Arcadie Apple iPad Mini

Arcadie brings the Apple iPad Mini back to the 1980s (in a good way) with this nifty little game simulator. In place of coins or tokens, this unique tablet dock works via a free downloadable app for unlimited gaming enjoyment with the iPad Mini tablet (or at least until you’ve secured that top score).

Editor's Rating 

Let’s dispense with the formalities first, then. The Arcadie play case is not designed as a protective tablet case, nor is it really imaginable as a tablet stand per se. The would-be purchaser can note that the scale model arcade game base is extremely sturdy for almost everything up to the tensest moments during gameplay.

Speaking of that gameplay, a couple of details must be attended to before you’re flashing back to bashing those buttons like an amphetamine-crazed monkey and/or burgeoning American teen, circa ’83. The app to download games for play on the Arcadie is available for no charge at the Apple app store, but may be found with the mobile phone apps.

To get the iPad Mini connected with the game of your choice (more on this momentarily), open the back portion of the game console and set the recharge port onto the dock inside. Click open the app to upload the game of your choice. You may receive a warning regarding the compatibility of the device with the app, but this may be ignored by clicking OK. Close the console up and you’re good to go.

With the release of the Arcadie Arcade System, producers Zeon Tech have included three variants on three all-time classics: Pong, Asteroids and Space Invaders. The Asteroids variation, called “Blasteroids” (actually a later sequel released by Atari) is surprisingly challenging and looks fantastic in 3-D. In the Space Invaders game, the malevolent aliens have been replaced by UFOs, but the challenge is the same. Further game releases are promised for free download at Arcadie-Arcade.com.

Happily, the joystick and buttons contain nice strong spring mechanisms. Surely these controls won’t last forever, but many hours are certain to be whiled away by nostalgic sorts – and perhaps now an entire generation that’s growing up toting tablets.

Pros

• 2013 Golden Case Awards nominee for Best Play Case
• Awesome recreations of 1980s-era video games
• Tough joystick, button controls
• Did we mention the games?

Overall: Great

No quarters, no waiting in line, no leaving the house to play your favorite games from the dawn of video games – all this plus iPad Mini technology. That’s the Arcadie iPad Mini Arcade System, certainly a must have for an entire swathe of Apple and 80's classic arcade gaming fans.

Features

• Exclusively designed for use with the Apple iPad Mini
• Games include Pong, Asteroids and Space Invaders
• Retro style arcade console features the very latest plug and play technology
• Works via a free downloadable gaming app
• Insert your iPad Mini and play, no batteries, Bluetooth or WiFi needed
• Anti-slip rubber cabinet feet provide stable game playing

Specifications