plans.
The company indicated preparations were in place regarding the maintenance of online services and server availability, should Arcade1Up’s business change hands or consolidate. While neither Arcade1Up nor Basic Fun have issued formal announcements confirming the acquisition, the movement of senior staff and corroboration from multiple sources suggest that the iconic brand will continue in some capacity.
This transition underscores the evolving landscape of the arcade collectibles industry, as consolidation and innovation shape its future. Representatives at Arcade1Up have been contacted for an official response.
As this story continues to develop, the gaming industry will be watching closely to see how the merger of expertise from both Arcade1Up and Basic Fun influences the next generation of coin-op replicas, with significant implications for collectors and retailers across platforms, including physical retail and digital storefronts such as the Nintendo Switch eShop. Stay tuned for future updates as soon as official information becomes available.
Initial reports circulated on social media hinted at the company shutting down, with an internal email suggesting that operations would cease and casting uncertainty on the future of the Arcade1Up brand.
However, new evidence strongly suggests that instead of closure, Arcade1Up is undergoing an acquisition, signaling a significant shift within the retro arcade gaming segment. Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of Tastemakers, Arcade1Up quickly rose to prominence by collaborating with such storied gaming giants as Atari, Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Sega.
The company built its reputation on delivering compact, officially licensed cabinets featuring classics like Time Crisis, Ridge Racer, and Marvel vs.
Capcom for collectors and enthusiasts.
Its success in revitalizing home arcade experiences has made it a beloved brand among retro gaming fans and collectors alike. Recent developments indicate a new chapter for Arcade1Up.
Industry insiders have provided credible reports that Basic Fun—a rival firm with a growing presence in the coin-op replica market—has acquired Arcade1Up, rather than the brand closing outright.
Three months ago, Cyrus Rosenberg, formerly Senior Vice President of Licensing at Arcade1Up, reportedly left the company to join Basic Fun.
Additionally, well-known community commentator Mike Of All Trades published a video addressing widespread rumors about Basic Fun's acquisition of Arcade1Up, further fueling speculation. Amidst these transitions, Code Mystics, a development partner responsible for several of Arcade1Up’s software emulations, released a statement acknowledging the rumors and outlining their contingency plans.
The company indicated preparations were in place regarding the maintenance of online services and server availability, should Arcade1Up’s business change hands or consolidate. While neither Arcade1Up nor Basic Fun have issued formal announcements confirming the acquisition, the movement of senior staff and corroboration from multiple sources suggest that the iconic brand will continue in some capacity.
This transition underscores the evolving landscape of the arcade collectibles industry, as consolidation and innovation shape its future. Representatives at Arcade1Up have been contacted for an official response.
As this story continues to develop, the gaming industry will be watching closely to see how the merger of expertise from both Arcade1Up and Basic Fun influences the next generation of coin-op replicas, with significant implications for collectors and retailers across platforms, including physical retail and digital storefronts such as the Nintendo Switch eShop. Stay tuned for future updates as soon as official information becomes available.
