My Arcade is a manufacturing company and brand label, officially formed in the 2010s by parent company dreamGEAR. The company primarily produces tabletop arcade machines, "plug & play" systems, and electronic handheld game consoles, among similar formats. Beginning in 2018, My Arcade would release many Namco and Pac-Man-related consoles, in various form factors.
Overview[]
My Arcade's parent company, dreamGEAR, was founded in 2001, and initially focused on producing third-party controllers and accessories for various game platforms. Beginning in the mid-2000s, dreamGEAR would produce numerous "plug & play" game systems, often in conjunction with Chinese manufacturers such as Trump Grand. These consoles were often based on "Famiclone" hardware (a derivative of the NES/Famicom), and featured lesser-known, somewhat bootleg-affiliated games from companies such as Nice Code Software and JungleTac. Starting in the early 2010s, these consoles would often be branded under the name "My Arcade".
In or around 2015, My Arcade would be spun off into a separate subsidiary of dreamGEAR. Shortly thereafter, My Arcade shifted focus towards producing licensed consoles based on more well-known arcade IPs; beginning with the Data East library (licensed from G-Mode) in 2017. In 2018, My Arcade began releasing licensed titles from Bandai Namco, including games from the Pac-Man series; additional licensees include Atari, Konami, Capcom, Taito, and Sega, among others. Despite more proper licensing in place, many of these systems are still based on cloned console hardware, and often have ties to bootleg manufacturers (such as Wellminds).
Micro Players[]
Pac-Man Micro Player.
The Micro Player series consists of miniature tabletop arcade machines (approx. 7" in height), generally featuring one built-in game. The systems can run on either batteries or an AC adapter. The machines' artwork is closely modeled after the original arcade cabinets unless otherwise specified.
(Note: the lists below only feature titles licensed from Bandai Namco Entertainment.)
Original series[]
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pac-Man Micro Player | DGUNL-3220 | 2018 | Features the Famicom/NES version. |
| Galaxian Micro Player | DGUNL-3223 | 2018 | Features the Famicom version. |
| Galaga Micro Player | DGUNL-3222 | 2018 | Features the Famicom/NES version. |
| Dig Dug Micro Player | DGUNL-3221 | 2018 | Features the Famicom version. |
| Mappy Micro Player | DGUNL-3224 | 2018 | Features the Famicom version. |
| Ms. Pac-Man Micro Player | DGUNL-3230 | 2019 | Features the Namco 1993 NES version. |
| Rolling Thunder Micro Player | DGUNL-3225 | 2019 | Features the Tengen NES version. Only released as a limited edition run of 3,000 units. |
| Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Micro Player | DGUNL-3290 | 2020 | Features the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in horizontal resolution. Compared to the non-40th model, it is gold instead of yellow, and the side artwork is a lenticular print. |
Micro Player Pro series[]
The Micro Player Pro series was launched in 2023, and largely replaced the original Micro Player line in production. Many of these consoles feature vertical-resolution screens instead of horizontal.
Some Micro Player Pro units were released alongside Nano Player and Pico Player versions. These variants are smaller in size than the Micro Player systems, though are otherwise identical in content.
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
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2023 | Uses the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in vertical resolution. |
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2023 | Uses the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in vertical resolution. |
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2023 | Features Galaga and Galaxian; uses "Sega Genesis clone hardware" ports running in vertical resolution. |
Joystick Player series[]
The Joystick Player line was launched in 2023. Consoles in this series feature large, Atari 2600-like joysticks attached to the front of the machine (which is otherwise the same size as a standard Micro Player).
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaga Joystick Player | DGUNL-7000 | 2023 | Features Galaga and Galaxian; uses "Sega Genesis clone hardware" ports running in vertical resolution. The original version of this console uses a "flight yoke"-like joystick; it is planned to be reissued in 2025 with a more standard joystick. |
| Pac-Man Joystick Player | DGUNL-7073 | 2024 | Features "Classic" and "Speed Up" modes; uses the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in vertical resolution. |
| Ms. Pac-Man Joystick Player | DGUNL-7074 | 2024 | Features "Classic" and "Speed Up" modes; uses the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in vertical resolution. |
Pocket Players[]
Ms. Pac-Man Pocket Player.
The Pocket Player series consists of small handheld game systems, generally featuring three built-in games. The systems can run on either batteries or an AC adapter.
(Note: the lists below only feature titles licensed from Bandai Namco Entertainment.)
Original series[]
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pac-Man Pocket Player | DGUNL-3227 | 2018 | Features Pac-Man, Pac-Mania and Pac-Panic (European version of Pac-Attack). Based on Sega Genesis hardware, with Pac-Man being the "clone hardware" port running in horizontal resolution. |
| Ms. Pac-Man Pocket Player | DGUNL-3242 | 2019 | Features Ms. Pac-Man, Sky Kid and Mappy. Based on Famiclone hardware, with Ms. Pac-Man being the Namco 1993 NES port. |
| Galaga Pocket Player | DGUNL-3244 | 2019 | Features Galaga, Galaxian and Xevious; based on Famiclone hardware. |
| Dig Dug Pocket Player | DGUNL-3243 | 2019 | Features Dig Dug, Dig Dug II and The Tower of Druaga; based on Famiclone hardware. |
Pocket Player Pro series[]
The Pocket Player Pro series was launched alongside the Micro Player Pro line in 2023, superseding the original Pocket Player series.
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pac-Man Pocket Player Pro | DGUNL-4188 | 2023 | Uses the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in vertical resolution. Planned to be reissued in 2025 with a carrying case and an added "Speed Up" mode. |
| Ms. Pac-Man Pocket Player Pro | DGUNL-7010 | 2023 | Uses the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in vertical resolution. Planned to be reissued in 2025 with a carrying case and an added "Speed Up" mode. |
| Galaga Pocket Player Pro | DGUNL-4199 | 2023 | Features Galaga and Galaxian; uses "Sega Genesis clone hardware" ports running in vertical resolution. Planned to be reissued in 2025 with a carrying case. |
Pocket Player Max series[]
The Pocket Player Max series is scheduled to launch in 2025, featuring a larger form factor than the standard Pocket Player units.
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pole Position Pocket Player Max | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. Features Pole Position and Pole Position II. |
| Pac-Man 45th Anniversary Pocket Player Max | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. Features Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, Pac & Pal, Pac-Land, Pac-Mania, and Pac-Panic. |
Pixel Pocket Pro[]
The Pixel Pocket Pro line is a series of miniature handheld devices attached to keychains, scheduled for release in 2025. Some units are vertically-oriented while others are horizontal.
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pac-Man Pixel Pocket Pro | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. Features "Classic" and "Speed Up" modes; uses the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in vertical resolution. |
| Ms. Pac-Man Pixel Pocket Pro | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. Features "Classic" and "Speed Up" modes; uses the "Sega Genesis clone hardware" port running in vertical resolution. |
| Galaga Pixel Pocket Pro | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. Features Galaga and Galaxian; uses "Sega Genesis clone hardware" ports running in vertical resolution. |
Gamestation[]
Gamestation is a label used for extended lines of consoles in various form factors. The Gamestation label was first utilized around 2017 for plug & play consoles.
Beginning with the launch of the Atari Gamestation Pro in 2023, the Gamestation branding was generally used to denote more "premium" devices. Later Gamestation consoles feature internet connectivity, and often feature otherwise-uncommon control methods (such as trackballs and spinners). Each system features TV connectivity via HDMI.
Gamestation: Atari[]
Gamestation: Atari refers to an extended Gamestation line launched in 2023. While the original release in this line did not feature any Pac-Man titles, consoles scheduled for 2025 highlight Pac-Man as being an included game.
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atari Gamestation Go | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. A large, tablet-like handheld system. |
| Atari Gamestation Mega | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. A large (approx. 2' [?]) tabletop arcade machine. |
Gamestation Retro: Bandai Namco X Capcom[]
Gamestation Retro: Bandai Namco X Capcom is an extended Gamestation line scheduled to release in 2025. The systems feature games licensed from both Bandai Namco (including Pac-Man) and Capcom, as well as Jaleco (?) games licensed through City Connection.
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gamestation Retro Pro | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. A TV-based "plug & play" console. Comes bundled with two controllers. |
| Gamestation Retro Go | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. A large, tablet-like handheld system. |
| Gamestation Retro Mega | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. A large (approx. 2' [?]) tabletop arcade machine. |
| Gamestation Retro Gamepad | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. A separately-sold controller compatible with all Gamestation Retro consoles. |
| Gamestation Retro Arcade Stick | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. A separately-sold controller compatible with all Gamestation Retro consoles. |
Other My Arcade Namco devices[]
| Name | ID number(s) | Year | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namco Museum Mini Player | DGUNL-3226 | 2019 | A larger (approx. 10") tabletop arcade machine. Features 20 games, including Pac-Man, Pac-Mania, Pac-Panic, and Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures (among others). The games included are mostly genuine arcade versions, alongside a handful of Sega Genesis games. |
| Pole Position Racing Player | DGUNL-7022 | 2024 | A miniature arcade racing machine with a steering wheel. Features Pole Position and Pole Position II; uses the original arcade versions. |
| Pac-Man 45th Anniversary Mighty Player | Unknown | 2025 | Upcoming release. A larger (approx. 10") tabletop arcade machine, of a different design than the Mini Player. Features Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, Pac & Pal, Pac-Land, Pac-Mania, and Pac-Panic. |
Trivia[]
- While not officially confirmed, all of My Arcade's Ms. Pac-Man handhelds were likely released through loopholes with the 2006 General Computer Corporation agreement, which would indicate no royalties had to be paid to GCC for their release.
- Curiously, the Ms. Pac-Man systems were briefly pulled from production in late 2022; though due to the following 2023 releases, the loopholes presumably still apply to the products.
- My Arcade's Sega Genesis conversion port of Pac-Man - appearing on the Pac-Man Pocket Player and other My Arcade devices - was produced by Piko Interactive, while reportedly being developed by Shiru. While originating from the Pocket Player, the port has been known to appear on other manufacturers' devices (namely the Arcade1UP "Pac-Man Collectorcade", which runs the game in vertical resolution).
- Pac-Man is included twice in the Namco Museum Mini Player, which contains the arcade port, and the Genesis port via Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures.
- Several My Arcade releases use artwork designs modeled after Pac-Man Cereal.
- If the Sega Genesis Pac-Man conversion is played on an emulator, pressing the A and C buttons while starting the game will open a service menu, which is not normally accessible on the My Arcade units due to the lack of a C button. Like many releases, the service menu allows extra life thresholds and starting lives to be changed; but additionally includes three display mode options, whereas only one mode is enabled by default (which varies depending on the console). One mode is displayed horizontally with the HUD moved to the sides; another horizontal mode shrinks the sprites to match the original Pac-Man's aspect ratio; and a vertical display option that displays the original unmodified graphics from the arcade version.
- Many of My Arcade's earlier systems (including some under the original dreamGEAR brand) are known to feature bootleg, Famiclone-based hacks of the Pac-Man NES/Famicom games, alongside other Namco titles (such as Mappy and Dig Dug II). Consoles featuring the unauthorized games were produced before Namco's partnership with the company.