Arcade1Up, the leading name in replica arcade cabinets, is reportedly shutting down its operations, sending ripples through the gaming hardware industry.
Established in 2018 as a subsidiary of Tastemakers, Arcade1Up quickly became a household name among retro gaming enthusiasts by producing licensed, three-quarter scale arcade machines featuring some of the most iconic titles in arcade history. While no official closure statement has been issued by Arcade1Up, an internal email surfaced on social media today indicates that Friday marks the last day of work "for the majority" of Arcade1Up's staff.
The communication goes on to state that the "future of the brand" remains uncertain, leaving many collectors and industry partners concerned about what lies ahead for the company’s expansive product line. Arcade1Up built its reputation by collaborating with legendary publishers including Atari, Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Sega.
Over the past six years, the company has faithfully recreated classic cabinets such as Time Crisis, Ridge Racer, and Marvel vs.
Capcom, making authentic arcade experiences accessible to home consumers.
These cabinets, available through major retailers and the company's own eShop, have garnered a loyal following and achieved impressive sales milestones over successive releases. In response to the swirling rumors, Code Mystics—a development studio that has partnered with Arcade1Up on emulation and multiplayer features—issued a public statement.
The company explained that it is monitoring the situation closely and outlined contingency plans in the event Arcade1Up’s online servers are shut down, highlighting its commitment to supporting customers regardless of Arcade1Up’s operational status. Arcade1Up’s impact on the consumer gaming hardware segment has been pronounced, particularly as the Nintendo Switch and other modern platforms increasingly embrace retro and arcade-style gaming.
By collaborating with well-known game developers and licensors, Arcade1Up bridged the gap between vintage arcade nostalgia and contemporary gaming culture. As of today, requests for comment from Arcade1Up have not received a response.
The gaming community, meanwhile, remains hopeful for further clarification regarding the company’s future and ongoing product support.
For now, Arcade1Up’s apparent closure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the revival of classic arcade experiences for home audiences.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Established in 2018 as a subsidiary of Tastemakers, Arcade1Up quickly became a household name among retro gaming enthusiasts by producing licensed, three-quarter scale arcade machines featuring some of the most iconic titles in arcade history. While no official closure statement has been issued by Arcade1Up, an internal email surfaced on social media today indicates that Friday marks the last day of work "for the majority" of Arcade1Up's staff.
The communication goes on to state that the "future of the brand" remains uncertain, leaving many collectors and industry partners concerned about what lies ahead for the company’s expansive product line. Arcade1Up built its reputation by collaborating with legendary publishers including Atari, Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Sega.
Over the past six years, the company has faithfully recreated classic cabinets such as Time Crisis, Ridge Racer, and Marvel vs.
Capcom, making authentic arcade experiences accessible to home consumers.
These cabinets, available through major retailers and the company's own eShop, have garnered a loyal following and achieved impressive sales milestones over successive releases. In response to the swirling rumors, Code Mystics—a development studio that has partnered with Arcade1Up on emulation and multiplayer features—issued a public statement.
The company explained that it is monitoring the situation closely and outlined contingency plans in the event Arcade1Up’s online servers are shut down, highlighting its commitment to supporting customers regardless of Arcade1Up’s operational status. Arcade1Up’s impact on the consumer gaming hardware segment has been pronounced, particularly as the Nintendo Switch and other modern platforms increasingly embrace retro and arcade-style gaming.
By collaborating with well-known game developers and licensors, Arcade1Up bridged the gap between vintage arcade nostalgia and contemporary gaming culture. As of today, requests for comment from Arcade1Up have not received a response.
The gaming community, meanwhile, remains hopeful for further clarification regarding the company’s future and ongoing product support.
For now, Arcade1Up’s apparent closure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the revival of classic arcade experiences for home audiences.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
