Super Impulse’s Tiny & Micro Arcade Games

If you grew up in the late 80s as a teenager, you know exactly what “the golden age of arcade games” means. I certainly do! My youth was spent pouring countless quarters into those mesmerizing machines, chasing high scores on classics like Pac-Man, Frogger, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong. There was a unique thrill in the flashing lights, the distinct sounds, and the camaraderie of a packed arcade. While those days might be gone, the nostalgia is stronger than ever. And thanks to Super Impulse, we can now bring that electrifying fun right into our homes – and even our pockets! Super Impulse’s “Tiny Arcade” and “Micro Arcade” lines are miniature marvels that perfectly capture the spirit of those beloved classics, with one major improvement: they take no quarters! (Which is great, because you’ll want to save your spare change for the endless supply of snacks you’ll need for hours of gameplay.)

Let’s dive into these incredible miniature retro experiences.

The Tiny Arcade: Big Fun in the Palm of Your Hand

Imagine an entire arcade experience small enough to fit in your palm. That’s exactly what Super Impulse delivers with their Tiny Arcade line. These miniature electronic game cabinets are fantastic replicas, each featuring full electronic gameplay on vibrant, high-resolution, high-definition LCD screens. From digital score screens to authentic game sounds and multi-level play, they pack all the essential elements of the originals.

And the best part? For around $20, you get a full-fledged, portable arcade game that you can take anywhere.

My Experience: Tiny Arcade Hello Kitty Pac-Man

I recently got my hands on the Tiny Arcade Hello Kitty Pac-Man, part of Super Impulse’s “World’s Smallest” collection, released just this September. This adorable electronic game cabinet measures a compact 1.75” x 1.75” x 3.5” with a 2.5” screen, and comes complete with three AAA batteries, a keychain, and instructions.

The full-color, hi-resolution backlit screen is impressive, and the game sounds are spot on. It even features a functional joystick and two buttons, providing an authentic arcade feel. I’ll admit, with my “vintage” eyes, the small screen can be a bit challenging to see at times, but it doesn’t detract from the sheer fun. It’s immensely enjoyable, and I absolutely love the convenience of being able to take my Pac-Man fix with me wherever I go.

Boardwalk Arcade: Whac-A-Mole, Reimagined!

For those who spent their childhoods in the late 70s or 80s, the mention of “Whac-a-Mole” brings back vivid memories of fairs and boardwalks. Super Impulse has brought this classic carnival game to life in an incredibly small, retro arcade version that’s just as addictive as the original.

My Experience: Boardwalk Arcade Whac-a-Mole

I’ve had the pleasure of trying Super Impulse’s Boardwalk Arcade Whac-a-Mole, and it’s fantastic! The only problem is getting it out of my daughter’s hands. She’s just as obsessed with it as I am – maybe even more so! She’s already declared that we “need to purchase a second Whac-a-Mole cabinet so she doesn’t have to share.” Fair enough! It’s a testament to how engaging and fun these tiny games truly are, captivating both seasoned retro gamers and new generations.

Micro Arcade: Arcade Power in a Credit Card!

Super Impulse continues to innovate with the Micro Arcade line, offering classic arcade games in an astonishing credit card size. It’s a truly groundbreaking way to play!

The Micro Arcade collection includes beloved titles like Frogger, Oregon Trail, and my personal all-time favorite, Ms. Pac-Man. Imagine playing a full-sized arcade game in a form factor that’s only 3.25 x 2 x .375 inches!

These tiny powerhouses are the ultimate travel games, easily slipping into any pocket. Each Micro Arcade features a full-color screen, cool sound effects, and intuitive directional control buttons. Plus, they come with a micro USB charger, so you’re ready for endless fun without the need for Wi-Fi or a data plan. The gameplay mimics the iconic full-size arcade versions perfectly, with digitally modified sound effects tailored for the miniature flat speaker.

My Overall Thoughts: A Thumbs Up for Super Impulse!

Across the board, I’m genuinely impressed with both the Tiny Arcade and Micro Arcade games.

The controls, including joysticks and buttons, are surprisingly easy and responsive to use despite their small size. I must admit, both lines offer incredibly addicting little games! The screens are bright and sharp, although the resolution, while good, means that the tiny on-screen objects can be a bit straining on the eyes after extended play, especially for those of us who remember arcades before HD.

One point to note is the sound – it’s quite loud and doesn’t offer a volume control. So, if you’re planning on a quick game during a dull meeting or remote learning session, remember that off button on the back!

Why choose these over a smartphone app? While you can certainly find mobile versions of many classic arcade games on your smartphone, they simply don’t offer the unique, satisfying retro feeling that Super Impulse’s classic cabinets and credit-card sized games provide. There’s something special about holding a miniature arcade machine with actual buttons and joysticks. It truly brings back that incredible nostalgic connection to the past.

Super Impulse’s Tiny Arcade line has recently expanded with new editions, including Teenage Ninja Turtles, Mappy, Burger Time, and another Hello Kitty/Pac-Man Special Edition. Each Super Impulse Tiny Arcade will only set you back US$19.99, a fantastic price for the hours of entertainment and nostalgia they deliver.

Good things truly do come in small packages! Super Impulse has built a reputation for expertly shrinking down classic playthings, from these fantastic tiny arcade games to their “World’s Smallest” Elf on the Shelf and Mr. Potato Head. Their commitment to quality and fun at a miniature scale is evident in every product.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the quarters and rediscover the joy of arcade gaming, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out Super Impulse’s Tiny and Micro Arcade lines. Get ready to game on, anytime, anywhere!