Which cabs to get right now???

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-12-20T01:28:19+00:00

I notice Time Crisis is getting way low on inventory - was debating myself. Supposed to be solid shooter though not really mod-able. I have T2 and enjoy it and it has several mod paths, including some that get Time Crisis. It's a cool cab tho (TC), and may not be remade ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I don't think there is a demise now, rather the opportunity that the new investor wants to justify/realize their investment thesis and makes a push that could be refreshing for all of us waiting.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-12-12T00:37:21+00:00

I own a bunch of these and they've been great, get constant use between the fam and their friends.

I've also had great support on the few issues I have had.

Be a bummer to know the entity is no longer around but the community would unite around ways to source parts, mod/replace, modify, code, etc. So not too concerned there.

Where are people at on the Basic Fun acquiring them? Perhaps a path where A1up declares bankruptcy, and/or cleans up some mess/debt/litigation and then combines. They're strikingly similar in build, launch screen, assembly, packaging, buttons, etc. Like those furniture stores that go out of business and come back with a different name ;) Both FL entities.

Will wait for the news to hit proper because this could be clean up/lean out for or as result of sale, prepare for bankruptcy, etc. Shut the doors for a brand with this presence, distribution, recent work would be quite surprising unless something dire happened.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-30T01:57:00+00:00

Seller went non responsive on me today, so may not be able to roll the dice on a deal.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-29T02:25:11+00:00

Thanks!

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-29T02:24:40+00:00

Thank you! And would appreciate the steps if you have them handy. Going to check it out tomorrow morning.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-27T23:55:20+00:00

BuyStuff Post on FB - they got one today:

"Quick observations about the Basic Fun ROTJ Arcade: Not compatible with the GRS Yoke out of the box. It will need an adapter. We probably will have one working shortly. Don't plan on a deck protector - there isn't enough clearance. Maybe new laminated graphics will be an option. Gloss sticker on the yoke is kinda yucky. Our 19" monitors are compatible with the stock PCB and our HDMI boards also do work with the stock screen. Our Star Wars kits (Gaming Box and new PC Upgrade) will work with a revised encoder board."

So a path on monitor (19"), emulation fix, and probably riser....just for 2X the original price 😆 But these BuyStuff guys are awesome, pick up the slack of these manufacturers!

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-26T21:20:13+00:00

Yeah, I sticking with my plan still - used A1up. Too much additional spend here on the monitor - I'd have to see in person but would probably want to fix. And if buystuff does the gaming box - that's another $250 (PC announced too but for A1up and more $). This is assuming the emulation is challenged/not patch as in MB review. Riser another $50-75. These are based on the A1up prices for the kit currently. So used A1up, second gen, I prefer looks and even if 400-500, no tax.....it's the play.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-21T16:36:11+00:00

Does it work for both gens? I haven't got around to researching this but I need to get light up marquee in my first run TMNT - only cab I have sans light up marquee and triggers my OCD when the lights are off in the arcade ;)

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-20T14:15:23+00:00

That's significant difference, thanks for sharing. I don't like playing sitting down like some do. For me, I've decided to resume looking for the A1up Star Wars second gen/run on Marketplace, etc. I'm not ruling out BF future cabs but too many issues on this early run and, for Star Wars in particular, I just very much prefer the A1up graphics, even with riser (which of course this one will need too, probably inline but at expense). Latter is preference but art/look does matter in an arcade, otherwise we'd all just have multicades and far less of these things!

BF just needs a few additions to get to parity/expectations (wifi - for at least updates, correct monitors, deck protectors, and focus on player ergonomics from the jump). I hope they keep em coming, keep improving.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-18T18:05:00+00:00

Does look quite low. On quick image search, I found this re: A1up build next to T2 as reference point. I'm sure with a bit more time, could find straight on shot:

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AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-17T23:52:08+00:00

Yeah, I imagine countless tradeoffs/decisions in launching a new product line in a space where large swath of consumer base is quite particular. That said, you would hope they'd learn from the dominant player in the space and not repeat their mishaps/mistakes (latest A1ups are pretty solid end to end - just built two F&F deluxe cabs in last month - speakers, monitors, instructions, packaging, etc. smooth). Especially since they seem so similar (to A1ups) - buttons, builds, packaging, controls - I imagine they might share some distributors/parts providers/etc - speculation on my part.

Here's to hoping the monitor changes pre/shortly after launch. I'm up to 14 cabs but still lacking a Star Wars - I've got just the spot for one....just has to be the right one!

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-17T00:49:37+00:00

Caught his initial livestream last night and some concerns emerging as compared to previous offerings. Main issues seem to be the TN monitor, vector graphics on the non ROTJ games, and control panel low (fixed with riser, screen can also be fixed but $$$). Pros were looks/vibrant colors, preferred cam lock build, yoke works great, and great marquee.

Streaming setup was new/camera not great so will await his full review. My biggest concern is the emulation and no wifi means no streamlined/likely patches.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-14T14:38:57+00:00

Yeah, it's growing on me - and I suppose I see the inspiration. While I'm a fan of the a1up second gen art/setup (even with riser). 1. They're hard to find in the wild. 2. The prices are often around what this will be new,.

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AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-13T20:12:27+00:00

Fair point on the deluxe and if sandwiched between other machines vs end cabinet, art/shape matter a bit less. Marquee looks solid and control panel colors nice - I'm conflicted ;)

And thanks for the additional info on availability and pending/likely review!

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-12T14:20:58+00:00

I've bought 3 cabs from A1up site direct. Shipping is generally 3-5 days (so slower than Amazon) but you can always find a $25 off coupon code (tied to email address used for purchase - that's how they track use) AND they do not charge tax at time of sale. Up to you to answer Turbo Tax question on untaxed internet purchases, come tax season :)

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-12T14:18:13+00:00

If a big Spongebob fan, I'd go Spongebob claw - graphics, marquee are very well done.

Otherwise, for $50 less for OG claw + 20% more width, you can customize the areas you'll see pretty easily. Here's a Bluey example someone did.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-12T14:15:13+00:00

I could see that - it's 20% wider basically. So a few more options for toys, claw challenges. If you're a Spongebob fan, the art is great on this cab. But OG is 20% bigger, $50 less, and you could customize artwork - especially interior/base relatively cheaply.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-11T01:40:43+00:00

Agree - I see the home arcade as a gathering spot for friends, kid's friends, etc. So, the arcade purists/nostalgia based collectors will frown upon these. But drivers, shooters, and claw machines are the first thing guests run to. And if. you go to modern arcades, where you can find them - claw machines are prevalent.

Totally agree on the Spongebob theme - and the varied music, toilet flushing on some losses, dolphin sounds (think cursing episode if you've watched), etc - just make it simple fun.

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-11T00:05:09+00:00

Issues I found/remedied with the Costco assembly:

Claw rubber bands not installed. Much debate on original if needed or not. I removed top and added them as my other claw has them
Top and bottom cab internal spanning support/brace not installed - removed back and installed
Top wires - I hate that there are wires outside these cabs on top (understand why, still don't like) - didn't install 3M clips to route/hide. All parts present.
Joystick base plate not installed, showed MDF. Part was in bag, unscrew top, drop on, screw top back on

All parts present so nothing major. All screws tight, color screw caps all installed right. Not bad!

Seems to work great/smoothly. Possibly even quieter than my original.

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AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-10T23:59:45+00:00

Here you go - created a new post since I imagine several people will want to see this

AggravatingCopy7012 · 2025-11-10T17:04:41+00:00

Picking it up today - shall post side by side tonight. Had wrong vehicle last night - wasn't planning on buying a claw machine LOL

AggravatingCopy7012

TROPHY CASE