It seems like every major gaming company wants in on the "Classic" hype train, with the same lone hand holding the downsized console. However, it doesn't mean that they cannot get more creative with their versions. Enter My Arcade's Micro Player line.

Bandai Namco and My Arcade have partnered up to deliver bite-sized arcade cabinets, 6.75 inches tall to be exact, of some of its classic 80's game. At first sight, those tiny consoles have quite the look. They all have the same form factor, looking very much like an 80’s arcade machine that has been shrunken down. What differs in each is the art adorning the sides and front of the machine which are actually inspired by the original arcade cabinet of each game.

More than just the looks, those mini arcades emulate the controls of those machines by packing a removable joystick that I have found no reason to remove at any time. In fact, removing the joystick and using the directional buttons makes controls uncomfortable. This is due to the small controller area and the elevated sides of the device which can impede movements when moving across the directional buttons. I’ve found it best to use the joystick with my left thumb and hitting the fire button with my right thumb. And hey, this gives the whole experience a more arcade-y feel!

So plus points here for trying to maintain the original look and feel of the good ol’ arcade days!

To fire up those mini arcades, you have the choice of using either a Micro-USB cable or 4 AA (double A) batteries, neither of which is included. The latter option makes the whole cabinet portable, albeit not pocket.

Each device packs a full color, 2.75” screen which is big enough to play those not-so-demanding games at ease. However, the screen brightness is fixed and it is inclined such that it should be viewed from a certain angle for a better experience.

As for the games themselves, they are faithful recreations of the originals. Once you boot the machine, the classic start up screen will show and from there you can access the built-in game flawlessly. I deplore the lack of content as each cabinet holds only one dedicated game but understandably, each cabinet was made for one game only with the accompanying artworks. My Arcade has produced quite a number of those arcade cabinets with games of different genres. On the website you can currently see Bad Dudes, Caveman Ninja, Karate Champ, Heavy Barrel, Burgertime, Dig Dug, Mappy, Galaxian, Galaga and Pac-Man.

Moreover, priced at about the same cost as a regular game at $34.99, you will get your very own portable arcade which you can show off on a display or gift to the nostalgic retro gamer in your life or even use to introduce classic games to a child, with the original look and feel.

Check out the whole collection right here!