Galaga Joystick Player REVIEW | Is My Arcade's New Player Right for YOU?

[@ghettoandroid]

Yes, Gorf in this form-factor! The ranking lights will put it over the top!!

[@jjasper7512]

With surgical precision the machine was extracted....the instructions, hurled across the table,love it! Great overview.

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's how it goes here. 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@corellioncrusaderproductio4679]

I would love to see Xevious on this. This is such a bizarre but neat idea! Tron or Zaxxon would be great in this form factor as well.

[@QunMang]

For Zaxxon they could also include Super Zaxxon.

[@bland9876]

​@@QunMangfor Xevious they could include Super Xevious.

[@edwardmclaughlin719]

Pro Tip: If you don't remove the fake screen shot the difficulty goes way up.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Hahaha! That one made me snort. Thanks!

[@vintagecapgunsatyourmomshouse]

As long as you didn't snart ​@@GenXGrownUp

[@DigitallezSTG]

Pac-Man would be perfect to play on this too because having the joystick on the left side of the pac-man micro player is sometimes really awkward

[@lurkerrekrul]

What? Haven't you heard? Having the stick on the left is the PERFECT way for right-handed players to play arcade games! I mean it makes so much sense for the majority of the world to use their non-dominant hand to control twitchy arcade games that require lots of hand/eye coordination!!!

[@BuzzGarwood]

YES! Thank you for saying that. I feel the same way about Ms. Pacman. All MyArcade has to do is put the D pad on the other side for PacMan and Ms. PacMan and I'd buy BOTH!!!! Take my money!!

[@lurkerrekrul]

@@BuzzGarwood The really frustrating thing is that if you hand an ambidextrous joystick (buttons on either side, or a flight stick with the buttons on the stick) to a right-handed gamer, even one who's been playing with left-handed controllers their entire life, they will instinctively grip the stick with their right hand. All the talk about it making more sense for righties to use their left hand goes out the window when using their right hand is an option. Another thing that annoys the crap out of me: When the Atari 2600 came out, everyone agreed that the joystick was designed for right-handed people and lefties found it really awkward to use. By the logic used today, wouldn't that have been a LEFT-handed joystick, and lefties should have been right at home with it?

[@notagainwiththisdyingferfe7722]

Believe it or not, I was in target like 3 days ago and they had a tabletop version of ms pac man made by arcade 1up for 99 dollars and it had galaxian on it and like 3 more re games lol.

[@Datan0de]

I've gotta say, I'm still not sold. I think this would be great for Zaxxon, especially if they added fire buttons on the panel as well (that would sell me in this for Galaga, too), but as is I can't imagine getting through challenging stages in a long play session with this. Gorf would potentially be amazing, but you have to remember that Gorf uses an analog stick, not an 8-way. If they can do that with this form factor, I'm in!

[@darylbarefoot2501]

I got mine last week and I've been waiting on your review. Thanks!

[@decadentdave]

I’d buy Gorf and Zaxxon! I have this on pre-order can’t wait!

[@zablelop]

Yes, finally! I can’t do most games because the directional stick is made for the left hand. Just can’t do it. Now finally my favorite game without having to move the stick to the right of the console, finally! Going to write the company to continue.

[@dr.awkward9075]

Oh man, can't wait for this review!

[@dr.awkward9075]

#GivemeGorf & Zaxxon & if they add a little spinner we could have Tron too!

[@ThomaniacsRetrogamingZone]

Hehehe. You have to come up with an idea like that first. Cool looking little arcade!

[@ButterSpider3]

It is a very cool iteration of Galaga. But, Halloween is a perfect time to release this Frankenstein monster!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Ha!

[@tonybarnes2920]

Would love a Pac-bundle, with Pac, Ms. Pac and Super Pac. Or a Tron!

[@andromedaone3640]

looks cool, giving the arcade feel with a full size stick with a compact form factor. I hope the do Bad Dudes like this and i can see these are the arcade versions. 👍

[@GarbageGamerz]

I would LOVE to see Juno First with this setup, even tho it was not a flight stick game I have played it with one in the past and it lends itself really well to it. Also for me the only other game that kept popping up in my head was Space Harrier, I do believe they could emulate it seeing they have done complex games like Street Fighter 2.....

[@FormulaFox]

I would buy a MyArcade Gorf even if it wasn't a joystick player. And I don't even like Gorf that much - I'm just still sad at knowing the specific Gorf cab I played on as a kid was destroyed a couple years back...

[@GenXGrownUp]

🥲

[@FormulaFox]

@@GenXGrownUp Yeah, it was at a bowling alley that closed over a decade ago. Nobody knew the arcade machines were still in there. World lost a Gorf, Track & Field, Super SF2, and several pinballs when the roof collapsed. A handful of other cabs escaped destruction.

[@williamcrowe2576]

Midway Tron might work with this too, but then they'd have to find a way to include the knob thing. Y'know, what's used to aim the tank turret or Tron's disc throwing arm.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yep, Tron wen through my head, but the addition of a spinner is a lot to ask. I'll settle for Gorf! #GiveUsGorf

[@johnenoch6222]

I was thinking the same thing

[@QunMang]

Beaten to the punch by more than one person, oh well. Since they already used a knob for a paddle on the GSP, it's not a stretch to see it added to a Tron game. The need of an extra license from Disney might be a bigger roadblock though.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@QunMang I really wouldn't hold out hope for a Tron like this any time soon. Remember the GSP has a paddle, not a perpetual spinner, so there's one new part to source, plus it really needs to be weighted to work properly (tough at this size). And then, as you said, the Disney license! I'll be happy with a Gorf or Zaxxon if it comes about. 😀

[@QunMang]

I understand. That's why I referred to it as a wish in my own post. What a wish too- I haven't been able to play it properly since the days of the serial and game ports with MAME and my Wingman Warrior (still have the controller). I suppose I could get a couple of adapters to USB, but I don't even know if that would work.

[@mrbubetube]

14:38 absolutely, that was my first thought when I saw a flightstick on Galaga. I thought, if they're going to do that, they must be putting Gorf in there too. I was shocked to find out they didn't! THEY SHOULD!

[@bessallin459]

Reminds me of joystick from gorf

[@TheSupervillain316]

This, or Tron

[@talesfromthejundlandwastes5498]

Stick on an accompanying dial for the ultimate retro arcade experience... TRON ! Would pay good money for that. Dream on!

[@OrdoNekro]

This device is so over the top, I love it.

[@yandman26]

I've been waiting to see this. I think it's pretty cool, feels like an evolution of the electronic games from the eighties. One annoying thing is why didn't they use the ar ade bezel art. What they need to do is release space harrier and Afterburner. Also need a light up marquee.

[@seanrh8228]

I got this for Christmas and love it!

[@RCfromtheNYC]

You can't think of arcade schmups without thinking of Gorf. Let's make it happen! #GiveMeGorf

[@GenXGrownUp]

Share & hashtag so they can't ignore the market potential! #GiveMeGorf

[@pattravers2611]

I still have the Gorf "Space Cadet" medal I won by besting the game and sending in a photo of my tv!

[@marccaselle8108]

They could have added gorf and maybe a spinner for Tron

[@Zel-from-Ashdod]

Twelve days too late, I thought of the perfect answer to this question: MAD PLANETS by Gottlieb. That's the perfect game for this kind of (crazy) setup.

[@JC-vd6yi]

Hmmmmm. Us old timers know the phrase. If it ain't broke don't fix it. As you mentioned there is no practical reason for having this joystick for Galaga. It does not add anything. I don't like change for changes sake. I embrace change when it improves something or introduces something new. as said it would be great with gorg, zaxxon, or Tron with light up joystick. But will they pay for the licensing?? From what I've seen no. But oh boy if Tron ever made its way.

[@JasonT-xp3kh]

They should do a version of this with a trackball. So many great trackball games out there that get no love. Maybe like a inch and three quarter stainless ball with some weight to it.

[@VEGANVANIA]

It is totally surreal that they're using a real (micro switch / "clicky") joystick for THIS PRODUCT of all conceivable products... and I say this as someone who managed to resist buying Sega's Astro City Mini.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Right?

[@checkacola]

Just bought it can’t wait to play!

[@CP-ih6zq]

Great review! but if they are going to go this far why don’t they just make the controller and button just like the arcade version like we all really want. Like some have said in other comments this would be wonderful for Pac Man games, but if it was correct sized joystick with the knob top. I would love to have that on a Ms. Pac-Man version of this.

[@HugeMovieFanatics]

Finally. Been waiting for this video. That thing sure is weird. I hope they end up doing Gorf on that thing. Thanks for the video.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching!

[@randysmith7094]

Galaga has officially been done to death. Aside from Gorf, that cabinet form factor could work good for other arcade games. Like Q-Bert with a true diagonal stick and ball top. Or have a decent sized trackball for those type of games...

[@DannyP-dm1pw]

I got the Gorf homebrew that came out late last year on the Atari 2600 by champ games and it;'s awesome

[@retrojoe85]

Well done! This thing is so weird that it makes to want me buyin' it in some way, but...hey My Arcade, #GiveMeGorf!

[@johnenoch6222]

Awesome review, interesting novelty product. You should be the new Director of marketing and product development for my Arcade!

[@ctbinary42]

I wouldn’t play Galaga on this but maybe it was a marketing ploy from MyArcade to test to see if it would work. The 4 way micro switch is a givaway

[@MrThunderwing]

I'd love a mini Afterburner cabinet by Sega that looked a bit like this.

[@TFEnright5]

I would love to see a Gorf unit like that. I loved it in the arcade and on my VIC-20.

[@j.d.ramirez8102]

I would love to see Zaxxon. We have to remember though, it all boils down to licensing and if they can get it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

You're right - it's up to us to make the licensing agreement make sense. Share & hashtag so they can't ignore the market potential!

[@TwesomE]

All those are awesome i don't say,but the fact remains that are novelty items and with this kind of joystick if you play allot with it it might break or get loose with time no matter how good they made it.I wanted to buy one with street fighter but they charging it pretty high as a price,and also again novelty item for decoration mostly.And i also got to mention my space problem because i am living in a small cave! It is cool however to put it alongside an action figure etc in your shelve and i do dig in the design of those small cabinets! Especially those accurate miniatures i saw another company did with tmnt and ghost and goblins as well! Great review again though showing us what we are going to buy if we take the decision thanks man good times!

[@notagainwiththisdyingferfe7722]

I’m so with you. I want Gorf!!!

[@Darkuni]

Dude, I totally throw my manuals like that .. owned.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I feel seen.

[@Darkuni]

@@GenXGrownUp LOL. Interesting gadget. Not sure I LOVE it, but might look good on a shelf if picked up for pennies on the dollar at the Walmart clearance aisle :D

[@waynecuff3140]

Looks great I want one, Gorf on here would of been even better 😀

[@mrlynch52]

That would be a cool idea for a Zaxxon game.

[@RobbieRocketship]

We’re all hungry for GORF, but imagine Star Wars with this form factor.

[@VEGANVANIA]

Owning one console per game is bananas, _but..._ I sympathize with the attempt at providing a tactile experience that's fundamentally different from what you can get (via emulation) on your mobile phone.

[@Sega_is_all_i_cd]

Damn, that little cabinet sure got a big o thang

[@ZodWriter]

This is probably your best review! Thank-You! I definitely ordered this! paPOw!!! 💥💥👊💥💥 #MyArcade #GiveMeGorf

[@gregorypope23]

Looking forward to the mini Uzi 9mm on their version of Operation Wolf!

[@FUGP72]

What's the point really? If you are going to do this, do it with a game that HAD a joystick like this in the first place. They should make a Tron game complete with the old clear, glowing joystick with the trigger and the spinner. I would buy that in a heartbeat.

[@rvs8425]

I would prefer the fire button to not be on the joystick. It should be a large round button on either side of the joystick (for left and right-hand players).

[@skreeog]

Hey, as usual i like your videos :) A question, have you tried using the joystick by putting your hand around it as.. i mean, as you would in a simulator, like? because when i play some space or warplane game when i press the trigger to fire i for sure don't get the wobble. It's not a critique of you! I just would like to know if you find the dimension of the joystick big enough to wrap your hand around it as would be "normal" with a joystick.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching and for the suggestion. I kind of tried, that, but my hand is too big for it. I think you can see toward the end of the video, a shot from a 45 degree angle showing the gameplay with the stick. Small stick, big hands, I kind of have to tuck my pinky around the bottom/back of the stick, so I can't really fully grip it like a flight yoke. If my hands were smaller (or the stick larger), I suspect your suggestion would work well.

[@EdR-rd3ed]

It's quirky enough to make me want one. The thought kept coming to mind that something similar would have been great for the Atari cabinet! Whether the flight stick takes off or not, hopefully the larger screen will become a regular feature on these. Definitely more Gen X friendly.

[@tron3entertainment]

Jon, been eyeing this piece. Thanks for the review. I like the joystick, but I would be happier with a wider, clicky fire button. The trigger looks too thin. I would expect it to fatigue my trigger finger. I am just now realizing, are you one of the kids in that old commercial you play in every video? Which on are you?

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm not in the footage of the Mennen commercial. 😀 Just like it says, King of Nerds is a supporter & advertiser. They're linked in the description.

[@turret72]

I would be interested in Gorf. Zaxxon as well.

[@WhatsOnMyShelf]

This bizarre handheld scheme would seemingly work well with a game like Afterburner, though I imagine the game may be too intense to hold in place and the screen size being too small. These kinds of experiments remind me of some of the stuff Tiger used to do with their handhelds. Maybe they're going to release a light gun game next or 3D glasses game.

[@RlsIII-uz1kl]

Glareless glass and a lighted cabinet in regards to the games name would be great. The software sound was off on that one part. Why can't something like that be corrected, before release? Haptic feedback but that's just over the top along with some of the other things I mentioned.

[@GenXGrownUp]

👌

[@literallyunderrated]

Pretty cool, maybe next they'll make Pac Man with a steering wheel. These kind of remind me of the "variant cover" hustle they try to do with comic books

[@literallyunderrated]

Like if they’re gonna make a mini cab with a flight stick controller then do it for a game that actually uses it. We already have so many iterations of Galaga

[@pogmania]

Would like to see this form factor but a trackball with centipede or marble madness roms.

[@carm3d]

It needs one of two things.. Put the fire button on the side of the stick, or let us plug in a USB controller with input remapping.

[@GenXGrownUp]

🤔

[@monjaras4396]

it would be interesting if there were more joystick players with different games

[@TheSTeWMaN29]

I would want the trigger, fire button separate, I would develop a new muscle twitch in the wrong finger

[@FloridaKeysPirate]

Yes , Gorf would be great !

[@jeffdewe]

Wouldn't be all that hard to swap in a real arcade joystick and a fire button, I've built a few arcade games from scratch, so I can picture this in my head :)

[@GenXGrownUp]

That would be cool!

[@bullvei1976]

Give me TRON, in this unit! With light up stick and effects.

[@cryptocoffee13]

Good video! Looks like it's not bad I'm going to pass on it though but if we can get My Arcade to make Gorf using this form factor, I would definitely get it.

[@Monitor1CC]

I doubt I’ll be getting this one (will be getting the standard Galaga Pro mini cab whenever I can find one) but it’s impressive how well the joystick works with the game and it looks fun to try at least.

[@whatifguy9675]

Man Afterburner would be sick if it came with a similar joystick.

[@gregmitchell5138]

great video! Also...agree! GORF GORF GORF

[@andyauthor2007]

Yeah, M.A.C.H. 3 and Zaxxon with Super Zaxxon on one of these. This is a classic example of someone like Romstar and Sega not doing anything with their IPs (just letting them sit there to rot) and then they get pissed off when people emulate.

[@OM19_MO79]

GORF... yeah... about that... Trademark: WBD Program: WBD (or possibly Jamie Fenton) Name and sprites of stage 1: Taito Name and concept of other stages, plus the “G” of GORF: Namco Yeah... not gonna happen.

[@GenXGrownUp]

It already has happened. 🤣 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIaUl62Zm6uLjsk

[@Scobb2001]

100% would buy 2x Gorf

[@cristianluengo5100]

Very blind-friendly as usual. Thanks a million for that! Just a couple doubts. Is the console flat or it's like an arcade machine. Also, How big is it? God bless.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Imagine a standard Micro Player with about a four-inch deck on the front where the vertical flight yoke stick is mounted. The complete unit is 4" x 7.63" x 6.8" If you have the ability to do text-to-speech on a PDF, here's the full data sheet that might be useful. LINK: www.dropbox.com/sh/dn4ui835bzmgh5p/AABcKq3gjce99U32rC_TLTFha?dl=0&preview=DGUNL-7000+GALAGA_Joystick+Player_Sell+Sheet.pdf

[@cristianluengo5100]

@@GenXGrownUp Thanks for the heart and the response. Yes, of course i can do text to speech. I can also read in braille. There are braille computers for the blind. Well, at the moment, i have atopic dermatitis in my scalp and hands. So the braille dots hurt me. Literally, I just play games and listen to books or videos cuzz I can't use my hands. Thanks for the link too.

[@alkydaklown]

Oh man Zaxxon would be amazing

[@MrJDNJ]

I have to say it's a Novelty Toy Only and probably make great gifts for kids. How much is that thing, anyway? Joystick honestly doesn't look big enough for an adult size hand. The old Jaxx-Pacific Namco TV Plug and Play units have better controls, easier to hold, have more games, and you can see the screen, from the Couch.

[@GenXGrownUp]

👌

[@shadchandler3503]

They need to have that joystick 🕹️for Gorf…..

[@adfury]

Please release some Sega titles in that format. I'm sure atgames sees these vids.

[@THEKLEVER187]

@8:57 Maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me but it kinda looks like you have a bit of input delay from the moment you move the stick and the spaceship moving .

[@GenXGrownUp]

I didn't see it during play, but I do see what you mean when watching back. I believe that's the deadzone in the stick between neutral and when the microswitch is clicked.

[@rodolfogonzalez1080]

Nathing to complain its a fun game with a flight stick 👍👍👍

[@FreedomofthepressCanada]

They should have use the space and put an arcade, size, joystick, and button

[@tom611]

Are you allowed to take apart your preview unit? I'm curious what's inside. Sometimes the click is just metal domes on a PCB and not a microswitch, so curious about that, also how the joystick platform is connected, since it does seem to be two separate parts (you can see a line under the sticker on the side where the normal My Arcade ends and the joystick platform begins). They definitely need Zaxxon in these for me. I don't think anywhere near me had Gorf for some reason growing up, so Gorf brings to mind the Colecovision's disc-on-a-stick to my mind instead of the proper arcade one.

[@ForrestBurroughs-c8u]

Satan’s Hollow would be awesome too 🎉

[@alexferreira4235]

Guarantee you the next unit with this model will be Space Invaders. My Arcade is in it for the money

[@GenXGrownUp]

Wait - they're a for-profit organization? I'm stunned! 😜

[@alexferreira4235]

@@GenXGrownUp not really my point there. It's just like them releasing 10 different Pacmans instead of new titles. It's lazy

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@alexferreira4235 Yeah, I know, Alex. I was teasing - hence the 😜.

[@metal--babble346]

why a joystick for games that only move left and right? My Arcade should make this setup a paddle, open up a huge genre of games.

[@mekman4]

Great Stuff!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks!

[@AlwaysLookEye]

I think you said it's a 4 way stick. Both games are only a side to side stick player. Maybe they think people will put more games on it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yep, that does leave it open to future possibilities. The up/down is used in the HOME menu to select Galaga or Galaxian, but nothing else.

[@rDanny]

Need an After Burner one

[@eduardoherrera1974]

I gotta say 1 thing. Discs of tron.

[@davidcountryman]

Looks like a lot of latency on the joystick to me, but the audio is definitely better.

[@TheLadsBandLive]

I mean, I guess, but I agree, why not just make GORF or Zaxxon or After Burner or, dare I dream, TRON?

[@DannyP-dm1pw]

I'd say popularity. Most people won't recognize those names as much as the heavy hitters. Gorf Arcade homebrew on Atari 2600 I have and it's awesome

[@PC_TV_73]

Looks pretty cool but I gave up just buying stuff just to buy it. The only mini arcades I collect now are the new wave toys I got rid of all the others because let’s face it at least for me I buy it it sits on the shelf and then ends up in the garbage, at least the new wave Torres will hold some value and if I ever get tired of them, I can resell them. These little things are not worth the shipping price. Don’t get me wrong up until two years ago or so I picked up everything and everything I even had some numbskull arcadesand just realize there’s only so many minis that are even worth it and new wave towards it. Definitely the top tier. Don’t get me wrong. I still buy some things that I know I shouldn’t but I’m getting better lol.

[@jayme69]

When I first saw this, I said I'd totally be up for buying one if it was Gorf. #GiveMeGorf :-)

[@friendlyghost75]

My guess is that this was released in this form factor because some people don't like the tiny little thumbstick on the arcade machines, which is awkward to hold and use, especially for people whose fine motor control might be fading with age. This gives a much better form factor for someone who wants to play using their wrist instead of fingers and may have a better time with the less precise movements and more ergonomic design. Why not a bat top or ball top of the same size? I do not know that. Must have been cheaper to do it this way or they are in fact planning other machines. All that being said, am I the only one who thought Jon was being overdramatic with his "how am I going to play Galaga with a flight stick" routine? As if we haven't been playing Galaga with all kinds of different controls (D-pads, thumbsticks, etc) for literaly decades now. And as if the standard Myarcade controls are closer to the actual arcade controls (they're not because they're tiny thumbsticks even if they're shaped like bat tops.) Let's not pretend that it shocks you to think of playing Galaga with anything other than the original arcade controls.

[@GenXGrownUp]

If that were the motivation, I wouldn't think this would be the outlier, but rather the standard form.

[@friendlyghost75]

@@GenXGrownUp Well it would be about options. A lot of people are fine with the little thumbstick controller but some probably can't use it effectively, so give them a different option. Same concept as Nintendo Switch shipping with Joy Cons but also offering a pro controller and other licensed options for those who find them uncomfortable. It's not like this is the only version of Galaga they sell.

[@ViciousAlienKlown]

It's brilliant because it's bananas

[@tremelo8508]

Is the unit solid enough not to slide without holding it on the side? I get your unused hand has to go somewhere anyway, just curious.

[@GenXGrownUp]

The long rubber feet mean it's not likely to slide, but because it's light, it's prone to tipping a bit if you get enthusiastic with your play. 😀

[@WWRNC]

#GiveMeGorf and Zaxon for sure! Tron if we’re lucky!

[@KoolKatDave]

Jon, does it retain the "glitch" with leaving the two bees alone to run out of bombs?

[@GenXGrownUp]

I didn't re-test on this Joystick Player, but it appears to be the same software as are in the Pocket & Micro, so I suspect so.

[@swk38]

arcade games like space invaders, galaxian, and galaga would have been better with paddle controls like they did with pong or breakout

[@gardyjure118]

These things are more for decoration or collecting than playing imo

[@richlo8887]

You keep mentioning this stuck version was the same as the updated mini arcade version. When was Galaga updated? Sounds like it was an improved ROM from the previous version that was good but had bad audio.

[@GenXGrownUp]

The entire "Pro" Galaga line (Pocket, Micro, Pico) share the same software as this Joystick Player.

[@richlo8887]

@@GenXGrownUp @GenXGrownUp really? The sound of the joystick player sounded way better than the one you reviewed a while back.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@richlo8887 At this size, may be a different speaker, but the port of the game is the same.

[@richlo8887]

@@GenXGrownUp interesting. I might need to find that video again. Even the one with the 223 no fire bug sounded excellent.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@richlo8887 That's a Pro model from last year.