Taito Expands Egret II Mini with Arcade Memories Vol. 1 SD Card Collection

Taito Expands Egret II Mini Library with Arcade Memories Vol.

1 SD Card Collection In the ever-evolving world of retro gaming, Taito has distinguished itself yet again by expanding its Egret II Mini micro-console with the release of Arcade Memories Vol.

1.

While companies like Sega, SNK, and Konami have embraced the mini-console resurgence, Taito’s entrance into this scene is particularly noteworthy due to its deep roots in arcade rather than home console hardware.

Now owned by Square Enix, Taito never launched its own home system, but its reputation is cemented by a storied arcade legacy.

The Egret II Mini, designed to mimic a classic Taito arcade cabinet, stands out thanks to a rotating screen mechanism—allowing for both landscape and portrait (TATE) mode gameplay. The original release of the Egret II Mini included a library heavy on lesser-known arcade gems and was accompanied by a special trackball/paddle controller.

This addition enabled authentic experiences for games like Cameltry and Puchi Carat, thanks to their unique control requirements.

Importantly, Taito bundled an SD card system, setting the stage for further expansion of the game catalog.

Arcade Memories Vol.

1 marks the first standalone game collection for this micro-console, delivered via a full-size SD card that easily slots into the side of the Egret II Mini. This curated set features ten classic titles: - Great Swordsman (1984) - Ohgon No Siro / Great Gurianos / Gladiator (1986) - Slap Fight / Alcon (1986) - Daisenpuu / Twin Hawk (1989) - PuLiRuLa (1991) - Grid Seeker: Project Storm Hammer (1992) - Riding Fight (1992) - Light Bringer / Dungeon Magic (1993) - Gekirindan (1995) - Cleopatra Fortune (1996) Among these, Slap Fight, Daisenpuu (Twin Hawk), PuLiRuLa, Gekirindan, and Cleopatra Fortune are standout inclusions, especially as three of these titles are classic vertically-scrolling shoot-’em-ups that utilize the Egret II Mini’s unique TATE mode.

While some offerings such as Great Swordsman and Gladiator may feel dated and Grid Seeker compared less favorably to Taito’s more prominent shooters, the overall selection provides a varied experience for arcade aficionados. A particular highlight is Riding Fight, a 1992 title that blends fast-paced hoverboard action with hand-to-hand combat, presenting visuals reminiscent of F-Zero’s Mode-7 effects coupled with beat-'em-up gameplay.

Although the "fake 3D" graphics make mastering the controls challenging, the spectacle captures the innovative spirit of early ’90s arcade design. Technical performance is solid, with only minor audio stutters observed on select games.

Arcade Memories Vol.

1 also includes a 32-page A4 strategy book, Dengeki Taito Station Vol.

2, packed with game information and interviews—though all content is in Japanese.

Collectors will also appreciate a set of instruction cards tailored for the Egret II Mini’s marquee holder. Unlike other companies in the mini-console market, which often require consumers to purchase entirely new systems for added content, Taito’s SD card solution offers an approachable path to library expansion.

At a price of around 8,000 yen (approximately £47 or $60), it represents a significant investment, especially with some resellers marking up the cost.

Nonetheless, Arcade Memories Vol.

1 is a promising start for Taito’s expansion efforts and provides Egret II Mini owners renewed reason to revisit this unique micro-console. As Taito continues to celebrate its arcade heritage through platforms like the Egret II Mini, the gaming community eagerly anticipates future installments in the Arcade Memories series.

Taito console Egret II Mini Arcade Memories Vol. 1 Square Enix Nintendo Neo Geo Mini Astro City Mini