Unico Nova Blast Review - Is It Worth It?

In this episode I walk you through assembly of a preproduction model of Unico’s Nova Blast and give my thoughts.
#retrogaming #arcade #novablast

[@jaymason9888]

We are redoing the packaging on the bartop portion just like the base was packed to make sure both are protected in shipping. Being this is only the second time it was shipped we learned what we need to do to make proper protective packaging for our Nova Blast Candy Cab. The new ULM26 Pro 4:3 Arcade CRT Replacement LCD Monitor in the Nova Blast Candy Cab has a Native Resolution is 1440x1080 unlike the ULM26 Native Resolution is 1024x768. The new converter board will soon be installed in the ULM26 as well and for those who want and have already bought the ULM26 previously, we will soon provide a link for you to get a replacement converter board sent to you.

[@jaymason9888]

We have added the ability for the kick harness in our custom Jamma board and adapter harness so it will ship being able to support CPS and other arcade PCBs that require a kick harness.

[@theblackrabbit1710]

Good. Glad I waited but will order the combo soon.

[@itchyisvegeta]

Wait, are you the guy? Dude, even though I'm not a fan of that style cabinet, this is a great product. Question about the ULM26 Pro. When is that monitor going to be available on your site? That's not the same one on your Amazon store is it?

[@jaymason9888]

​@@itchyisvegetaNo the ULM26 Pro will not be available till at least early to mid 2025 as it was custom made for Nova Blast

[@itchyisvegeta]

@@jaymason9888 Wow, thanks for the quick reply. So if I pick up one of your current models, the new converter board will be available around mid 2025 as well? Reason I ask is I just failed at trying to fix both my 25 inch Makvision and Wells Gardner CRT monitors, and thinking of selling them as is and switching to your products for my Neo Geo, MK1/3, and possibly my Street Fighter 2 machines.

[@Sariden342]

After almost ten years of my wife telling me, "No, we don't have space for something like an arcade cabinet in this house" she finally let me pull the trigger when I showed her the Unico Nova Blast. The form factor and modular capability for moving it around definitely helped with 'selling' her on this and we both love candy cabs having been to Japan before. The Nova Blast finally made the stars align in this household as it was a win-win opportunity to get the blessing to buy it. I pre-ordered the second it became available on their site after furiously F5'ng for hours while they were trying to get everything ready to go that first day. I'm going to be using it with a mini PC hooked up to it and I'M SO EXCITED FOR IT!!!! I think the price is very reasonable for what we're getting and seeing your video made me feel much more re-assured about the level of quality. I just hope the packaging is robust enough to prevent the potential paint damage issues which you showcased.

[@tom11zz884]

Wife runs the place huh?

[@TheBigExclusive]

You shouldn't have to beg your wife. She should support you (within reason) and you work together.

[@scottboehmer1975]

I hadn't been interested in this, but suddenly it's looking more tempting. I could definitely see the attraction of this as a dedicated vertical cab.

[@LockeTheCole]

I definitely want it badly, that said, I am waiting for final reviews before I jump into it. Hopefully, at that price, it comes with everything including the kick harness etc...

[@atulshrivastava2235]

Great video Fox! Hope you guys have an amazing Easter!

[@SuperD9000]

I keep going back to this video and rewatching. I love this thing but price just keeps me from making the purchase. Hope more reviews can sway me a bit, indecision is killing me!

[@19kfox]

No FOMO here. If you’re not sure it’s always best to wait.

[@capt2001]

@19kfox did you ever get your own Nova Blast? How’s your experience with it? The few people who actually got theirs have mixed reviews

[@johnlund3088]

Very nice review 👌 👏 👍 I've been waiting for this for a while and I'm very excited to se the final version and hopefully by then some of those questions have been answered

[@KongsRUs]

Nice review Fox! If I collected more real arcade hardware, I might be into this. MvC1 did look nice on there

[@donaldduck73]

Only wish a "vewlix" variation was available to buy too for modern 16'9 indie games

[@19kfox]

Thanks Bee! 🦊👊🏼

[@BeachNative78]

Hope you had a Happy Easter, Fox!!

[@JeffYPbPr]

whats the word on the monitors in general? this obviously is shipping with the newer updated monitor but what abotu the current stock of the 26 inch monitors that are on the unico website? if we order today are we getting the older version without the new adjustments? or is it the newer updated model? As for the kick harness. That would depend on the game board. It would have to fall on the board owner to know what kick harness they would need for their respective PCB game. I don't think you can put that on Unico to have a kick harness wired for multiple games. That would be insane. Plus kick harnesses are cheap. You can get the MK ones for around 15 a piece and CPS-2 harnesses are easily found on ebay for less than 20

[@jaymason9888]

Replied above on a lot of these topics

[@CraigJohn-kt6xe]

Thank you for that video, it’s the first time I’ve ever actually seen the nova in action. It looks great, I just hope they make a stand-up version, I prefer to stand. I trust Unico based on the MVSx. Definitely looks like it’s worth the price in my opinion.

[@TheBigExclusive]

Does the Nova Blast have the ability to link two Nova Blast cabinets together (like a Sega Versus City) for fighting games?

[@li0nhart4477]

Am i understanding that i could just plug in my Street Fighter 2 champion Jamma pcb board into this and it will work without needing any extras?.

[@19kfox]

That’s correct.

[@King_Midas]

I have mine ordered. (bartop + base) Going to use my ROG Ally to start out. Then perhaps buy a dedicated mini pc for it. I think aesthetically it looks great! Should catch some eyes and get some play from friends and family.

[@capt2001]

Did you get yours yet?

[@King_Midas]

​@@capt2001Still waiting.

[@Gamingforgod1987]

Hey Fox…speaking on the kick harness…it is different for almost every game…but there is a guy on eBay who specializes in them…they cost about $20 each

[@nasman7492]

Is the plug and play with consoles as easy to use as the AtGames Legends OTG mode?Imo they set the standard there how every arcade should be when you want to bring your own games and use the controls already built in.

[@trappedintimesurroundedbye5477]

does it have a hdmi port I didn't see in video may have missed

[@19kfox]

@@trappedintimesurroundedbye5477 Yes, the monitor does.

[@akvalues]

I’m definitely getting one.

[@Brunobi02]

For me I would need to see a step by step demo of hooking up a PS3/4 before I buy. If I have to jump through lots of hoops to make it work, I am out! Plug and play or no buy 😅

[@neocvera]

HDMI - USB - POWER Pretty basic.

[@Brunobi02]

@@neocvera oh and the controls just map to without an issue?

[@neocvera]

@@Brunobi02when plugging in the usb, you need to have it in ps3/direct input mode (hold X) For PS4 (hold Y)

[@DropPCTV]

Yup I passed on it as I want plug and play. The time I have I want to play not build etc. And I have a good amount of time ,but once my son is home from school I’m playing with him.

[@Mo-wx1gi]

Supposedly this was shipping in April but unico support now told me May. Bummed out 🙁

[@19kfox]

That’s not good.

[@tappersreviews4677]

I just ordered one the other day, and only recently learned they were supposed to ship this month. May is fine to me, but I get how it may be frustrating to people who ordered months ago and now need to wait another month. I wonder if I will get mine in May as well, since I'm a later order? If not, that's fine. I will enjoy seeing feedback from people who receive theirs. Hopefully all the shipping and packing issues are sorted so nobody receives a damaged unit like 19kfox did.

[@Mo-wx1gi]

@@tappersreviews4677 its not a big deal but communication would help

[@elsevillaart]

The bezel was a great idea. The price is too high, but looks like it has great quality, nice video. I also play sitting, its way better in the long run, not a kid anymore.

[@Futuredynamo]

I realize that you may not have definitive answers to this question, but is the idea of this that we can even connect older consoles to it? For example, if I were to hypothetically get one of these, I would love to connect my Dreamcast to it and play games like Marvel VS Capcom 1 and 2. They are close enough to the arcade versions that I wouldn't feel the needs to go get the actual arcade boards. This wouldn't be what I exclusively use it for, but it would be one potential use.

[@cMARVEL360]

You will need a Dreamcast with an HDMI mod, or maybe you have some Converters to make it work on HDMI Displays? If the Encoder board doesn't work for Dreamcast, you're going to want some brook retro boards to connect the controls to the dream cast. It definitely can be done but it won't be Plug N play.

[@carlo1132]

I want Unico to make a 16:9 with 32" Rotational Screen, more controls and LCD Marquee and it would be about perfect solution for me.

[@donaldduck73]

OMG SAME! I DON'T EVEN WANT THAT MUCH BIGGER BUT imagine if they took thr basic design of legends ultimate for two variations One dedicated to 4 players and the second for two player Either way I just really want a cab like this for modern indie darlings

[@jaymason9888]

@@donaldduck73 a Viewlix model is definitely a possibility if Nova Blast sells well.

[@JJiG]

@@jaymason9888 when are these going to start shipping to the masses? i have a vewlix and a pras and I want a candy but the crt price tag is too much but this is perfect for what i'd use it for prolly shmups with a mister fpga setup.

[@Digitalbux]

What did you think about the spacing between the players controls and how close you are sitting to the person next to you? Was it about the same as your regular candycab you imported? Or did it feel like the unico design squeezed you two together?

[@19kfox]

The control panel insert is the same size as an Astro City so the width feels normal. The control panel doesn’t stick out as far so you can get as close to the machine.

[@tappersreviews4677]

How can one hook up a PC inside? Is there an HDMI port on the display? Thanks.

[@19kfox]

It has an HDMI input, usb encoders and the power supply has AC receptacle.

[@tappersreviews4677]

@@19kfox Fantastic. They thought of everything. Thanks again.

[@theprofessorfeather]

I've been wanting to build a pair of virtual on 2 cabinets for years. Old cabinets with CRTs would work (New Net City?), but I'm not interested in trying to maintain old, heavy, high energy hardware. These look clean, and about the cost of a new Chewlix shipped from china. I really hope they can get their screen and delivery issues sorted out. I'd jump on a pair of these and some NAOMI boards in a heart beat.

[@19kfox]

I know the feeling.

[@greenmagicdragon]

Awesome rundown!

[@tappersreviews4677]

19kfox, if you happen to see this, I watched this video several times and have 2 questions. (1) how hard would it be to service the controls once the cabinet is assembled, and (2) what holds the marquee topper in place - are there screws or something? Thanks.

[@19kfox]

Yes I think it will a little difficult to access the controls. I would have preferred a hinge like the original Sega candy cabs. The marquee assembly is attached with screws.

[@tappersreviews4677]

@@19kfox Too bad about the control panel. Something Unico should consider in future designs I think. But, as long as the controls all work I don't really expect to change anything.

[@treepizzle]

How does the screen look? How does it rotate? These are huge questions I can’t get answers to.

[@19kfox]

At 05:20 I show the monitor in both orientations. I also start showing game play at 07:24.

[@mattd6597]

Even though I'm almost 50, I can't get into sitting down while playing at an arcade cabinet. It looks like the controls would be too low for stand-up play, which would be a non-starter for me. Overall, very cool though. People complaining about price is expected because, hey, that's a lot of money. But as someone who has built a custom cabinet from the ground up, when you look at the cost of that coupled with the hundreds of hours you can sink into it, you start to realize the price is actually pretty reasonable.

[@lzinkelda]

Great breakdown! Was this the U2 or the U4 model, and do you know what the differences are?

[@tom11zz884]

Looks nice for what it is, it just doesn't have that " Candy Cab" authentic look to it. I'd still buy a used Taito Vewlix over it though.

[@hideokojimajr]

Agree. It’s like someone described a candy cab to an ai or something.

[@GenesGamingCorner]

For years, I wanted a candy cab arcade in my house but had no idea where to buy/import them. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video, but to be honest, I never knew what my options were or where to find them. Can anyone give me some pointers as to where to find/purchase arcade machines? The comment sections are filled with people suggesting the Taito Vewlix, but where would I go if I wanted to purchase the classic Astro Cities and so forth?

[@19kfox]

Here’s a video review of my Astro City. I have contact info in the description. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ64aKmFrtVrebMsi=caFWreBFpF-LAQWu

[@videogamevegas]

19kfox, If anyone can figure out mechanized screen rotation functionality for a cabinet, that would interest me! Can you imagine, pressing a button and having the screen move slightly outwards, automatically rotate, and then move itself back into position within the cabinet? No removing bezels and screws. No pushing in, popping out, and manual rotations. Just a pure automated and powered mechanical system. That I think will be the next game changer. I do like the Nova Blast, but I have a sitdown cabinet that works better for me and it's only a fraction of the cost. It has full HAPP buttons and sticks over the Sanwa, which I prefer. But I think Unico has done something cool here. And I love to see options. vgv

[@tappersreviews4677]

19kox, hope you don't mind all my questions. Really appreciate your coverage of this cabinet. Any chance you could do a followup review of the new monitor in the Novablast? I know the previous 26 inch from Unico had a lot of controversy, so hoping this new one is much better. I understand if you have an NDA or something and can't say too much yet.

[@RetroByLaw]

i have been wanting a Candy Cab for years now, and well I cant afford 3k plus but I did bite the bullet on this one I have a few arcade systems boards I got on the cheap, and if this works of fine ill make a video showing whats up

[@ddkim28]

Thanks for sharing this! Please let us know what the gaming experience was like. Did it feel similar to playing your Astro (quality of control panel, sound, does it shift around easily because it’s light, etc). And most importantly, did the monitor do a great job replacing a CRT (any noticeable input lag, vibrancy of colors, option for scanlines)? Thanks again!

[@jaymason9888]

For scanlines you will need it to be part of emulator or use scanline generator if we added it the price would be higher.

[@megamegabites]

Just receieved mine two weeks ago and mine got smahed in shipping, my bartop has a dent in rhe bottom, damage to the bottom cab and a gouge in the plexi.

[@19kfox]

Send them an email with pictures. They should do something to make this right.

[@megamegabites]

​@@19kfox they're working on it, will take some time. Just looking at your video and saw that your Bartop arrived damaged as well and that was sometime ago. Same spot for me.

[@NL0x420]

thinking of getting but don’t have any arcade boards, wondered if it would work with a neo geo mvs board

[@tappersreviews4677]

I believe I saw/heard somewhere that you can plug and play an MVS board. Also, one of the main designers of the Nova Blast is NeoCvera, who has been a hardcore NeoGeo scene guy for decades.

[@SuperD9000]

There’s a video of them running KOF 98 straight off the cartridge

[@DeVstatrOmga]

Looks good. Me personally I need to see it in the hands of community and see what it can do and longevity. Wish I could say it’s worth the cash but I need to see more. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@robibennobi3775]

Hmm I'd be interested if it could run a 32" oled monitor. Would pair that up with mister and morph. If it had a bare bones control panel option and a single player control panel for Tate would be tempted, I'd have concerns with the space on the two player set up, very cramped looking. Like to choose my own buttons and sticks. No EU or international shipping so mute point I guess.

[@vittorioocchionero861]

When does it arrives to Europe?

[@itchyisvegeta]

Ok, so I'm not a fan of these style candy cabinets, cause I don't have much child nostalgia with them. More of fan of the Midway and Nintendo cabinets personally. But this is seriously a cool product regardless. If I could still operate an arcade (would love to open a new one), I would absolutely consider getting these for new games. I do have a few issues. Not a fan of the topper in this video. Looking at the site, more of a fan of the U4. Rather have a topper that's a little higher that resembles my Neo Geo 4 slot cabinets, where there's enough room for bigger sized title marques while still having the speakers on front. Maybe some custom ones will still come out. Other issue is only 1 coin mech. Hoping there will be an option for 2 coin mechs instead of just one. Other than that, great product. Hope Unico continues the amazing work.

[@RetroRick1990]

I've got news from Unico, I ordered my Nova Blast on April 4th, Unico said unfortunately my order will be shipped only at the end of May, and I will probably will get it, like June, some day.

[@19kfox]

Can you forward me the email so I can share it? Email me at [e-mail]

[@RetroRick1990]

@@19kfox sure 👍

[@ToxcynTV]

I want it, NOW lol you had to demo the best game too lol

[@ForTheStyle]

The Unico would look great next to my Sega Saturn kiosk but I wouldn't pay more than $1,000 for the complete setup

[@brandogg]

Just a note: the monitor in this is totally different than the ULM26 Phoenix that you cab buy separately. Apparently this one has a proper 4:3 1280x1024 T Conn board unlike the ULM26.

[@jaymason9888]

Native resolution of the ULM26 is 1024x768 and the new ULM26 Pro has a Native resolution of 1440x1080 and was custom made for the Nova Blast Candy Cab which will probable be sold separately; in late 2024 or in 2025.

[@jasondonnelly150]

@@jaymason9888 has anyone coming firmed this? Unico advertised fake specs for the ULM26 so it’s anyone’s guess what will actually show up when the Novablast arrives.

[@tonezilla]

For me, Vewlix is a SLIGHTLY better option overall. Since they are similarly priced, it comes down to the build itself. For those who don’t want widescreen aspect ratio, art bezels add an element of customization.

[@cat-pat8310]

If you can show me where I can get a vewlix for 1200, I will get that instead.

[@tonezilla]

@@cat-pat8310 Shadaloo EU has the VewLix L for $1318. And I said “similarly priced”, not exactly priced. If $1200 plus hundreds in shipping is TRULY in budget, most people would extend up to $500 above that. And within that $1300-1800 range, is where MOST VewLix models reside.

[@JeffYPbPr]

You aren't finding a legit viewlix for the price of the nova blast. Even a chewlix is going to run ya 16 to 1800

[@cat-pat8310]

@JeffYPbPr I had a feeling. I've seen vewlix model f's for 1400, (before shipping) but it's piss yellow and needs work. The Nova blast looks like less work and has a lot of versatility.

[@iNeedCurrencies]

@@cat-pat8310hadouken arcades has them $1400

[@condescending28]

I just purchased a Qanba 2009, I love it. I'm getting this just for my Retro Fighting Games. & whatever else retro. I will have to wait & save up before I purchase. But definitely a must buy for me. Definitely kills anything Arcade1Up can provide me since all they want to do is recycle my least favorite Street Fighter which is II. Only MVC2 was worth the purchase.

[@TwistedGamingTV]

Great video 🦊 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

[@tomrwills]

I wish it had a single player panel available.

[@19kfox]

You can swap it with a stock Astro City control panel.

[@Pitbull0669]

Why they should have done Black

[@SavedByZero]

A black version with metal accents would be nice.

[@tappersreviews4677]

I personally prefer the white by far. To me Japanese candy cabs are supposed to be white with colorful sticks and buttons. I know there were black ones, but I already have a black Namco style vertical wooden cab with vertical CRT, so I like having a white sitdown as a complement.

[@thelegendcollector8538]

Great video 📹

[@MeSiah1S]

🎉

[@splugereport]

It's very cool but it also seems as though the space for the PCB is quite small. A CPS2 is hardly the biggest PCBI own

[@jaymason9888]

It has pass through to the base to accommodate for bigger board

[@MatticusFinch1820]

No one ever talks about if these have a scan line option. Because these old two-dimensional fighting games look like absolute barf without scan lines. I'm not trying to spend $1,000 to look at pixelation, that's what killed arcade one up for me the games looked so terrible. A real Candy cab has an amazing CRT RGB monitor with crisp scanlines which make the CPS games look amazing. So that's a make or break for me. If this thing has a decent scan line option I might be interested otherwise I'll just save up and get a real Candy cab. Great review though. Everything else is pretty dope

[@tappersreviews4677]

Personally I'll be using a PC inside the Nova Blast and using CRT emulation shaders, so no need for any built-in scanline option in the cabinet itself. But, maybe there are options for JAMMA boards? The only JAMMA cabinet I own so far has a CRT so I never thought about it.

[@Gendo3s2k]

I don't get why people make a big deal or of kick harnesses? They're easy to make, or they're like $10 on eBay

[@lodoss118]

Its wobbly lol the bottom half

[@EightPieceBox]

It looks very nice, but it's pricey and I have no nostalgia for candy cabs. Interesting to see though!

[@jonniefast]

you didnt talk about the monitor???? kinda important bro, if you have a hardcore shmup dropped frames\lag\tearing is a DEALBREAKER - i dont want a $1500 return lmao

[@Ryanr75rc]

I’m getting it. nice MVS-1Slot and I’m sorted

[@MisterGigliotti]

I went with the qanba 2009 instead. Surprised Fox, PDubs, etc. not covering it. Amazing product.

[@Brunobi02]

This may be fake review since it is April Fool’s everyone 😮…….Just kidding, April Fools! Thanks for the review Fox 🦊

[@Anonymous25491]

I was a fan until I saw that elbow room. Looks like it would work for kids.

[@tappersreviews4677]

It's meant to mimic oldschool Japanese sitdown cabs, and the reality is that in general people in Japan are on average physically smaller. I do get how larger people may not get along with this design. My wife and I are not very big, so it's fine for us. Unico has said if this sells well they may consider a 16:9 Vewlix style one later, so that may be better for larger folks.

[@Vulgaris_Warmachine]

I pre ordered and then had buyers remorse, I regret getting a refund.

[@georgelolas2434]

Allot of elbow rubbing on this one.

[@soloM81]

seems small for 2 guys i hate hitting elbows

[@aidanmccarthy9249]

I'm still not a fan of their button layout. Should have Sega 1 and 2 player or Namco Noir.

[@jtbrunick]

That door looks super wobbly; especially with that coin mech attached to it. If they’re looking at these for commercial placement, that missing second coin mech is a big oversight. All of this said, I wish they had a less expensive version that isn’t metal, especially for the bottom cabinet.

[@JJiG]

this isnt meant for commercial use i believe. its not heavy duty enough, nor big enough. i wish a single player version cp was offered though.

[@tappersreviews4677]

@@JJiG Maybe that can be an option later. I do get why they made 2p standard though, since it's bound to be the most popular. A 1p panel would be nice to sit centered to the display.

[@officiallyunofficial4K]

I just do not get the allure of candy cabs. Different strokes for different folks, I get that. I just have no interest in these type of cabs. Especially when you can do basically all of the same thing on a modded A1U or something else using a Pi.

[@tom11zz884]

Arcade1ups have cheap controls though, and are too small to play on.

[@officiallyunofficial4K]

@@tom11zz884 I’ve don’t mods to many of my A1U’s and added better controls and bigger monitors. Granted l, not 26 inches big but 20 inch monitors work for me.

[@mbf6160]

2500 bucks to import 👀😆🤦🏾‍♂️

[@rushmore3927]

Needs a trackball, IMO. In regards to 4:3, I prefer widescreen for art bezels.

[@fakemaria]

Art bezels is total and absolute crap. And a mister, fpgas or original hardware dont have that

[@rushmore3927]

@@fakemariaThen buy a bunch of junky A1Ups. Bezels look great and are like the arcade versions. Especially when using GPU shaders for displays.

[@fakemaria]

@@rushmore3927 fpga replication looks for the exact same experience as the original boards. It doesnt have bezels as back in the day bezels were a cosmetic add in the cabinet. Not in the screen. Your opinion is totally absurd

[@rushmore3927]

@fakemaria You making an objective opinion on a subjective thing seems absurd.

[@tappersreviews4677]

I definitely disagree. The actual 4:3 screen is a big plus, and a trackball would just look wrong on a candy cabinet. I personally hate how all those frankenstein cabs and panels look with every type of controller squished onto them. Having said that, an optional panel later with other control types might be interesting, but I'm glad they went with what they did to start. I even kinda wish it was 6 button per side only, but it's OK.

[@SoulforSale]

Happy Trans Visibility day