Gaming Showdown: AtGames vs Arcade1Up - Which Wins

[@gurgy3]

The difference is striking when seen side by side. Arcade1up either needs to step up or focus on their arcade cabs.

[@nickgerula]

This was one of the better reviews out there. I liked how you compared every detail to each other. I think both have pros and cons.

[@JohnPauls]

Absolutely Nick, couldn’t agree more! Greatly appreciated, that means a lot. The fine details have always been important to me and they get lost or overshadowed in most reviews.

[@TerryFarthing]

'MOM' needs to up those numbers on the Marvel machine.. just kidding. Now I am convinced I want an Legend machine. Good video.

[@JohnPauls]

😂😂 she’s been busy with a new born, she has a valid excuse. You’ll love it, enjoy and thank you for watching!

[@frankmccloskey3388]

Added the vibs rachel board to connect to my old pc. Nvidia 1080 runs pinball fx3 with cabinet support. Love everything with the ALP. Also setup Future pinball and VPX for hundreds more tables. Unlimited possibilities. Grabbed the arcade deck for coinopsx can't wait to install it.

[@joshmaier18]

I wish we could have the 1up looks with the at games hardware

[@healtc5069]

Given the fact that they are now identical in price its no comparison. ALP is the best bang for your buck. I owned the Marvel cab and I sold it for an ALP. I connected a 10 year old PC loaded steam with FX3 and now I have all the same tables and more.

[@luna123black]

So you added something you already owned. Still that cost should be added into the price to make this usefull And I also own the arcade 1up version. After adding all 30 tables to it, it is much more fun to play. Agames is junk. Look allover and ever video or post Saud its great for modding. Therfore it is a unfinished product with zero support and a pathetic 30 day warranty. Weather you own the parts to fix it or not, those parts cost you money at some point. Therfore the only logical argument here is you spent money on something just to spend more money on it. Value for the money is junk. A few hundred bucks for wood. 700 for buttons and solioneds, $500 to 600 on a current PC that won't be out dated in a month and you are better off building your own if you have the basic knowledge needed to. Better and more tables with better warranty and better support.

[@healtc5069]

@@luna123black Yeah I literally have hundreds of tables on a on a bigger playfield with better graphics, and the fact that I literally only had to plug in a USB and HDMI to have my computer work on it. With out modification is a win for me. But you do you. But stock for stock at their current price range. The Arcade1up is a bad deal.

[@JohnPauls]

Agreed, I’m up to 253 incredibly stunning VPX tables including the 10.7 beta tables, most of the FX3 library I’ve owned for years and 150+ native tables. It’s not a fair comparison. J is sharing his experience with his ALP, the known issues that AtGames won’t do anything about to rectify and I understand his frustration. I stopped updating firmware at 5.47 because AG can’t get their shit together. My OTG lag is practically non existent - at bare minimum, haptics work, leaving it alone. So many reports of issues after these “weekly” updates. Who thought that was a great idea. Regardless, even with its shortcomings - you aren’t building or buying better at the moment at sub $1k. Hopefully AtGames sees all of this and makes things right. I fear to see what their commercial unit is like 🙃

[@timmiser]

Good review. Of note, the Gottlieb games do have a (walk through) table guide for each game much like the Arcade 1up.

[@JohnPauls]

Thank you Tim, good to know. I despise those tables, haven’t played them since day 1. Wish Farsight and AtGames reunited to fix that mess however that’s a tall ask.

[@TampaTec]

Great review 👍 I decided to go with legends Pinball because 32inch screen, 1080p 60hz, I can install games via USB drive and connect my PC to legends to play Pinball fx3. 1up pinball can upgrade to 32in and be hacked to install all Williams and marvel tables which is awesome but I'm happy with my decision since legendsis higher quality.

[@JohnPauls]

Thank you, appreciate that! Love your channel, it has come across my feed a few times. Very well done and informative, subscribed. I have all 30 tables on my A1UP from that hack Kongs posted, definitely made the unit worth more in playtime despite the lackluster screen resolution.

[@luna123black]

Well you wasted you money. Instead of wasting money and time making atgames worth playing. You could of had a custom cabinet with 4k resolution and more enjoyable tables.

[@JohnPauls]

I “wasted” minimal time and money upgrading my ALP. Like I said to witch you seem to be having a hard time grasping. Time = money and I don’t have the time to build a custom 4K cabinet as there’s other important things in life that need attention. This is a hobby. Patiently waiting on your sub $1k 4K cabinet built video. Have a nice day.

[@luna123black]

@@JohnPauls well I guess since vue my time more than yours. And I doubt most would call $600+ for a gaming PC minimal.

[@JohnPauls]

We aren’t talking about gaming Pcs here so what point are you trying to make now? Thought your gripe was with the ALP.

[@JakeSweeper]

The APL is the better option of the two if for no other reason, you can add all the available tables from Zen studios on Steam.

[@goofyfoot390]

Legends for sure.... I can’t understand why 1up costs so much more when it has some much less to offer?

[@uneCENT]

Thanks for another great video. For the foam tape application to help with the rattle from the exciters, did you place it under the front edge piece, or was it placed directly under the control surface? Thanks!

[@JohnPauls]

Under the edge of the control piece. You can push down when it’s rattling to find the optimal points to apply. Thank you for watching!

[@nerdloftgaming]

Great video, subbed 😎 My patience paid off and was able to pick up the AtGames Pinball for $450 here in SoCal. Even at its retail price it is amazing value, especially compared to Arcade1Up's machines. While Gottlieb tables are hit and miss, the Zaccaria tables are stellar, and being able to add FX3 is pretty seamless! Absolutely love this virtual pin!

[@JohnPauls]

Congratulations, you’re going to love FX3. Definitely try to get into VPX, it’s a whole world of amazing tables to play. Thank you for the sub and for watching 😊

[@billybumgarner8692]

The reason why arcade 1 up has less stuff and about the same price is the License to marvel is not cheap im sure....

[@JohnPauls]

Disney and Williams, all expensive licenses. Exactly. Why they didn’t load all 30 on a single table, they need to pay for those licenses.

[@nickyscarfo1]

Legends pinball all the way !!

[@mynameisprivate158]

Wow absolutly abysmal warranty support on both units. For this cost I would expect at least a year!

[@JohnPauls]

Fact!!!!!!

[@petethehawk5186]

It’s a case where you really want one, but the other is a better machine.

[@JohnPauls]

Well said 🤘🏼

[@petethehawk5186]

@@JohnPauls Has anyone heard if 1up has any plans to up their game so to speak? Does anyone think they’ll come out with a larger virtual machine with full HD and better overall specs or are they a case of it what it is?

[@JohnPauls]

Highly doubtful, they’re still trying to sell these units. I don’t think it worked out for them as great as they thought. AtGames also recently partnered with Zen Studios, the final nail in the coffin per se’. Another way for ATG & Zen to make you buy tables over and over and over…….

[@petethehawk5186]

@@JohnPauls That’s not great

[@JohnPauls]

It’s not unfortunately. On a positive note VPX rocks and it’s free as long as you have a decent PC.

[@ramonhurt69]

Nice review. Will you be getting the control deck?

[@JohnPauls]

Thank you very much. Yes, I plan on ordering it however I’ve also considered ordering the Legends Ultimate Arcade which would make playing non pinball games on the ALP redundant unless taking advantage of the vertical screen which some games are better suited for.

[@Regelos]

Did I catch that right to use zen studios on the legends table you have to have a arcade 1 up machine as well?

[@JohnPauls]

Absolutely not. Just send them a picture of your table, they’ll accept and send you the code.

[@MaitreNinjaPAT]

j'ai jouer aux 2 flippers le AtGames est nettement mieux, plus de tables, un deuxième écran qui est en fusion avec le flipper sélectionner, l'esthétique global du flipper, sur le arcade1up que 10 tables de fournis et l'écran en déco au dessus reste fixe c un stickers que vous jouer a n'importe quel flipper ça ne change pas, que vous preniez star wars ou autres licence c la même chose un sticker et toujours 10 tables Sans problème WINS AtGames Merci pour la vidéo

[@JohnPauls]

Merci pour vos commentaires et pour avoir regardé !!!

[@funtyes1970]

i had a arcade 1up pinball i sold it cuz of atgames pinball. i feel like arcade 1up you are limited what you can do on it . and it way smaller then a atgames pinball machine . i don't know why arcade 1up aways make small machines just like arcade 1up arcade machines i had 3 arcade 1up machines one of them i put in a raspberry pi 4 in it but i got my self a atgames legends Ultimate so much better with CoinsOpsX

[@fleejay806]

Cabinet Arcade 1up. The chrome, back glass and end and the artwork tops atgames. Actual playfield, gotta say atgames with bigger screen and 1080p. There’s a new mod to add games to arcade 1up. Atgames has more games but some of the games are boring unless you’re into the very old pinball tables.

[@JohnPauls]

Add a PC to AtGames and you have everything the A1UP can offer and more. After owning both of these units for over a year now, ATG still wins.

[@fleejay806]

@@JohnPauls I have the at games gamer pro hooked up to a vertical screen and get my pinball fix that way. Great system and both have pros and cons

[@JohnPauls]

That’s awesome. They certainly do

[@retror.d.1630]

LP for me. A much better investment for the bucks.

[@210tonka9]

I like both of these machines! Does the ALP give you issues with the marquee glare while playing?

[@JohnPauls]

I covered mine internally, no more reflections.

[@MikeS-el6vd]

I have an Arcade1UP AFM and a ALP. After getting the ALP, AFM just collects dust. I’m going to get rid of it.

[@JohnPauls]

I don’t blame you one bit, if the kids didn’t enjoy it so much and me being a huge Marvel fan, I’d get rid of it too. I plan on running the Marvel tables on the ALP just to get the true experience.

[@johnnyzweihander5761]

Thanks for your time in the review. What were the costs of each set up? Sincerely interested. That's a main aspect that you didn't cover in your review. Sure a $100k car is better and more preferred than the Toyota Corolla. Are you comparing apples to apples here?

[@JohnPauls]

You’re welcome. I did review the cost of each unit, did you miss that part? It’s comparing apples to apples from a price standpoint. From a value perspective, I’ll let you come to your own conclusion.

[@johnnyzweihander5761]

@@JohnPauls Got that they were both $849. I guess what I mean is, how much were the add on games packages for the AtGames...as in how much more did you spend in order to feel satisfied with the titles on the AtGames library? Do you think that adding on games on the AtGames is needed, or are the default games on there fun enough to not go seeking for the more well-known titles?

[@JohnPauls]

Both were priced with the available tables when purchased. The ALP obviously has more although the Gottlieb tables are lackluster, the A1U only comes with 10 tables albeit Marvel licensed. If you’re the type of person that gets bored quick, the ALP is the better choice as the ability to add more tables in the future = easier.

[@JohnPauls]

And to add. I’ve added VPX with currently loaded 324 tables.. no the stock tables weren’t enough for me. I enjoy the recreations of cinema and music tables. Could only do that with the ALP although my A1UP table has all 30 tables running with the Mystery Encoder pcb reflash.

[@carloscorona009]

Thank you brother. Legends it is.

[@JohnPauls]

You are most welcome brother! Thank you!

[@rushmore3927]

Seems the AtGame Micro blow this away, yet alone the full size version.

[@mgpmbass3616]

Can VPX, Future Pinball tables and pup packs be ported over the AGL cabinet with the BYOG and played offline?

[@JohnPauls]

Don’t believe so.

[@mgpmbass3616]

@@JohnPauls Bummer.

[@zombos22222]

is the spooky deluxe game preinstalled?

[@JohnPauls]

Yes, with this purchase that included the table packs.

[@JohnPauls]

Needed to be downloaded to machine with AtGames provided code.

[@castleranch738]

Thank you SO much for this review! Can you remove pre-installed games from the AtGames if there are ones you know you'll never play? Thanks again!

[@JohnPauls]

You’re welcome. Thank you for watching. No, you cannot remove the pre-installed tables.

[@castleranch738]

@@JohnPauls thanks! Also, what exactly do the parental controls offer? Is it just a lockout from changing settings?

[@JohnPauls]

Correct. You’re most welcome.

[@JerseyStyle7]

Im thinking of buying a digital pinball machine 🤔 anything new coming out ?? Besides these ???

[@JohnPauls]

There’s actually a few more manufacturers but these two are the most consumer friendly without going the full custom cab with a pc build. Digital pinball itself is fun, even more so on the right machine. It all comes down to what you want out of it for what you’re willing to pay.

[@JerseyStyle7]

@@JohnPauls I don’t mind paying I was just asking if you knew any new ones that are coming out that are better than these ? 🤔

[@JohnPauls]

So far these are the newest and most talked about. There’s others you can order that have better hardware, more tables built in, etc. I’ve seen pricing on those range from $3k-$5k for a really sick machine running at 4K 60fps.

[@JerseyStyle7]

@@JohnPauls link ???

[@JohnPauls]

www.ebay.com/itm/274039983730

[@rushmore3927]

There is no fair comparison. The ALP hardware is three times more powerful than the low settings 720p output on the A1Up, small 24" playfield, no active backglass, no wifi or way to add more tables.

[@JohnPauls]

Absolutely agree however they are still being compared and come in at the same price point when you factor in shipping so a comparison is still needed to be better informed as a consumer.

[@alkohallick2901]

Why isn't it? The prices are about the same. You get so much more with ALP.

[@rushmore3927]

@@alkohallick2901 Hence the point.

[@mikeconley6331]

I’m not a pinball person but I feel I need one to complete my game room 🤔🤔🤔

[@JohnPauls]

A must

[@210tonka9]

Arcade1up pinball is on sale! $449 def worth it right now. Plus the firmware update gave 1080p option and free mod made the Dmd full function

[@snowblindu]

How did you get the 4 pack of Zacaria tables for free? I bought the special edition from SAMS and didn't notice anything like that with mine.

[@JohnPauls]

Wave 11, Direct order from AtGames came with the Zaccaria packs 1-4 and the Gottlieb.

[@whaleblazers]

Is it possible to pay medieval madness and Star Wars on LP?

[@whaleblazers]

Play

[@JohnPauls]

Yes through OTG with a PC

[@petermacnab1871]

Can I get future. Visual Tables on the ALP ? Like KISS, Playboy , Alien Poker Etc etc the ones I played as a kid. Anyone out there who can offer a plug and play solution to go with the ALP ? Or even one where I can play it on a tv or a mini cab ? I have zero computer skills to get these tables myself .

[@JohnPauls]

No plug and play without a PC and OTG connection at the moment unfortunately.

[@petermacnab1871]

@@JohnPauls I am in montreal and wonder if there is anyone that can help me. To be compensated of course . I’m thinking there must be some experts out there willing to help and be paid for their expertise but who ? Lol

[@JohnPauls]

Although I despise Facebook, there’s a strong community for Legends Pinball modding on it. Wouldn’t hurt to reach out as I’m positive there are Canadians on the page.

[@timmiser]

You will need to hook up a PC however if you do, yes, you can install Popper and get Visual and Future Pinball plus all the Zen games also on the ALP.

[@ShamanNoodles]

Awesome review. The 1up table is a lot better than I thought

[@JohnPauls]

Thank you very much!

[@retror.d.1630]

I think the 1up table is lacking a lot! It doesn’t even have nudge or 1080P. LP for me.

[@JohnPauls]

All comes down to personal preferences 👍

[@tonysrus]

Sickkkkkk brother !!!!

[@JohnPauls]

Thanks brother!

[@thomasb.2097]

Has anyone made a 1:1 scale pinball ?

[@funtyes1970]

just think arcade 1up wants $800 for there pinball machine now now that is funny

[@JohnPauls]

Exactly, it’ll only force AtGames to raise their pricing…. Again lol

[@funtyes1970]

@@JohnPauls lol i was thinking same thing

[@JohnPauls]

Hahah I don’t blame them.

[@cknorris3644]

I own the atgames and I think the backbox is horrible. They need to ditch the lightup logo and add a dmd on the bottom. Machine kinda looks goofy with the 3 logos on front. Especially sitting next to their legends arcade cabinet. When I walk in my arcade room all i see are Legends and atgames logos. Kinda cheaps out the overall look of the room.

[@JohnPauls]

I agree, easily modified or covered with vinyl if it’s that much of a nuisance. The speakers are also terrible, have a video coming up soon replacing those with better.

[@derekdeitlaf1690]

A1up is easy to mod get over 90 games on stock pcb and can upgrade to 32” screen for $150 and it runs at 1080p and now you can have dynamic back glass and online capabilities with version 4.0 so I wouldn’t say ALP is the winner

[@Vintiqueture]

AtGames has had a longstanding reputation of being a cash-grab, low quality producer of clone systems, particularly their Sega line of products. But my goodness, have they made a killing in the home arcade scene. Seriously, the build quality of both their stand-up arcade and this pinball machine, and the ability to expand the library on both is outstanding. Kudos to AtGames 👍

[@JohnPauls]

They still have a bad reputation at customer service and sending out units with known faults, issues. Also not having enough boards to replace their constantly failing ALU’s. Won’t even get into the absolute nonsense that was their monthly updates just to make games available or unavailable on ArcadeNet which is wildly inefficient, instead of actually fixing known problems that they created in the first place through crap firmware updates. Also go comment something negative on any of their social media - it’ll get deleted. I enjoy the ALP however I rule with my wallet and AtGames will not receive another cent from me. I was going to order an ALU but a few months ago I lost access to all of my Native tables and Paid tables for over a month because of a firmware update released by AG, they took over a month to respond. They don’t care about their customers.

[@Vintiqueture]

@@JohnPauls wow... one step forward, two steps back 🤦‍♂️ This machine still looks alluring, would you still recommend it?

[@JohnPauls]

Exactly. It is, as long as you can get past the issues, most of which are easily modified and made better. Haptics are terrible from the start. If your ALP is working, don’t update the firmware- something will break. Some native tables are glitchy - see firmware updates for cause. Gottlieb tables look better on VPX than they do on the actual tables included. On the other hand, I do enjoy my machine and do recommend with those thoughts in mind. It’s the best sub $1000 vpin you could buy right now, decent build quality and I love the expandability - OTG mode is incredible, currently have over 400 tables between VPX & FX3. Add Arcade games through CoinOpsX - I have 7500+ on an usb that could be played with the control panel. My ALP gets the most play between all my machines. They get things right, they just need to take care of their customers and get their shit together.

[@michaelharris8346]

ALP seems to complicated it needs this and needs that and u need to do this and all their products seem to be popular only after mods and for the larger screen size on their pinball so arcade1up it is unless the sharpin can show me something better

[@JohnPauls]

After owning them for over a year, ALP definitely gets more playtime. Just my personal opinion as an owner of both.

[@luna123black]

Why would anyone buy the at games machine. It is conplete junk. The sound causes everything to vibrate and there are no haptics. The jnky thing it good for is to rebuild

[@JohnPauls]

It’s a starting point, fact the haptics are shit but for sub $1k you aren’t finding a competitive example. Buy a base model, modify the haptics like I’ve done and you got a solid machine. Just don’t buy it expecting perfection, it’s not a $3-5k custom Vpin.

[@luna123black]

@John Paul’s GarageCade it may be a starting point but it's not a good one. But this and spend a grand to make it defeat. Or buy a empty cabinet and get custom artwork, add solenoids, better screens and a PC and endurance with something 10x better for about the se money. Just doesn't make sense in the long run.

[@JohnPauls]

Not necessarily if you already have a gaming PC. This plus $300 will get you pretty well off compared to what you’re suggesting. It’ll come out to the same cost whether it be through currency or time lost building the thing. I’m not defending its shortfalls however I will state for less than $1k you aren’t finding or building better - consideration of “time is money”

[@luna123black]

@John Paul’s GarageCade so you mean if I already owned gammon PC this junk is worth it? Same can be said for a custom built cabinet. We can agree to disagree, but fact is with the horrible sound and basically zero haptics. This machine is just not fun to play on. A gaming PC is a cost to this or a custom cabinet. So that is a wash and has nothing to do with my point. He'll, with a custom PC and cabinet at least you would have support and something better than atgames pathetic 30 day warranty.

[@JohnPauls]

Waiting on your sub $1k 4K vpin machine you claim is so easy to build.