Two Firms Battle for Miniature Arcade Collector Market
Two specialist companies are revolutionising retro gaming collectibles with beautifully crafted miniature arcade cabinets. These playable recreations capture the essence of 80s arcade culture.
Retro arcade cabinets are experiencing a remarkable renaissance through miniature recreations that capture the magic of 80s gaming culture.
While companies like Arcade1Up offer full-sized cabinet reproductions, two specialist firms are creating exquisite playable miniatures that appeal to collectors seeking authentic, high-quality reproductions for their homes.
Credit: Quarter Arcades
Quarter Arcades produces stunning 1:4 scale cabinets averaging around 17 inches tall, meticulously designed by Numskull Designs. These aren't mere toys; they're crafted with genuine passion by a team that actively engages with their community about future projects. Currently available cabinets include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Bad Dudes, Dragon's Lair, and Golden Tee, while older releases like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat can be found on secondary markets. Furthermore, the company offers complementary accessories including 1:4 scale trash bins, fire extinguishers, candy machines, and barstools, enabling collectors to create complete miniature arcade setups that often become social media stars.
Meanwhile, New Wave Toys specialises in even more compact 1:6 scale cabinets averaging 12 inches high. Their attention to detail extends beyond the cabinets themselves; each package includes scaled-down reproductions of original posters, tokens, and controllers that enhance the nostalgic experience. Built using wood and solid components rather than cheap plastic, these miniatures feel genuinely premium. However, collectors need to move quickly as New Wave typically limits production runs, causing prices to skyrocket on secondary markets for those who miss initial releases.
Credit: New Wave Toys
Available titles from New Wave include classic arcade favourites alongside unique products like mini-boom boxes and a 47-piece Time-Out arcade reproduction featuring an attendant with quarter distributor. The company also produces multiple cabinet variants and complementary 1:6 scale items to help enthusiasts build comprehensive miniature arcade environments.
Both companies demonstrate that retro gaming preservation isn't just about software emulation; it's about recreating the physical artefacts that defined arcade culture, allowing new generations to experience the tactile joy of classic gaming in beautifully crafted miniature form.
