Arcade1Up Deals?! Black Friday Prices Plunge - You Won't Believe This!

Retro gaming fans, get your wallets ready! Amazon is dipping its toes into the Black Friday deals pool early this year, and for the first time ever, they're discounting Arcade1Up's popular Countercades. That's right, you can snag either the Class of '81 or the Pac-Man Countercade for just $130. Not bad, considering these little gems usually retail for $150, and the Class of '81 has even been creeping up closer to $170 since its Amazon restock back in July.

Arcade1Up Deals?! Black Friday Prices Plunge - You...

Now, between the two, the Class of '81, which packs in both Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, seems to be the clear crowd favorite. Apparently, it's consistently outselling the single-game Pac-Man version on Amazon. So, if you're leaning towards that one, you might want to jump on it quickly. And if Amazon happens to sell out (which wouldn't surprise me), Walmart is also offering the Class of '81 Countercade at the same discounted price, so you've got a backup plan. I remember the first time I saw these things, I thought, "Now *that's* how you downsize nostalgia!"

What makes these Countercades so appealing? Well, they're compact, feature three preloaded Namco arcade classics, sport a bright 7-inch vertically oriented display (perfect for those classic arcade layouts), and crucially, they've got full-size arcade controls. This isn't some cheap knock-off feel, they’ve got that satisfying click and clack that takes you right back to the arcade. Arcade1Up timed this release perfectly, launching these ahead of the holiday season – and they actually sold out at full price initially! It's no secret these smaller units are popular holiday gifts, thanks to their relatively budget-friendly price point. The Pac-Man version was first launched last November, and has been a hot seller ever since.

Essentially, you've got a choice: go with the classic Pac-Man theme or opt for the Class of '81, bringing you both Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man. The Class of '81 Countercade is visually striking with Ms. Pac-Man artwork on one side and Galaga on the other, framing that 7-inch screen. Don't let the compact size fool you – you get that authentic arcade feel with a red ball-top arcade stick, two yellow buttons, a red button, and even switches for power and volume. Plus, the artwork all around is a proper throwback.

One thing to keep in mind: while these Countercades are getting the spotlight, Arcade1Up's recently released Classic Special Edition Cabinets aren't part of the Black Friday sale. However, don't count them out! They're expected to be popular this holiday season thanks to their lower price point compared to the Deluxe Editions. Think of them as a return to Arcade1Up's early models, now available in Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat themes. At $334, they offer a lot of bang for your buck, featuring 15.6-inch displays and 13 preloaded games. Just be warned, these are smaller, so adults might want to grab an adjustable barstool or the $59 riser. Even with the riser, you're still looking at around $393, significantly cheaper than the Deluxe Editions. The Deluxe Cabinets, at 61 inches tall, are perfect without any modifications, come with upgraded features like 17-inch displays, light-up marquees, and those oh-so-tempting faux coin doors.