There is nothing more enticing for a millennial than having an arcade machine at home. The Swap Arcade may just bring that millennial dream within reach. Essentially a cabinet, the Swap Arcade opens up to be a full-blown arcade machine that lets you play retro games, PlayStation, Switch, etc., and closes to a cabinet once not in use, saving up space.
The Swap Arcade bridges the gap between retro gaming passion and modern interior design. This innovative machine transforms from a minimalist furniture cabinet into a full-sized gaming platform in mere seconds. It provides an elegant solution for gamers who want an authentic arcade experience at home without permanently sacrificing living room space to a bulky, neon-lit plastic machine.
When closed, the unit stands 36 inches tall, 29 inches wide, and 13.5 inches deep, functioning as a rustic wooden storage chest that blends into any home interior. Lifting the upper section engages a balanced aluminum pivot frame that swings the screen up into your line of sight.
Side panels automatically slide forward into position, extending the height to 70 inches and revealing a classic arcade silhouette. Weighing 100 pounds, the furniture-grade structure remains completely stable during intense gameplay.
Internally, the cabinet-cum-arcade, invented by Les Cookson, features a Raspberry Pi 4 computer capable of emulating thousands of retro titles right out of the box. It boasts a premium control deck equipped with authentic two-player Sanwa joysticks and heavy-duty responsive buttons.
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For modern gaming, built-in HDMI and USB inputs allow players to seamlessly connect a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or PC. The internal HD monitor and control deck instantly map to these external systems, while dual stereo speakers and an integrated cooling fan manage audio and heat.
Currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, backers can get the machine for an early-bird price of $1,197 in a choice of Natural, Walnut, Dark Tobacco, or Unfinished wood stains. The Swap Arcade reimagines home entertainment by turning a piece of hidden engineering into a living room centerpiece.
