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 it is awesome, gamers simply utilize their Nintendo Switch 1 | 2, or OLED console and within minutes, they can transform their portable console into arcade heaven, ideal for shooters, beat em’ ups, retro gaming and so much more! Shipping with a screen adapter to accommodate either the Switch 1 or 2, once the tablet slots in, players can go get gaming, working with the vast majority of Switch 1 and 2 titles, and featuring the traditional arcade feel of a real Ball-Top Joystick with micro-switched, steel shaft engineering, and authentic eight-button configuration Action Buttons.

The Mini Arcade Pro is now out this week on Amazon and similar retailers. It’s a British accessory but should work in any country. Price is $79.99.