Mini Arcade Pro Turns Your Switch Into A Coin-Op Machine

There are a lot of arcade machines, both countertop and full-size, for the home market these days…but they cost hundreds of dollars. What if there was an arcade conversion kit that could shave off a few bucks by utilizing a device you already have? That’s the thought process behind the Mini Arcade Pro, introduced this week by UK game accessory manufacturer IMP Gaming. The Mini Arcade Pro includes the buttons and joystick of an arcade, but uses the Switch or Switch 2 as its screen. You take the Joy-Cons off, stick the screen in the shell, and you’re good to go — an arcade experience at a fraction of the cost, at least in theory (we’re just the news bringers, we have not tried this thing). IMP Gaming says their controller should be compatible with the majority of Switch titles, and since there’s an actual Switch in there why wouldn’t it be? use your better judgment here though…some genres of games work better with arcade controls than others. You might notice the MAP has more buttons than the Switch normally does. The extras are rapid-fire Turbo buttons, programmable to the fire buttons in shmups and similar games. As ingenious as […]
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I like the idea because I miss the feeling of arcade buttons. I still enjoy my Switch, but it never feels the same as hitting a real joystick. I think this kit is a good middle option for people like me who cannot buy a full cabinet. The price seems fair. I just hope it does not feel cheap because some accessory makers use light plastic. I also wonder if the weight is enough so it will not move during fast games. If it feels steady, I can see myself playing shooters and old-school beat em ups with it. I do not expect it to work well for every game, but that is normal. As long as it handles classics and action titles, I am fine.

I am a little hesitant because I prefer handheld play. Putting the Switch inside a shell looks fun, but I am not sure if I want to attach and detach Joy-Cons often. I worry about wear on the rails. But I do like the price point. It is much cheaper than an arcade cabinet, and I do not have extra space at home. If the build quality is solid, I might try it.

I already own two arcade sticks, so I do not feel a strong need for this. Still, I think the design is interesting. Using the Switch as the screen makes sense. I know many people want an arcade setup but cannot afford the full machines, so this seems like an accessible option. The Turbo buttons are a nice touch for shooters. I might buy it later if it goes on sale.

I think this is a fun gadget. I like collecting accessories, and this looks like something that would fit well on my desk. I play a lot of retro games, so the joystick setup works for me. I do worry about screen glare since the Switch screen is not very bright in some games. But for the price, I can accept that.

I am not excited for it. I do not see myself putting my Switch inside a tiny shell. I use the dock almost all the time. For me, the whole point of arcade style gaming is using a big display. A small screen breaks the mood. I know others may enjoy it, but it does not match how I play.

I like low-cost alternatives, so this caught my attention. I think $79.99 is reasonable. I also appreciate that it supports Switch 1 and 2. I often buy gifts for my nephews, and something like this could keep them busy for hours. It feels simple enough for kids to use. I just hope the joystick is durable. Some cheaper sticks break fast, so quality will matter.