The Best Pacman Mini Arcade Machine 2021 (still great for 2022)

Pac-Man is a video game that made its debut in 1980 in Japan. It was first introduced by Namco. Following its release in the country, it made its way to the US market just a few months later. To this day, Pac Man is still one of the most successful and most recognizable video games.

The main character has also gained worldwide popularity. This led many companies to develop PacMan mini arcade machines. If you want to play this game on a smaller device, you can consider buying this version of arcade machine. This game appeals to both genders. It was Namco’s intent to create a game that could be played by everyone regardless of age and gender.

The creator, Toru Iwatani, came up with a brilliant idea while he was eating pizza. He added an element that would attract boys and girls, and that was the cookie like pellets. The company did a great job because it became a hit among gaming enthusiasts.

In Japan, the game was called Puck-Man, but by the time it hit the US market, the character was known as Pac-Man. Only 2 years from its release, a sequel was released and it’s called Ms. Pac-Man.

At a glance, there isn’t much difference from the original except for the fact that the lead character this time is a female. However, if we have a closer look, there are some differences. Besides the female protagonist, it also features more colors and changes in the gameplay.

List of Top Pacman Arcade Machines in 2021 (still perfect for 2022)

My Arcade Micro Player Mini Arcade Machine: Pac-Man Video Game

There’s no other game you can find on this device other than Pac Man. Some people might think that it’s a waste of money to buy a machine that has just one game when other products have a lot of them.

Well, we have to remember that some people are die-hard fans of certain characters. If someone is a big fan of Pac Man, then what’s wrong with him wanting Pac Man alone on a mini arcade?

Besides, Pac Man is fun enough that it doesn’t need distraction from any other game. This particular device has artwork that was inspired from the original artwork. It features a 2.75 inch-screen, not the largest, but the full color makes up for it.

There is also a removable joystick attached on the front. This can be taken off if you’d rather play with the d-pad. As for the audio, besides the built-in speaker, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack you can use for a more immersive gaming experience.

Arcade Classics: Pac-Man Retro Mini Arcade Game

Pac-Man is one of the classics that will be here to stay. It’s not easy for a game to stir up that kind of mass hysteria and be remembered years past its prime. Pac Man is a proof that a game doesn’t have to be intricate to bring some excitement.

If you can’t wait to collect the dots and eat the ghosts, then you can consider this mini arcade. Pac-Man is a staple, so it comes as no surprise that some machines pay homage to this game instead of putting it with other popular titles. There are a few things that make this machine unique.

The first one is the retro artwork and Pac-Man pictures all over the cabinet. It also displays 80’s graphics and sounds that feel so authentic. There are times when we want to play a game as it was played instead of a renewed version of it.

All these elements are the reason this arcade machine interesting to play. To power it on, you need to insert 2 AA batteries into the compartment. And to maneuver through the maze, use the joystick.

What are you waiting for? Go grab one and start eating the pellets as well as the power pellets to scare the ghosts away.

My Arcade Micro Player Mini Arcade Machine: Ms. Pac-Man Video Game

The retro design takes us back to the heyday of Pac-Man. It’s important for a retro arcade machine to sport a retro design because that’s what the game is all about. If it looks too modern, it will look out of place.

The game is displayed on a 2.75-inch full color screen. It creates a good visual despite the fact that the game itself is decades old. And then, there’s a detachable joystick on the front. You can remove it if you want to use the directional pad.

Speaking of the audio, it has a decent output. If you aren’t so content with the quality, you can always plug in your headphones via the 3.5mm headphone jack. This way, you can listen to the sounds at much higher quality. And like many other products, batteries aren’t included in the package.

You can add batteries to the cart while placing an order for this machine. It requires 4 AA batteries. For the record, this is Ms. Pac Man, not the earlier version, so expect it to have a few differences.

If you want the original, the same listing has a few editions, one of which is Pac Man. Just select the right product before buying.

Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga Class of 1981 Arcade Gaming Cabinet

This is a Pac-Man and Galaga hybrid machine. With this product, you can get the best of both worlds.

They are among the most favorite classic games, so it won’t be surprising that some people like them both. Besides the originals, it also offers a few extras for free, namely Speedy Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man, Speedy Pac-Man, and Rapid Fire Galaga.

From the picture, you might think that it’s a mini machine, but it’s actually a full-sized one. It’s like those you find at commercial establishments. If you don’t plan on buying an actual arcade machine, just skip this for another.

By the way, the screen measures 24 inches diagonally, which is a proof that it’s a large machine, not a miniature version. It also comes with a coin-door although it’s completely deactivated.

Tiny Arcade Ms. Pac-Man Miniature Arcade Game

This is another mini arcade with Ms. Pac-Man on it. Before buying, please read the product description carefully because it has resemblance to Pac Man. As said before, there are differences between the two games. For those wanting Ms. Pac-Man, you can try this one.

Although it comes much smaller, it stays true to the original game. It’s compact enough to fit in a suitcase or a smaller bag. Another advantage of buying this mini arcade is it has a HD screen, which contributes a lot to visual quality. It also boasts authentic sounds.

A game doesn’t feel like an original without unique sounds associated with it. Some games try to emulate the originals, but look like failed attempts without the original sounds.

For your information, this machine is officially licensed with the original Ms. Pac Man, so it’s easy to figure out how they can replicate the sounds in a way others couldn’t. The whole machine has dimensions of 4 x 2 x 2 inches, while the screen measures 1 1/2 x 1 inches.

Basic Fun Arcade Classics: Ms Pac-Man Retro Mini Arcade Game

There are quite a lot of machines preloaded with Ms. Pac-Man. This is one that has the classic game on it. From the graphics to the sounds, everything will remind you of the world famous game. The joy stick doesn’t feel stiff at all and the graphics are also good. Brightness can be an issue when a screen doesn’t emit enough light for us to see the game.

Thankfully, the screen is already bright in its factory settings, so you don’t to worry about turning it up to a higher level. The device operates on 3 AA batteries. When other products require you to buy them separately, this gives them for free.

Who is this machine for? It’s for anyone, but if you’re an 80’s kid, it would be an honor to introduce the game to your child. Kids love games especially when they’re not difficult to understand.

Ms. Pac-Man is perfect because it combines all the elements that we love about classic games.

FAQs – Pac Man Classic Arcade

Do these machines have all Pac-Man games?

Most likely no. Most of the arcade machines only feature the original, while others have the sequel.

There are also products that let you play several versions of this franchise, but those products usually cost more than others. Besides, they are probably full-sized instead of miniature arcades.

Can you mute the volume?

As long as there is a volume control on a machine, you can do that. The thing is not every machine offers this.

That’s why you should find it out by reading the description of a product. This way, you know if the volume is adjustable or not.

Can a 5 year old use this?

Mini arcade machines aren’t supposed to be used by children. These devices are already small enough. The buttons and joysticks are even smaller.

The problem is children lack self-control and understanding of what they can and can’t do, which is especially true for toddlers. For this reason, don’t give this kind of toy as a gift to your young one. Wait until he’s old enough to understand how to play it safely.

Does the game have the different mazes?

It depends on which Pac Man you’re talking about. If it’s Ms. Pac-Man, then the mazes should be included especially when the game is officially licensed. The only way to find out apart from relying on the manufacturer’s information is by trying it yourself.

Technically, you’ll be able to see more mazes as you get further into the game. It can be difficult for novices, but for those who’ve been playing this game for a long time, they will probably have the chance to see all those mazes.

How to take off the removable part?

If a machine comes with a removable joystick, there’s probably a screw you can twist in order to detach this part.

And to put it back on, you just need to tighten it with a screwdriver. Keep twisting until it stops firmly.

Final Thoughts on Classic Arcade Video Games

Pac-Man is hugely popular just about everywhere. The main character is also ranked as one of the most iconic characters in videogame history. If you want to revel in the nostalgia of playing Pac-Man like back in the day, you can buy a PacMan mini arcade machine.

Or you can also choose one that features the sequel, Ms. Pac-Man. The game is fun to play and the biggest appeal lies in its simplicity. Although simple, it still feels challenging because the speed increases with each round. You have to run away from the monsters while collecting pellets.

Mini arcades usually have a bunch of preloaded games, but single game arcades are also a commonplace. It’s in your best interest to choose the type that works best for you. With a single game machine, it’s likely that the game is really high quality, not just a knock-off version that tries to cash in on the game’s immense popularity.

Just try to find specific information that says the product is officially licensed by the original manufacturer. This way, you can be sure that everything stays true to the original, such as the graphics, sounds, etc. Pac-man and Ms. Pac-Man are both popular as evidenced by the number of mini arcades that include both games.

If you want to play Pac-Man in a different color theme, Ms. Pac-Man is the way to go. It has 4 different mazes with varying themes. It starts with a pink theme and ends with shades of blue. There are some fun facts you should know about Ms. Pac-Man.

This game was developed in hopes that it would excite more women to play. However, it turned out people had different interpretations of the theme. But all those speculations only fueled the success of the game.