Replica arcade cabinets are popular among collectors nowadays, with three sizes commonly available: 3:4 scale cabinets from Arcade1Up, 1:4 scale cabinets from Quarter Arcades, and 1:6 scale cabinets from Replicade (New Wave Toys). Numskull's Quarter Arcades line is stepping up their game (and prices) with today's announcement of 1:4 scale Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and TMNT: Turtles in Time cabinets. Both miniature cabinets are fully playable and support 4-player local co-op.
Each cabinet includes the titular game (not both games) and features the following:
Official licensed product: 1:4 scale replica of Konami’s original 1989 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or 1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time arcade cabinet Fully playable replica using the original arcade ROM Realistic replica – made from wood and everything from the artwork, shape and buttons matches the original cabinet Light-up marquee Four-player simultaneous play 4x front USB ports (hidden behind the coin doors) allow the use of USB gaming controllers (sold separately) High-quality: made for durability, playability, and portability 6” TFT screen with 4:3 ratio 3W built-in speaker with volume control Powered via USB-C (cable included) Internal rechargeable lithium battery Dimensions Height: 17.5” (44.5 cm) x Width: 9.2” (23.4 cm) x Depth: 9.4” (24 cm) Shipping from the factory in Q3 2023 for delivery in December 2023These miniature arcade cabinets look beautifully authentic. The screens are improved over previous Quarter Arcades units and should be a treat to behold. The option to play on either the tiny arcade sticks and buttons or with a USB controller is much appreciated. Numskull tells us that other brands of USB controllers are supported, so there's a good chance that players can use their existing retro USB controllers and arcade sticks to play. Design-wise, my only disappointment is the lack of HDMI output, especially given the price of these cabinets.
To that end, let's look at the price and purchasing options of these cabinets and controllers. At present, the cabinets are exclusively available to preorder (in a few different configurations) from two online sellers: the Konami Shop and the UK-based Just Geek.
Konami Shop:
TMNT with exclusive coin: $299.99 ($319.98 with US shipping) Turtles in Time with exclusive coin: $299.99 ($319.98 with US shipping)Just Geek:
TMNT with stool: $299.99 ($342.10 shipped to US) Turtles in Time with stool: $299.99 ($342.10 shipped to US) TMNT Signed Collector's Edition: $399.99 ($442.10 shipped to US) Turtles in Time Signed Collector's Edition: $399.99 ($442.10 shipped to US) Quarter Arcades USB Controller: $24.99 ($34.99 shipped to US)The TMNT preorders are only exclusive to Konami and Just Geek for 30 days, so it's possible that other online retailers like Amazon will offer these cabinets with more affordable shipping. We're not sure if the official control pads will be sold anywhere but Just Geek, but I really hope so.
As a lifelong fan of the TMNT arcade games, I'm glad to see these gorgeous miniature editions available to preorder. The preorder prices are pretty high, though - about double the prices of previous Quarter Arcades units. These Ninja Turtles units are certainly more complex than past games and have new features like USB controller support, but $340 is a whole lot for one tiny arcade game. The original TMNT Arcade1Up cabinet sold for $399 and featured both games in one cabinet, but it's less authentic from a design perspective and no longer available at retail.
Both TMNT Quarter Arcades are expected to ship in December 2023. If we end up buying a unit down the line, we'll be sure to post impressions.